Kuan Yin Teng (Goddess of Mercy Temple), George Town

Kuan Yin Teng (Goddess of Mercy Temple), George Town

Established in 1801 by early Chinese immigrant settlers, Kuan Yin Teng is one of Penang's oldest and most revered Chinese temples. Dedicated to the Chinese goddess of mercy, Kuan Yin, the central hall houses her statue, symbolizing benevolence and boundless compassion accessible to all. Statues of the goddess, often draped in white robes, are a common sight in homes and Buddhist temples.

Architecturally, the temple harmoniously blends Chinese and Southeast Asian influences, featuring a grand roof adorned with decorated copings and ridges. Its main entrance is embellished with elaborate carvings and vibrant ceramic tiles, while the interior showcases ornate altars, deity statues, and exquisite woodwork. Noteworthy are a pair of stone sculptured lions, known as Fu dogs.

On auspicious days, such as the first and fifteenth day of lunar calendar months, devotees of all ages gather to offer joss sticks, flowers, and burn sandalwood incense as they pray for health, wealth, fertility, and longevity. Additionally, the temple's adjacent square serves as a venue for puppet shows and Chinese operas during special occasions.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in George Town. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Kuan Yin Teng (Goddess of Mercy Temple) on Map

Sight Name: Kuan Yin Teng (Goddess of Mercy Temple)
Sight Location: George Town, Malaysia (See walking tours in George Town)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in George Town, Malaysia

Create Your Own Walk in George Town

Create Your Own Walk in George Town

Creating your own self-guided walk in George Town is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Farquhar Street Walking Tour

Farquhar Street Walking Tour

Farquhar Street, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008, is a culturally rich thoroughfare in George Town, Malaysia, and home to many interesting historic properties. Let's take a brief journey down this storied street and see what they are.

At the outset of Farquhar stands the impressive Supreme Court building, a symbol of justice and governance in Penang. Just a stone's throw away,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
George Town Introduction Walking Tour

George Town Introduction Walking Tour

Some felt in Malaya that the city of George Town should be renamed Tanjung Penaga ("Cape Penaga"). That was the name of the area where George Town now stands. But the Chinese, British, Muslim, Malay and Indian movers and shakers of the town wisely declined. It might be bad for business.

Captain Francis Light, R. N., came to Tanjung Penaga in 1786. He wanted to set up an entrepôt for...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
George Town's Historical Religious Buildings

George Town's Historical Religious Buildings

George Town, Malaysia, has much to be proud of when it comes to religious heritage. The city boasts a plethora of wonderful churches, temples, mosques, and other religious sites – each beautifully decorated and with its own unique story. Follow us on this self-guided walk and see some of them up close.

We start at the Acheen Street Mosque. Dating back to the early 19th century, this is one of...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles