Top 10 China tours 2024/2025 for first visits and returns: embark on a lifetime experience. Learn more
A-Ma Temple

A-Ma Temple

Written by GavinUpdated Aug. 29, 2023

Barra Temple, also known as Tianhou Temple, Juehai Temple, and Zhongjue Buddhist Temple, is dedicated to Ma Zu, a fortune-teller in Putian, Fujian Province, during the Song Dynasty. As a child, Ma Zu showed a talent for forecasting the future. When she grew up, she became a nun, and died at the age of 28.

Legend has it that after her death Ma Zu's spirit helped merchants and fishermen head off dangers on the roiling sea. Therefore, local fishermen in Fujian constructed what was called the Barra Temple to commemorate her. Ma Zu was granted the honorific of Queen of Heaven, and later, during the Qing Dynasty, the Sea Goddess. The transom of the front gate of Barra Temple is engraved with the golden characters "Barra Temple"; the couplets at the two sides of the gate are respectively "Boundless Humanity and Generosity" and "Benefiting all Human beings". The temple is composed of the audience hall, stone hall, Hongren Hall, and Buddhist Pavilion, in traditional Buddhist temple style. The history of Macao and the Barra Temple are closely connected with each other.

A-Ma Temple A-Ma Temple

The Barra Temple enjoys a high status among the Macanese, and is visited by worshippers from all fields every day. March 23rd in the Chinese lunar calendar is believed to be the birthday of Ma Zu, and a lot of religious activities and grand celebrations occur at that time.

In fact, the name of Macao, which is also known as Macau in Portuguese, comes from the translation of "Ma Zu" by the Cantonese to "Ma Jiao". The Barra Temple is incorporated in the design of the Macao Dollar,  reflecting its special status.

Popular tours
Make the most of your time
Choose the best time to visit
Start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our travel advisors. Create Your Trip

Sign up to Our Newsletter

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

The China Highlights Experience

1-to-1 Expert Planning

1-to-1 Expert Planning

Your tour will be tailor-made by your personal travel advisor — a destination expert. Every reply will be within 24 hours.

Personal Journeys

Personal Journeys

Enjoy your personal local guide and ride. Explore destinations at your own pace. Have unparalleled flexibility, which is impossible on a group tour.

Authentic Experiences

Authentic Experiences

Discover the hidden gems. Experience local culture by practicing it. Try new and exciting activities, and unveil the stories behind the sights and people.

Well-Selected Local Guides

Well-Selected Local Guides

Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!

China Highlights tailor-makes China tours to help travelers discover China their way. We're a passionate team of one hundred avid travelers who love to share our knowledge of China with those looking for a more authentic travel experience, more ...
China Highlights International Travel Service Co., LTD
Corporate Number: 914503003486045699
Featured on