A-Ma Temple

Introduction to A-Ma Temple (妈阁庙)

A-Ma Temple is located at the bottom of Pehua Hill in the southeast region of the Macau Peninsula. The temple was built in 1488 during the Ming Dynasty and is the oldest Buddha Temple in Macau. It was built to commemorate Mazu, a sea goddess who blesses the fishermen. As one of the hottest tourist spot in Macau, A-Ma Temple is a must-see when travel to Macau.

In Macau’s history, the original of “Macau” has something to do with A-ma Temple. It is said that when the Portuguese landed Macau near the temple and asked local people the name of the land. But the local people misunderstood that they were asking about the name of the temple, so they replied the name of A-ma Temple- “Ma Ge”. Then the Portuguese named the peninsula “Macao”. 

The A-Ma Temple enjoys high reputation in Macau and it attracts numerous worships every day for its solemn ambiance and spectacular scenery. A-Ma Temple is mainly consisted of Hongren Hall, Avalokitesvara Hall, Zhengjiao Chanlin, shrines, gardens, and pavilions. These architectures were built with classic Chinese styles and were made into a complex of architectural treasures with profound Chinese culture. There is a statue of Mazu in the temple and it is worshiped by people come to the temple. The A-Ma Temple is visited by many pilgrims every day. Especially on the days of the birthday of Mazu and the Chinese New Year, numerous worshipers come to the temple to prayer for good fortune.

Location

At the Bottom of Pehua Hill, Southeast Region of the Macau Peninsula

Main Sights

Hongren Hall, Avalokitesvara Hall

Travel Information

Admission for A-Ma Temple: Free

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM 

Transportation 

1. You can take bus No. 1, 1A, 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 10A, 11, 18, 21, 21A, 26, 28B, or 34, and then get off at A-Ma Temple Stop.

Travel Tips

1. Recommended duration for a visit is about half a day.

2. It is not recommended to visit there during “May 1st” and “October 1st” these two golden vacation weeks. Because at that time, the hotel reservation and transportation will be in its climax, the price will be much higher than ordinary times.

3. You can buy lots of interesting items for your familys or friends around the Temple.

4. The best time to visit there is on the days of the birthday of Mazu on lunar March 23rd and the Chinese New Year, when numerous worshipers come to the temple to prayer for good fortune.

Tour including Visiting A-Ma Temple

Macau Excursion with Venetian visit