A-Ma Temple in Macau

Why is A-Ma Temple So Special?

  1. A-Ma Temple is the oldest temple in Macau.
  2. A-Ma Temple is one of the three famous Buddha halls in Macau.
  3.  The variety of pavilions dedicated to the worship of different deities in a single complex make A-Ma Temple an exemplary representation of Chinese culture inspired by Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and multiple folk beliefs. 

Brief Introduction of Macau A-Ma Temple

A-Ma Temple or Mazu Temple is one of the oldest religious temples in Macau. The temple is located in the southeast of Macau Peninsula. It have a history of over 500-year, which can be dated back to 1488, even before the city of Macau came into being. In ancient times, people believed that Mazu was the “Goddess of the Sea” and the “Protector of Fishermen”, so they built this solemn temple to show their devout. This construction been made of 4 main parts: the Gate Pavilion, the Memorial Arch, the Prayer Hall, the Hall of Benevolence, the Hall of Guanyin, and Zhengjiao Chanlin (a Buddhist pavilion). The temple has been listed in the World Heritage records in 2005, together with the Historic Centre of Macau.

History of Macau A-Ma Temple

The A-Ma Temple was constructed in the year of 1488 of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) to commemorate Mazu, the sacred sea goddess who blesses the fishermen. It is said that the goddess was called Lin Mo, and that she was born in Putian City, Fujian Province, and was more intelligent than other children at her age. She could predict good or ill luck and after her death she often helped merchants and fishermen ward off calamities and turn danger into safety. Now there are a number of folktales about the great goddess narrated in the littoral lands.

Architecture of A-Ma Temple

Temple consists of six main parts: Gate Pavilion, the Memorial Arch, the Prayer Hall, the Hall of Benevolence (the oldest part of the temple), the Hall of Guanyin, Zhengjiao Chanlin – Buddhist Pavilion.

The A-Ma Temple is a destination offering silence and spectacular views. It contains six main parts, all of which make up a series of classical Chinese architectural treasures, and this is all guarded by stone lions. Entering it and going across a gateway, you will reach the Hongren Hall by a winding path. A statue of Mazu is worshipped here, and it is believed that the hall has the longest history in the complex. Going ahead, the Hall of Avalokitesvara will present itself to visitors. It was constructed mainly using bricks and stone in a simple style. Compared with the other halls, the Zhengjiao Chanlin (a Buddhist hall) was designed tastefully both in regards to size and architectural style.

Best Seasons to Visit Macau

The best time to visit Macau is the autumn season started from October to December, this period boasts most fine days without rain and typhoon.

  • Spring in Macau (March – May) is a typical oceanic monsoon climate with mild March, Rainy April and humid May. It rains a lot, making May the wettest month of the year. The changeable weather in spring will cause few sunny days while few rainy days later. Umbrella is necessary in this seaon. Clothes to pack – A light sweater and a light coat are generally enough, but if it gets hot you’ll need summer clothing such as a T-shirt.
  • Summer in Macau (June – August) is generally high temperature, humid climate with summer showers, typhoons and thunderstorms occasionally.
    Clothes to pack – cummer clothes such as T-Shirts and shorts.
    Swimming in the sea and have a leisure day on the beaches can be recommended activities in Macau.
  • Autumn in Macau (September – December) is the best time to travel to Macau. Bright sky and cool temperature with rare typhoon weather makes tourists have a joyful Macau tour in this period.  
    Clothes to pack – besides summer clothes such as T-Shirt and shorts a sweater for evenings is needed especially towards the end of the autumn.
  • Winter in Macau (Jan to February) is not a harsh cold season. Snow is unheard of in Macau and frost occurs only one once or twice a year.December is a peak travel time for Macau, and the 20th is an important day for people from Macau to return to the motherland. Many celebrations and activities fill this day. December is also a Christmas period so you also can get touch with the festival atmosphere there.
    Clothes to pack – Sweaters, a light jacket or coat for evenings. Gloves and scarves are only needed by those particularly susceptible to the cold.

How to get to The A-Ma Temple

Travel with ChinaDragonTours (top recommended)

If you want to get out of the traffic and hassle of navigation, you can book a private tour package that includes visiting, dining and transfer from us. Our local guide and driver will escort you to A-Ma Temple in Macau in the fastest and most convenient way and take care of all the details. You just have to focus on the visiting.

Independent Traveler

1. Take bus 1, 2, 6B, 10A, 10, 11, 18, 21A, 26, 28B, 55, MT4, N3 to A-Ma Temple.
2. Take bus 5, 9, or 18B to A-Ma Temple General Station.

Useful Travel Tips

  1. Popular Activities
    Sometimes this area is not only for the Temple Visit but you can go near/beside the temple. A-Ma Temple is close to Macau Maritime Museum, you can pay a visit to the museum if time allows. There are so many surrounding shops selling the local snacks of Macau. In front of the temple there are also some drink sellers and some Ice Cream Seller. It wouldn’t be bad idea to buy a drink or ice cream when you get there. In addition, this area there are many gift shops, visitors can come to walk around and buy some back as a gift for your friends or families.
  2. Shopping Around
    It is said that Macau can enjoy the best shopping fun in the Asia Pacific region, because the goods here are not only various, but also cheaper than some neighboring regions. Jewelry, Chinese antiques, porcelain, electronic products and other goods are very affordable, you can buy some back.
  3. Food
    Many local cake shops sell a variety of delicious sweets and cakes.The most famous and special pastries are Almond Cake, Omelet, Sweetheart Cake, Portuguese Egg Tart, most coffee shops and bakery have.

Nearby Attractions

Edited by Bella Ren/任新月