4 Must-Visit Chinese Temples in Kuala Lumpur
Some people say that the best temples in Malaysia can be found in Kuala Lumpur, and we can’t blame them! People from around the world flock toward the capital just to see these majestic places of worship in person–don’t believe us?
In this blog, we’re going to list down some of the best Chinese temples in Kuala Lumpur that we think you should include in your itinerary. We’re also going to take an in-depth look at each one and provide some insider tips so make sure to stick by until the end!
Thean Hou Temple
Website: https://www.hainannet.com.my/
Address: 65, Persiaran Endah, Off Jalan Syed Putra, 50460 Kuala Lumpur
Contact details: +6(03) 2274 7088
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 pm
- Public Holidays: 8:00 AM – 10:00 pm
Simply put, you can’t leave Kuala Lumpur without stopping by Thean Hou Temple, as it’s one of the most iconic attractions in the capital. It’s a majestic place of worship dedicated to the goddess of mercy, Guan Yin, which is why you’ll find a beautiful shrine for her inside.
This is one of those temples that are just as magnificent outside, as the exterior boasts a beautiful oriental design, consisting of pointed roofs and red pillars. Furthermore, the all-white appearance of the walls makes them a perfect contrast to the iconic bright red.
Pro tips:
- We recommend visiting at night, as the temple will be lit up with beautiful lights and lanterns–perfect for taking beautiful pictures!
- If you don’t want your visit to be crowded with other tourists, get there as soon as it opens its doors (8:00 AM). This is also the time when the sun isn’t shining down too much so win-win!
Sin Sze Si Ya Temple
Address: 113A, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 3-2078 9052
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 7:00 AM to 4:0 PM
If you ever find yourself in KL’s Chinatown, make sure to stop by the Sin Sze Si Ya Temple, as it’s the oldest Taoist temple in the capital. Aside from that, we think that it’s worth visiting because it’s a beautiful sight to see in the middle of the concrete jungle of Kuala Lumpur.
Furthermore, people visit this place because of the aura that it possesses, which can be attributed to the incense and the serene ambience. Aside from admiring it and basking in its atmosphere, people also visit this temple to the White Tiger deity and get fortune-telling sticks.
Pro tips:
- This is one of those rare temples that allows photography inside so be sure to bring your high-end cameras to snap some beautiful pictures!
- If you’re planning on temple-hopping, you can also stop by the nearby Hindu temple called Sri Maha Mariamman, which is only about 10 minutes away.
Chan See Shu Yuen Temple
Address: 172, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Contact details: +60 3-2078 1461
Operating hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Chan See Shu Yuen is hands down one of the most beautiful temples in Kuala Lumpur or the entire country for that matter. It features a distinct Cantonese-style architecture that makes for an amazing subject for your photos–or you can simply admire it up close!
It’s sort of a hidden gem, as it’s not as known as Thean Hou or Sin Sze Si Ya, which is a shame, as it houses meaningful exhibits. The exhibits we’re talking about depict the history of the temple along with its four founders
Pro tips:
- Since this temple is located in KL’s Chinatown, you might as well visit its surrounding shops, restaurants and stalls to make your trip extra worthwhile.
- Although photos are allowed here, make sure not to cause any form of distraction that would disrespect the temple and the people inside it.
Guan Di Temple Chinatown
Address: 168, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Contact details: +60 3-2072 6669
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Guan Di Temple Chinatown is another temple that has been around for several centuries, having been around since 1887. It’s also among the prettiest in the bunch, as it features a striking red exterior that’s dotted with various Chinese mythical creatures such as dragons.
The real main event of this temple, however, is found inside, which is the 124-year-old shrine dedicated to different gods and goddesses such as:
- Guan Yin (Goddess of mercy)
- Wel Chong (God of learning and education)
- Choy Sun (God of prosperity)
You’ll also notice that there are two beautiful lion structures near the shrine, which aren’t just for show. They’ve been put there, as the Chinese believe that lions are able to fend off negative energy.
Pro tips:
- We recommend visiting in the morning, as this is the time when the temple is at its quietest state. This way, you can focus on meditating and simply enjoy a more serene experience overall.
- Meanwhile, if you want to see this temple at its liveliest state, we recommend visiting during Chinese New Year. During this time, tons of people will be here and decorations will be everywhere, including the streets of Chinatown!