Tianhou Palace (天后宫) in Qingdao, also known as the Qingdao Folk Museum (青岛民俗博物馆), is a unique cultural site that blends history, architecture, and local traditions. Though it may be compact enough to explore in about 30 minutes, the palace offers several key attractions that are worth paying attention to. From ancient brick-and-wood architecture to fascinating folk exhibitions and the revered Mazu deity, Tianhou Palace provides a glimpse into Qingdao’s rich maritime and cultural heritage. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the must-see features and exhibitions at this charming palace.
Historical and Architectural Highlights of Tianhou Palace
Tianhou Palace was originally built during the Ming Dynasty in the third year of the Chenghua reign (1467). It remains the oldest surviving Ming-Qing brick-and-wood architectural complex in Qingdao. The palace is a classic example of a traditional Chinese courtyard building, featuring a siheyuan (four-sided courtyard) structure with a secondary inner courtyard.
The palace complex was extensively renovated in 1996 and converted into the Qingdao Folk Museum. Notable architectural features include a theater building, bell tower, drum tower, and the iconic Taiping Gate, all of which are topped with glazed tiles. The other structures are finished with plain brick walls and gray tiles, and many are decorated with Su-style and Beijing-style colorful paintings.
The architectural style you see today largely reflects the Republic of China era (1912-1949), following a significant expansion during that time. Among the many historical artifacts, you’ll find a stone tablet from the fourth year of the Tongzhi reign (1865) in the rear courtyard. This tablet commemorates the restoration of the palace during the Qing Dynasty. Another tablet from the Republican period details the renovations made to the building.
Interestingly, two stone lions at the entrance, carved in 1936 during the expansion, are a notable feature. These lions were once relocated to Zhongshan Park in the 1960s but were returned to Tianhou Palace in the 1980s.
The Theater and Ornate Roof Features
The theater at Tianhou Palace is located directly above the entrance hall. It is designed in the double-eaved hip-and-gable style, with ornate flying eaves and corbel brackets. The roof features green glazed tiles, including green glazed ridge beasts, eaves-end beasts, and gilt-ceramic tiles, all of which highlight traditional craftsmanship.
From the entrance hall, visitors can easily gaze up and appreciate these detailed, colorful elements. There are also display cabinets in the hall showcasing the glazed tiles, allowing for an up-close look at the intricate designs. The ceramic tiles and decorations are carefully crafted and make the theater stand out as one of the architectural highlights of the palace.
Century-Old Plants and Scenic Beauty
In front of the main hall, visitors can find two ginkgo trees, one male and one female, which were planted when the Tianhou Palace was first established during the Ming Dynasty, over 500 years ago. Every October, these ancient trees attract a flurry of photographers hoping to capture the golden leaves. Along with these ginkgo trees, a 116-year-old quince tree also grows in the courtyard, further contributing to the historical charm of the site.
Folk Cultural Exhibitions
Tianhou Palace is not only a historical site but also a cultural hub, showcasing local folk traditions. In the east wing, you can explore Qingdao’s folk opera culture, particularly the Liuqiang and Maoqiang styles, which are regional forms of Chinese opera. The west wing features an exhibition on Chinese classical furniture, including wooden furniture carvings and rubbings from the collection of the Linyi Tianze Wood Culture Museum.
The backyard houses a rural memory exhibition, which recreates traditional Qingdao wedding customs from the modern and recent past. The exhibit provides a window into the region’s social history and local rituals, offering visitors an immersive experience of Qingdao’s traditions.
During festivals, Tianhou Palace frequently hosts hands-on folk activities such as sugar painting, dough figurines, paper-cutting, and shadow puppetry. The theater also comes alive with performances of local Qingdao opera in both Liuqiang and Maoqiang styles.
Maritime and Mazu Cultural Beliefs
At the heart of Tianhou Palace is the main hall, where the statue of Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea, is enshrined. The Mazu statue, carved from an entire camphor wood tree, stands at an impressive height of 2.8 meters. The statue was consecrated in the goddess’s hometown of Putian, and it is one of the largest wooden Mazu sculptures in the world.
Every year, on the 23rd day of the 3rd lunar month, the palace hosts a temple fair to honor Mazu, drawing many pilgrims and visitors to celebrate. To the sides of the main hall are the guardian deities, Qianliyan (Thousand-Mile Eyes) and Shunfeng’er (Sudden Wind Ears), who are said to protect Mazu. Flanking the hall are the Fudai Mansion, dedicated to the god of wealth, and the Dragon King’s Palace, which celebrates the maritime deities.
The east wing of the back courtyard is dedicated to the worship of 60 Jiazi deities (the 60 gods of the Chinese sexagenary cycle). Meanwhile, on either side of the stage, you’ll find the Medicine King Hall and the Childbearing Goddess Hall, which are dedicated to specific deities known for their powers in healing and fertility.
Free Admission and Nearby Attractions
Currently, Tianhou Palace offers free admission to visitors. To enter, you simply need to scan the QR code at the entrance. After touring Tianhou Palace, you’ll find several notable attractions nearby. To the left of the palace, you’ll find the former German prison, University Road, and the Qingdao Art Museum. To the right, there’s Zhongshan Road and the iconic Zhanqiao Pier, all of which are excellent spots to continue your exploration of Qingdao.
For those coming from out of town, this route makes for a wonderful one-day tour, providing a blend of cultural, historical, and scenic experiences all in one location.