The largest Chinese temple
In Medan.
Pratyeka — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Pratyeka — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Lim Natee — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Lim Natee — CC BY-SA 4.0
Medan's largest Chinese temple and one of the largest Taoist temples in Indonesia, built in the 1960s to serve the city's large Chinese community, whose ancestors came to work the tobacco plantations and trade from the nineteenth century. The temple catches the eye with its curving roofs crowned with dragons and birds, its red and gold, halls full of statues, carving and red lanterns, and incense smoke filling the air. Two stone guardian lions flank the entrance. Entry is free, and the temple welcomes respectful visitors in modest dress, without touching the altars and avoiding close-up photos of worshippers. It is busiest and most dazzling at Chinese New Year, with lanterns and celebrations. A visit takes half an hour, and the temple is in the city centre near the Tjong A Fie Mansion and the Kesawan quarter, so it fits easily into a tour of Medan's diversity.
In Medan.
Red and gold ornament.
Lanterns and celebrations.
Central Medan, near the Babura River
Rahmat International Wildlife MuseumA private museum in Medan holding one of the largest collections of mounted anim2 minutes walk
Kesawan, Old MedanMedan's oldest commercial quarter, which grew in the late nineteenth century whe19 minutes walk
Tjong A Fie MansionA two-storey mansion in Chinese-European style in the old Kesawan quarter of cen19 minutes walk
Maimun PalaceThe palace of the Deli sultans and Medan's leading historic landmark, built by S21 minutes walkYes, the temple is open; just keep quiet and dress modestly. A caretaker may explain the statues' symbols if you ask politely.