Step into a realm of maritime legends. This is the Hin Hau Temple, a tribute to Mazu, the revered patron saint of seafarers.
Hin Hau Temple has stood since 1410. Legend says it was built to honor Mazu. She protected the fleet of Zheng He. He was China’s famous navigator.
The temple is also known as Chiwan Tianhou Palace or Mazu Temple. Hin Hau Temple is located in Shenzhen’s Nanshan District. This makes it a treasure amid the modern bustle.
Once, Zheng He regarded it as an important stop. This was during his voyages to the Western Oceans. “Beautiful Scenery of Chiwan” ranked first. It was of “The Eight Views of Xin’an” during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Hin Hau Temple was rebuilt and expanded. By the end of the Qing Dynasty, it was huge. The complex included 100 buildings. There were mountain gates, archways, and moon ponds. Stone bridges, bell towers, and drum towers also featured. Front, main, and side halls existed. Wing rooms, long corridors, and stele pavilions completed the scene. It was the largest Mazu temple in the coastal area. It enjoyed a reputation in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia.
But time took its toll. By 1992, the temple needed restoration. Shenzhen and Nanshan governments funded the project. They restored Mazu Temple to its original look. It was renamed “Chiwan Tin Hau Temple.” The restoration finished in 1995. Then, it opened to the public again.
Today, Hin Hau Temple covers 12,800 square meters. Its total floor area is 6,835 square meters. From the front, you see gates and archways. Moon ponds and stone bridges follow. A courtyard sits in the middle with a water well. Drum and bell towers flank the temple. Corridors and wing rooms surround the main hall. Stone pillars and slabs add detail.
Inside, find statues of Chien Li Yen and Shun Feng Er. These generals guard Tianhou.
In 1997, the Tin Hau Museum opened in Nanshan District. In July 1988, Chiwan Tin Hau Temple became a protected cultural site.
Hin Hau Temple isn’t just stones and statues. It’s a living story of faith. It’s a beacon for those who navigate life’s seas. May her blessings guide your journeys, as you leave this sacred space.