Thian Hock Keng Temple

About this place

Thian Hock Keng is the oldest and most important temple of Singapore's Hokkien Chinese community, and its name means «Palace of Heavenly Happiness». It stands on Telok Ayer Street, a national monument since 6 July 1973, and visitors come for its traditional Chinese architecture among the modern finance towers. It began as a small house of worship around 1821 and 1822 on the waterfront, where seafarers and immigrants gave thanks to the sea goddess Mazu for a safe passage. Telok Ayer Street then ran along the coastline, before land reclamation began in the 1880s. The temple was rebuilt from 1839 with donations, the largest from the businessman Tan Tock Seng, and materials came from China. From outside you see curved roofs with dragon-decorated edges, a dark timber gate and red walls with painted panels. Inside are courtyards with large bronze incense burners and ornate halls, and beside them stands a small tiered tower known as the Keng Teck Huay pavilion. The building looks small before the skyscrapers behind it, which is part of its charm. It is 900 m in a straight line from the Pinnacle@Duxton Skybridge and close to Chinatown. It is an active place of worship, so dress modestly, speak quietly, do not interrupt worshippers and ask before taking pictures in the halls. Early morning helps you avoid the heat and crowds.