天后宫位于泉州古城南端，南临晋江及沿岸港口，是宋元时期起源于泉州本地的海神妈祖的祭祀建筑，也是世界范围妈祖信仰的重要传播中心。它创建于1196年，始称顺济宫，现仍保存了16世纪之前形成的前殿后寝的布局特征。天后宫见证了妈祖信仰伴随海洋贸易的形成和发展历程，体现出民间信仰与国家意志相结合对海洋贸易发展的共同推动。它与泉州的商人群体密切关联，见证了海洋贸易作用下泉州南部商业性城区的发展。

Tianhou Temple is located at the southern end of the old city of Quanzhou, facing the Jinjiang River and coastal ports to the south. It is dedicated to the worship of Mazu, the sea goddess of Quanzhou originated in the Song dynasty, and is a major center for the dissemination of Mazu belief around the world.

Tianhou Temple was first built in 1196, originally known as Shunji Temple. Its layout with a hall at the front and memorial quarters at the rear, which was already in place before the 16th century, has been preserved to this day.

The temple bears witness to the formation and development of Mazu belief amidst maritime trade, and reveals how folk beliefs and the will of the state worked in concert to advance maritime trade. Closely associated with Quanzhou’s merchants, the temple bears testimony to the development of the commercial district on the city’s south side under the effects of maritime trade.