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My Style ~ My Journey ~ My Inspiration

MacauTravel

Macau Oldest A-Ma Temple & The Giant Bronze Guanyin Statue

by kumamonjeng April 2, 2019
written by kumamonjeng April 2, 2019
Macau Oldest A-Ma Temple & The Giant Bronze Guanyin Statue

If you love to pay a visit to temples in Macau, then come to A-Ma Temple which is the oldest and built in 1488. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a beautiful Taoist temple, nice decoration and well preserved. The temple was built by the local fishermen and dedicated to the goddess of Mazu, protector of fishermen for a safe harvest.  The temple is facing the sea 400 years ago.  Now it is facing some busy main road but you are still able to spot the sea when you climb up to the top.

Macau Oldest A-Ma Temple & The Giant Bronze Guanyin Statue

Name of Macau

It is believed that the name of Macau is also coming for the goddess A-Ma. When the Portuguese landed on the sea 400 years ago, it was near this temple. When they asked the locals the name of the land, the locals thought the Portuguese wanted to find out the name of the temple so they answered “Ma Ge”, hence the name of Macau came about.

Macau Oldest A-Ma Temple & The Giant Bronze Guanyin Statue

Giant Spiral Incense Coils

One of the characteristics of this temple is you notice very big coil of incense hanging all over the temple and these coils can burn for days.  It also creates a good aroma too.

Macau Oldest A-Ma Temple & The Giant Bronze Guanyin Statue

Mega Giant Incense Sticks

Some giant incense sticks can be seen burning in this temple.

Macau Oldest A-Ma Temple & The Giant Bronze Guanyin Statue

Big Rocks at the top

A-Ma temple is built in a hill, so expect some climbing. When you reached the highest point, you will see a huge rock painted with red Chinese words.  That is the end of the road as you cannot proceed any further.

Macau Oldest A-Ma Temple & The Giant Bronze Guanyin Statue Macau Oldest A-Ma Temple & The Giant Bronze Guanyin Statue

A-Ma Temple has 6 main parts:

  1. Gate Pavilion
  2. The Memorial Arch
  3. The Prayer Hall
  4. The Hall of Benevolence which is also the oldest part of the temple
  5. The Hall of Guanyin
  6. Zhengjiau Chanlin – Buddhist Pavilion

Macau Oldest A-Ma Temple & The Giant Bronze Guanyin Statue

A-Ma Temple featured in 10 Macanese Pataca ( Macau Currency)

A-Ma temple is so important that it is also featured on the Macau 10 dollar note.

Side note: If you are visiting Hong Kong and Macau, there is no need to change into Macau currency as you can also use the Hong Kong dollar in Macau.

Macau Oldest A-Ma Temple & The Giant Bronze Guanyin Statue

Miniature Sailing Ship

Since A-Ma temple is built by the local fishermen for the Mazu, you will find many sailing related stuff in this temple.  A miniature sailing ship can be spotted in the temple, look carefully at the ship and you are able to spot a pair of eyes drawn at the ship.

Macau Oldest A-Ma Temple & The Giant Bronze Guanyin Statue

Bronze Bowl Magic

A huge crowd of visitors surrounding this magic bronze bowl. A guy is rubbing the handles of the bronze healing bowl filled with coins, hoping to see the water burst up – meaning good luck will be with you.

Macau Oldest A-Ma Temple & The Giant Bronze Guanyin Statue Macau Oldest A-Ma Temple & The Giant Bronze Guanyin Statue

Some background of Goddess of Mazu

Goddess of Mazu is widely worshipped in the coastal regions of China, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia, and other South East Asian countries. It is especially popular in Taiwan as her temple festival is a major event with the largest celebrations.

Macau Oldest A-Ma Temple & The Giant Bronze Guanyin Statue

Giant Mail Box Outside A-Ma Temple

Macau Oldest A-Ma Temple & The Giant Bronze Guanyin Statue

Ma Kok – Original Name of Macau

You will notice the shops and building near A-Ma temple is named after Ma Kok, that’s the original name of this place.

The brightly colored rooster at the front of the shop, is called the Galo de Barcelos and is one of the national symbols of Portugal, can be seen here in Macau too:)  I actually bought one of the mini roosters during my trip to Portugal, Lisbon a few months ago.

Macau Oldest A-Ma Temple & The Giant Bronze Guanyin Statue

Koi Kei Bakery

There are many Koi Kei Bakery all over Macau and one can be found near A-Ma temple, just 1 min walk. You can get the Macau souvenirs here such as peanut brittles and almond biscuits and egg rolls. Or you can try their warm Portuguese egg tart here. It cost 20 HKD (USD 1.30) each

Macau Oldest A-Ma Temple & The Giant Bronze Guanyin Statue

“Pastel de nata”

Macau was formerly a colony of the Portuguese Empire so there are many Portuguese elements found in this country. One of them is “pasteis de nata” also known as Portuguese egg tart.

Macau Oldest A-Ma Temple & The Giant Bronze Guanyin Statue

Guan Yin Statue

Not far from A-Ma temple there is the huge bronze Guan Yin Statue. The Guan Yin statue is located near the sea, along Ave Dr. Sun Yat-Sen. Quite isolated but can be seen from far. There is a lotus at the foot of the Guan Yin. It was sculptured by a famous Portuguese artist name Cristina Rocha, created in parts in Nanjing. If you look carefully at the face of the Guan-yin, you will see a blend of European and Eastern elements.

The sculpture of Kuan Yin in Macau is simple but elegant. Most importantly, this big Kuan Yin in Macau is built to bring peace, harmony, and prosperity to the people.  Many believed that after the installation of the Guan Yin, the Macau economy improved.

Macau Oldest A-Ma Temple & The Giant Bronze Guanyin Statue

Final thoughts:

Do include A-Ma temple and have a stroll around the surrounding of the temple.  It is small but worth to pay a visit since the name of Macau (Ma Kok in Cantonese or MaGe in Mandarin) actually originated from this temple. Furthermore, this temple is also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.  A good half an hour is perfect for the visit to A-Ma temple.  By the way, it is only 10 mins drive from St Paul Ruins.  You may want to take a taxi as it doesn’t cost much if you have a pax of 4.  You can walk to the ruins of St Paul if the weather is cooling, takes about 30 mins by foot.

 

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A-Ma Bronze Bowl MagicA-Ma TempleMacauGiant Spiral Incense CoilsGoddess of MazuGuan Yin Statue MacaugymsharkMa Kok Miu Temple MacauMacanese patacaMacau CurrencyMacau Portuguese tartMacau top attractionsMakokpasteis de nataThe Hall of GuanyinZhengjiau Chanlin“Ma Ge”媽閣廟鉅記餅家
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34 comments

Stacie April 2, 2019 - 12:06 pm

I would love to go there one day. I’ve always been so fascinated by Asian culture and architecture. It’s just amazing.

Reply
kumamonjeng April 4, 2019 - 2:17 pm

Dear Stacie,

A-Ma Temple is the oldest temple and how Macau get it name from, so it is really worth to pay a visit even the temple complex is not big.

Reply
wander women abroad April 2, 2019 - 3:01 pm

This place is so beatiful. you can tell that the culture is rich and full of tradition. I will have to check this place out

Reply
kumamonjeng April 4, 2019 - 2:18 pm

You are right about it, the culture is rich in A-Ma temple. This is also a Unesco World Heritage site.

Reply
Danielle@wenthere8this.com April 2, 2019 - 5:35 pm

how fun! what a gorgeous place this is. i would love to visit and see it.

Reply
kumamonjeng April 4, 2019 - 2:23 pm

Dear Danielle,

There is a magic bowl bonze in the temple is also another highlight not to be missed. This is to check your good luck.

Reply
Raluca April 3, 2019 - 9:20 am

what an amazing experience, to visit this place and see its beauty! thank you for sharing your experience and such great photos!

Reply
kumamonjeng April 4, 2019 - 2:24 pm

Dear Raluca,

There are bakery shops near A-Ma temple, worth to go in and get some free samples to try the local cookies.

Reply
Yeah Lifestyle April 3, 2019 - 10:32 am

I’d definitely consider visiting A-Ma Temple if I ever happened to visit Macau. Such a beautiful place, full of rich culture and history.

Reply
kumamonjeng April 4, 2019 - 2:26 pm

I highly recommend anyone who visits Macau to include A-ma temple, it is the origin of Macau.

Reply
NaturalBeautyAndMakeup(Ana) April 3, 2019 - 2:21 pm

This place is amazing I have been to Macau and visited this temple as well ☺ Macau is beautiful!

Reply
kumamonjeng April 4, 2019 - 2:26 pm

Dear Ana,
Glad you have also visit Macau and sure you enjoyed it like I do.

Reply
Kalyan April 3, 2019 - 2:41 pm

I have read a lot of times about the A-Ma Temple. I need to visit this lovely looking place soon.

Reply
kumamonjeng April 4, 2019 - 2:27 pm

Dear Kalyan,
Being Macau’s oldest temple, A-Ma Temple is truly one of the places you should visit to fully get in touch with the historical aspect of this magical city. I do enjoy it a lot.

Reply
Jessica May April 3, 2019 - 3:35 pm

I would love to see this myself one day. Your photos and description are wonderful!

Reply
kumamonjeng April 4, 2019 - 2:29 pm

Dear Jessica,
You can always include Macau (1 day) into your Hong Kong (3-4 days) tour.

Reply
Indu April 3, 2019 - 5:09 pm

Informative write up with stunning photographs. Your post brings Macau heritage alive to me.

Reply
kumamonjeng April 4, 2019 - 2:30 pm

Dear Indu,

Thanks for your comment. I hope you find this post useful.

Reply
Lyosha Varezhkina April 3, 2019 - 6:04 pm

I would love to visit Macao one day. The temple looks so beautiful and interesting. History is everything for travels

Reply
kumamonjeng April 4, 2019 - 2:32 pm

Dear Lyosha,

A-Ma temple also offers excellent views for tourists touring the temple and is also a cool silent place to relax in the midst of the busy city of Macau.

Reply
Jill Nunn April 3, 2019 - 11:10 pm

What an amazing journey! Your photos are beautiful!

Reply
Meredith April 4, 2019 - 3:41 am

Oh this is all so amazing! I lived in Asia for four years and saw the most amazing sites. Thanks for sharing your adventure!

Reply
kumamonjeng April 4, 2019 - 2:32 pm

Dear Meredith,

Glad you love Asia and have been explored many interesting sites.

Reply
Jess April 4, 2019 - 3:04 pm

i would love love to have the pleasure of visiting here! Your pictures are so beautiful!

Reply
This Ole Mom April 4, 2019 - 4:30 am

Your photographs are beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I would love to visit there one day.

Reply
Shannon Gurnee April 4, 2019 - 5:47 am

Wow that looks like a beautiful place to visit! It sounds like you had an amazing trip.

Reply
kumamonjeng April 4, 2019 - 2:35 pm

Dear Shannon,

The best thing is there is no entrance fee. Anything that is free, work well for me.

Reply
Alexandra Cook April 4, 2019 - 6:56 am

I never really thought about going to Macau before, it looks beautiful though. May need to add it to my want to do list.

Reply
kumamonjeng April 4, 2019 - 2:38 pm

Dear Alexandra,

If you love gambling, then Macau is a great place to visit. It is like the Las Vegas in Asia, casinos in all corners. Even if you don’t prefer gambling, you can still do a day trip in Macau. Some other top attractions are Cotai Strip and St Paul Ruins & Senado Square.

Reply
Eli, The Partying Traveler April 4, 2019 - 2:56 pm

I haven’t been to Macau yet but this makes me want to go! I don’t know much about it but with attractions like this, it seems so worth it to go!

Reply
Danielle W. April 4, 2019 - 5:03 pm

These photos are beautiful! Looks like an amazing adventure!!

Reply
Chastity April 9, 2019 - 10:04 am

Wow that temple is huge! So many things to see and take pictures of. It looks so amazing through the photos.

Reply
TheSuperMomLife April 10, 2019 - 1:04 am

What a stunning place to visit! I love the architecture and all of the details.

Reply
Chelle Dizon April 10, 2019 - 11:31 pm

Thank you so much for sharing a glimpse of what this place looks like. That egg tart looks really yummy and delicious!

Reply

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I am the travel writer for Thinkerten. I lived in Japan, Australia, Malaysia and now based in Singapore. Speak 4 languages, Japanese, English, Malay, and Chinese. There are the many types of travels one can experience and mine are mostly focus on self-driving/road trip to explore the places I wanted to see and learn about. Only if you get out of your country, you will see the real you and understand more about yourself, to realize of your own identity, your own culture, and your root.

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