No trip to Macau is complete without a visit to the A-Ma Temple built in 1488. This historical Taoist and Buddhist holy place, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, is dedicated to the Goddess Mazu. She is the Chinese goddess of water — protector of seafarers and fishermen. It is also believed that she is Macau’s namesake, since when the Portuguese sailors first landed on the coast in front of the temple and inquired the name of their surroundings, the natives replied, “Ma Ge.” The sailors did not know that the natives were referring to the temple and thus named the new-found peninsula Macau.
The oldest temple in Macau is a destination offering a peaceful refuge from the chaos of the casinos. It has been well-described in ancient Chinese texts and paintings and has the honor of being one of the first scenes ever to be photographed in China. Throughout the temple there are places to leave offerings to Mazu. My favorite were the decorative ornaments that contained written prayers for good fortune. When the wind would touch them with her lips, they would gently sway, as if the goddess herself was confirming that she had indeed received the prayers.
The temple contains 6 parts that are all made up of classical Chinese architectural treasures, as well as copious stone fu dogs whose purpose is to offer protection. No matter which part you are in, you will see incense and candles in multiple forms, which help to create an ambiance of tranquility and worship.
In order to get to to the top of the temple, you must follow a winding outdoor path. Along the way you will encounter an enormous statue of Mazu that serves as the main altar. I chose to not photograph her, nor any of her devotees out of respect.
Macau Tourism gave me an hour to explore the temple, but after about twenty minutes of taking photos an overwhelming feeling came over me to put my camera down and to fully appreciate the moment. I bought some incense and as I lit it I expressed my gratitude for being able to live a life that is full of travel. Once we departed, we returned to the Mandarin Oriental, Macau where I was able to catch the sun setting over the mountains from my gorgeous room.
This is the Macau that I want the world to know about.
Such rich colors. Thanks for sharing the photos!
Glad you enjoyed them!!!
This is so beautiful- and the photos are so vibrant! I would love to visit Macau someday to see this temple. I didn’t get the chance last time I was in Asia.
Thank you for your kind words regarding my photos, I’m really proud of them! I hope you can make it to Macau, it’s such an amazing place!!!
I love the detail of the photos here. You’ve managed to capture so many of the little things. Next time I’m in Hong Kong, I’m taking the trip to Macau to see this temple.
I love that’s I’ve inspired you to visit this temple!!! Truly it makes my day! You will love it, promise!
I love these beautiful photos, really! I am a Buddhist, although a Nichiren Buddhist (one of the many many sects) and feel connected to this in a way.
I love that you feel connected to this and that you liked my photos so much!!! I used to be a Buddhist as well…
I love the colors and shapes in these photos! It’s really been so nice to hear about the more traditional, historical side of Macau.
So glad you enjoyed it darling!!! This was just an awesome place to visit and photograph.
Beautiful photos! I agree with Emily; so nice to hear about a different, more cultural aspect of Macau.
Thank you so much, I’m glad everyone is enjoying my posts! 🙂
Stunning photos! I always love those spiral incense.
Aren’t they gorgeous? I could have photographed them all day!!! Thanks for your kind words!
You have such an amazing eye for detail! Beautiful photos!
Wow what a compliment thank you!!!! Besos!
What a gorgeous place! I would love to travel the world and this is one of the stops I would love to make. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. I am a follower of yours now 🙂
The Pretty Pinhead
Awww I’m so touched you’re following me and I hope with all of my heart that you can travel the world if that’s what your dream is!!! DREAM BIG!
Gorgeous photos! You seem like such a positive and fun person–and your blog and photography style reflect that. 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet compliments — I really, really appreciate it! XO
Beautiful photos, Andi. Such detail and color!
Thank you Leah!!! I’m really happy with how they came out. 🙂
this website is the finest out there!
Why thank you Emanuele!!!
Inspirational post as always:) Btw loved the guest post on Malta since me and the hubs is heading there on friday!!
Awww I’m so delighted that you found it inspirational! Have the BEST time on Malta!!!!!
the way you express yourself is so poetic!
Thank you Andrew!
Lovely photos and such a feeling of peace, I love visiting temples, they’re such tranquil places. I’m not sure what the statue of A-Ma looks like in Macau but there is a breathtaking one on the Island on Hainan, and one of the tallest statues in the world. The legend there said the Goddess was once a poor girl who wanted to travel to Guangzhou. Wealthy boat owners wouldn’t take her but a poor sailor offered her a ride. During the trip a huge storm occurred and all but the boat carrying A-Ma was shipwrecked. Once they arrived at the safe harbour of Macau A-Ma walked to the top of a nearby hill, ascended into heaven and became a Goddess and protector of the sea and sailors.
I would really love to visit Macau one day and see the temple they built for her there. Such a fanstatic legend!
Ruth dear, I didn’t know that story, thank you so much for sharing that with me and my readers! I would love to visit Hainan now!!! I agree, temples are such tranquil places. 🙂
your temple photos are GORGEOUS the colors are so vibrant and gorgeous!
Thank you thank you thank!!!!!!! 🙂
Great eye and your photographs are stunning!
Thank you and thank you! XO
Oh, man! What an awesome experience. These colors are all so bright – I love it! and of course your photos are amazing.
Macau seriously looks like an amazing place!
Alyx thank you for such a ridiculously kind comment! You totally made my day with your sweet words!!!
The pictures are fascinating, Andi! Thank you for sharing them! Such a beautiful place! I hope I will be able to travel to Macau someday!
Thanks so much for your kind words!!! Greatly appreciated. I hope you can make it to Macau someday as well, fingers crossed.
Thank you, Andi! I really hope so!
Really beautiful photos again. I think my favorite is the 2nd!!
Thank you so much!!! I love that shot too!
Incredible shots!
Thanks Candela!!!
Wooow, this looks like a great journey! Beautiful!
By the way, thanks for your lovely comment, you rock! 🙂 Definitely your newest follower.
http://www.tamarasblend.com/
Awww you’re so welcome! So happy that you like my blog enough to become a follower!!! It was one incredible journey! XO
What fantastic photos and vibrant colors! After reading through this post, I have added Macau to my travel list.
Wahhoooooooo then I totally accomplished my goal! XO
Beautiful & vibrant photos, I can only imagine how magical the rest of your time there was after you put your camera down! Thank you for sharing!
Yes, experiences are 100X better once you put your camera down — this was no exception. Glad you enjoyed the post dear!
Great to be seeing this side of Macau thru your pictures and words. Great job!!
Thank you dear Ruth!
great post! i know what you mean about being in a temple and wanting to just put the camera away. it’s a spiritual place, and sometimes it’s better just to be there, light incense as you did, and live the moment as it is. that being said, i love your close-up photos of the incense burning 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind words! Glad you could relate to me wanting to put the camera down!!!
Thank you for every post, because each one inspires me more!
No thank you Lindsey for such a sweet comment!!!
Great pics!
Thanks Ashlea!
Girl, you are SO talented!
Thanks sweetheart!
Wow I am drooling over your amazing trips! Love the moments you capture… so precious
Hugs & kisses from South Florida,
http://acasadava.blogspot.com/
Thank you sweetheart, what a lovely thing to say!!! Hugs and kisses back!
This place is gorgeous!
It sure is Will!
I love these bright, colorful pictures! I just watched a few America’s Next Top Model episodes that took place in Macau, and that was actually my first time to really learn anything about it, so it was fun seeing even more of it here!
Everyone keeps telling me about Macau being featured in ANTM! I need to check it out. 🙂
LOVE looking at all these pictures! It gives us a glimpse into their culture. One day, I would have to hitch a ride in your luggage! lol
Hahaha there is ALWAYS room for you! 😉
Lovely shots!
Thanks Bianca!
My husband and I are currently rejiggering our post-Japan travel plans, because we are no longer going to be able to secure Chinese tourist visas before we leave on our RTW trip. Instead, I think we are now going to try to pick up our visas in Hong Kong, or maybe Macau. Seeing your recent posts on the place, I definitely want to try to spend at least a day or two in Macau; it seems like a wonderful place, and it would be a shame to miss it when we are so close!
Ooooh yes yes yes, you must try and stay a day or two in Macau if you can! You will LOVE it! Sorry about the visa problems — been there done that — not fun!
Temples can be so magical! I wish I could go to Asia again soon. Someday! Funny how my brother has never mentioned any of these places — even though he is quite well-traveled and does try to see the sites. But I think in Macau, he just gambles!
OMG you are commenting while on vacay I’m so impressed! And yes temples can be absolutely magical. I hope we can go to Asia together one day gorgeous!!!
I love the colors of these photos- the reds and yellows…also, just noticed your instagram widget on your sidebar! That is a great idea and I love how it scrolls through your awesome photos!
Just added it, good catch! Isn’t that a cool widget? I love it!!! Glad you enjoyed my pics. 🙂
This is incredible…your posts never cease to amaze me, Andi!
XOXO
http://TheSquishyMonster.com
Awww what an awesome comment thank you darling!!!!! XO
Lovely adore visiting churches and temples when traveling
Thanks! Me too. 🙂
Gorgeous shots!
Thanks Eliana!
What a lovely post Andi. I especially like what you said about not photographing the devotional statue and putting down your camera to truly experience the moment you were in. Both that respect and experience I think are so utterly vital and also so easy to forget.
As always, your writing and pictures just make me want to go places 🙂
Renee, thank you deeply for your kind words, I’m so touched!!! I agree that a lot of times travelers get SO caught up in the moment that they forget to be respectful. I’m sure I’m guilty of it too. XO
Red, red and more red – I love it. Temples are such an amazing photo subject!
Bring on the red baby!!! It’s the most beautiful color. You’re right temples are an amazing subject!
Sometimes you have to put the camera down and enjoy, although not before taking a hundred pictures.
Hahahahaha I adore you!
wow beautiful pics!
Thanks Daniela!
I love your blog Andi!
Thanks Evelyn!
Awesome shots!
Thanks PC!
You are so talented!
Thanks Barbie!
I have heard so many good things about Macau now (haha, that rhymes) from several friends and blogs, I hope I get there before I leave Asia. Amazing photos Andi!
Hahaha you’re so cute! I hope you get to Macau soon as well! Thanks for the sweet words!!!
Great pictures. I mainly do volunteer travel in developing nations, but I certainly had fun in Macau. : )
Thanks so much! There is lots of fun to be had in Macau for sure!!!
i had to admire your great effort, you have shared valuable information with us thanks for the good work!
Thanks Cenira!