The Ancient Mazu Temple by the Equator | Singapore National Monument - Thian Hock Keng

Most tourists visiting Singapore will likely stop by the famous old Chinatown - "Chinatown" to browse around, where Chinese architecture, characters, a variety of Chinese restaurants, and the familiar dialects make one feel as if they have returned to China. If you ask where one can best experience the atmosphere of traditional Chinese culture, admire architectural art, and pray for blessings, it must be Thian Hock Keng. ☯ Thian Hock Keng of Singapore In the mid-Qing Dynasty, Chinatown gradually became a Chinese settlement dominated by immigrants from Fujian. Around 1821 to 1822, the local Chinese community started building a simple temple to worship Mazu, expressing their gratitude for Mazu's protection during their safe voyage to the south. Until the land reclamation in the 1880s, Thian Hock Keng was not only close to the waterfront but also faced the sea. Thian Hock Keng was founded in the 22nd year of the Daoguang era (1842) by Fujianese immigrants from Zhangzhou, such as Xue Fo Ji and Chen Dusheng, who raised funds to build it. The temple is dedicated to Mazu and is the oldest Taoist temple in Singapore. The architecture is a Minnan-style temple with five bays and three halls, namely the Front Hall, Main Hall, and Rear Hall. In 1973, it was designated as a national monument and is one of the most representative Chinese temples in Singapore. ☯️ Yu Huang Gong of Singapore The building where Yu Huang Gong is located was originally Qing De Lou, belonging to the Qing De Society founded by Peranakan Chinese from Malacca. Later, the Qing De Society moved to Changi Road in 2010 and transferred Qing De Lou to the Singapore Taoist Association, renaming it "Yu Huang Gong," which is connected to Thian Hock Keng but not open to the public. ️🪭 Address: 158 Telok Ayer Street ⏱️ Opening Hours: Free admission, open daily from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm 🚌 Bus: No. 10, 57, 145, 167, 970, etc. 🚇 MRT: Exit Raffles Place MRT station or Telok Ayer MRT Station and walk about 500 meters.