Malaysia | Familiar yet unfamiliar Nanyang folk customs Ampang Nan Tian Gong

Malaysia is a multi-racial and multi-religious country. With the early arrival of Chinese ancestors, Chinese religious beliefs were also brought to Malaysia, and many temples were built. With the promotion of the Chinese community, they have become tourist products that attract tourists. Now, many religious sites, including temples, have been transformed into tourist attractions, where tourists can "check in" and leave their footprints. Ampang Nan Tian Gong was established in 1862 and has a history of 155 years. It is the oldest Nine Emperor Gods Temple in Selangor. The most important and grand celebration every year is the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, which is celebrated for 9 days in the ninth lunar month. The Nine Emperor Gods Festival has also become the most lively festival celebration in Ampang New Village, attracting thousands of believers to worship and pray for peace and health every year. According to the temple's special publication, the original temple was just a small wooden house. Later, because it saved a businessman, the latter donated 2 acres of land to the Nine Emperor Gods as a palace site. Based on the belief in the Nine Emperor Gods, the temple was named Doumu Palace, and later renamed Wanshou Palace and Nan Tian Gong. The highlight of the Nine Emperor Gods Festival is the procession to the Ampang River to welcome the gods on the 30th day of the eighth lunar month, and the fire-walking ceremony on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. Every year, more than a thousand believers gather at Ampang Nan Tian Gong to participate in the Nine Emperor Gods welcoming ceremony. The believers participating in the ceremony wear white clothes and pants, tie white scarves, hold incense, and follow the parade to the Ampang River to welcome the Nine Emperor Gods back to the temple. Practical information 🎫Free admission 🚗Address: P1, Jalan Merdeka, Kampung Baru Ampang, 68000 Ampang, Selangor. ⏱️Opening hours: 07:30–21:00 🍕Dining: There is a large food court nearby, and the stalls are run by residents from nearby communities. The food is delicious and affordable, and there are many old brands.