Abstract: TianjinFolkloreMuseum (Minsu Bowuguan) is near the center of the so-called Cultural Street in Tianjin. There is a shrine devoted to Tianhou, that is Matsu, a famous marine goddess originated from Fujian.

The shrine was one of the most important for the religious activities in Tianjin during the lale Qing Period. The annual festival for Tianhou was called Huanghui and attracted popular interest. Of course, the festival was closely related to the urban space in the old city of Tianjin.

After the 1911 revolution, the festival was postponed several times. Finally, it was criticized severely in 1924 and suspended after that. This may result from changing religious attitudes of Tianjin people. Maybe the festival was not welcomed in 1910s because it was regarded as an expression of superstition.

But the festival was resumed in 1936. It was revaluated as a good way to promote economic activities and the municipal government also approved that aim. The festival in 1936 was held in an uncertain sentiment air because of approaching Japanese invasion. So some people still criticized the festival from the viewpoint of national salvation, though many people in Tianjin enjoyed the festival and would like to express their strong attachment for local tradition.