Temple of the Queen of Heaven
Tianjin lies beside the sea and hence ships come and go frequently, ever since ancient time. The local people worshiped the sea-goddess in the Temple of the Queen of Heaven to pray for peace, and the incense is still burning in this Taoist temple till today.
Located in the middle block in Ancient Cultural Street in Nankai District, Tianjin City, the Temple of the Queen of Heaven is the oldest architecture in Tianjin. Built during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it is one of the earliest temples of the Queen of Heaven that exists in China till today. It is also where the Tianjin Folk Custom Museum is located.
Temple of the Queen of Heaven, Tianjin Inside the Temple of Heavenly Queen Tianhou Palace, Tianjin
Covering an area of 3,000 square yards (about 2,500 square meters) and facing Haihe River, the Temple of the Queen of Heaven is a building complex where the statue of the Queen of Heaven is worshiped. From west to east, the Zhangxian Pavilion, Bell Tower and Drum Tower, Qisheng Ancestral Temple, sutra depository, the main hall, the front hall, the memorial archway, the main gate and the drama stage were all located in an orderly manner. The architectural style belongs to the timberwork of the middle and late Ming Dynasty. In the shrine at the main hall, the statue of the Queen of Heaven looks serene and kind. She wears a phoenix coronet and embroidered rosy robe. Four maids in colored garments stand on both sides. Before the statue, the altar table is arrayed with apples, silk flowers and moon cakes offered by worshippers.
Even till these days, one can still find many pious worshippers coming to this temple seeking blessing. We can thus gauge the significance of this temple in the hearts of Tianjin populace.
Transportation
1. Take bus no. 1, 605, 609, 610, 619, 632, 633, 641, 646, 670, 671, 804, 849, 904, 908, 954 or sightseeing bus no. 2 and get off at Dongbeijiao Station.
2. Take bus no. 15, 611, 658, 818, or 878 and get off at Beicheng Street Station.
Tianjin Bus / Metro Search
Admission Fee CNY 10
Opening Hours 9:00 - 17:00 on normal days
8:00 - 17:00 on the 1st and 15th days of lunar months
Closed on Mondays, unless it happens to be the 1st or 15th day of a lunar month
Baxian Mountain
Baxian Mountain lies about 19 miles (about 30 kilometers) northeast of Jixian County, Tianjin. It is a cluster of mountains neighboring Eastern Qing Tombs in the east and Huangyaguan Great Wall in the west. Juxian (Immortals Gathering) Peak, the main peak along this mountain range and also the No. 2 highest peak in Tianjin, measures 1,052 meters (3,451 feet) above sea level.
The mountain was originally called “Baxian Zhuozi” (Eight Immortals’ Table). Legend has it that the eight immortals passed by this mountain on their way to the east sea. The unusual peaks, clear waters and verdant forest attracted them to descend and rest beside a huge table-like rock. Hence is the name of this mountain. Even the immortals were fascinated by the beauty of this area. The charm of Baxian Mountain is therefore beyond any doubt. It has not only an endless sea of peaks, valleys and crystal streams, but also various species of animals and plants that is famed for its "Green Kingdom".
Baxian Mountain was considered as the guardian mountain and out-of-bounds area of the Eastern Qing Tombs and entry was restricted for over 280 years. It remained as a trackless wilderness for a long time. Therefore, the biological system has not been damaged by human activities. The mountains are covered with trees and other precious plants. Every year from Sep. 25th to Oct. 5th, Baxian Mountain will hold harvesting activities. Visitors can pick kiwi fruits, wild grapes, mushrooms, walnuts and agarics. With the varieties of delicious fruits and plants for food, many animals find it a paradise to live in. Even some endangered species that are already extinct in other areas can be found in this picturesque mountain.
Transportation
From Tianjin
If visiting from Tianjin, visitors can get to Jixian County by bus from Jinyu Bus Station or by train from Tianjin Railway Station or Tianjin North Railway Station. And then take a taxi to Baxian Mountain.
From Beijing
Take intercity bus from Beijing Sihui Long-Distance Bus Station to Jixian County. The bus leaves every 15 minutes during 6:00 - 19:30. And then take a taxi to Baxian Mountain.
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