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Visiting Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur: Ultimate Guide
Thean Hou Temple is a stunning six-tiered temple, dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu. It’s a fantastic representation of Chinese culture in Southeast Asia and it combines elements of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
At first, I didn’t even know if I should visit Thean Hou Temple since it’s a bit outside the city centre of Kuala Lumpur. But I’m so glad I did, it’s probably the most beautiful temple in Kuala Lumpur besides Batu Caves.
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History and Significance
The temple was built by the Hainanese people, a Chinese ethnic group, in honor of Mazu, the Chinese sea goddess.
The construction of the Kuala Lumpur temple began in the early 1980s and was completed in 1987. It officially opened in 1989 and became the center for the Hainanese community in Malaysia.
Thean Hou Temple is not only important for the Hainanese, but it also stands as one of the largest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia.
Thean Hou Temple Architecture
External Design
As you approach Thean Hou Temple, you’ll notice its grandiose structure that blends traditional and modern architectural elements.
One of the first things that catch your eye is the spectacular tiled rooftops that come together in pagoda shapes. The temple features six tiers and has drawn influences from Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism.
The magnificent pillars are another standout aspect of the temple’s exterior. Imposing in nature, these support the structure and are adorned with intricate carvings and embellishments.
On the outside, you can appreciate the colorful lanterns adorning the temple. These lanterns not only contribute to the beautiful aesthetic but also have cultural significance during Chinese festivities.
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Internal Design
Once inside the magnificent Thean Hou Temple, you’ll continue to be impressed with the attention to detail in the design elements.
The prayer hall, located on Level Four of the temple, features elaborately carved Chinese statues that hold cultural and religious importance.
Given the temple’s syncretic design, you’ll find various representations of Buddha, Confucius, and Laozi, alongside other Chinese gods and goddesses. Each statue is skilfully crafted and serves as a testament to the artisans who crafted them.
The walls and ceilings also showcase intricately designed carvings with traditional Chinese motifs.
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Deities and Practices
At Thean Hou Temple, you will find a harmonious blend of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. This stunning six-tiered temple is dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu, also known as Tian Hou.
But Mazu is not the only deity you’re going to encounter at the Thean Hou Temple.
The three main deities worshipped at Thean Hou Temple are:
- Mazu (Tian Hou): Goddess of the Seas
- Guan Yin: Goddess of Mercy
- Shui Wei Sheng Niang: Goddess of the Waterfront
Practices at the temple revolve around offering prayers to these three deities, seeking protection, mercy, and guidance in your daily life. Lighting joss sticks, placing offerings, and saying prayers are common ways of showing devotion and respect.
You may also find visitors engaging in fortune-telling, either through traditional Kau Cim oracle sticks or palm reading.
Celebrations and Events
When visiting the Thean Hou Temple, you’ll be amazed by the vibrant array of celebrations and events that take place throughout the year. These events showcase the rich cultural heritage of the temple and give you a glimpse into the traditions followed by the worshippers.
One of the most important festivals you may witness is the Chinese New Year celebration. The temple comes alive during this time, with amazing decorations, traditional performances, and lively activities for visitors to participate in.
Another significant event held at the temple is Wesak Day, which is a spiritual celebration for Buddhists. The temple pays special attention to this unique event, featuring an array of activities and ceremonies designed to promote reflection, contemplation, and kindness.
Other events celebrated at the temple are the birthday celebrations for Goddess Tian Hou, Goddess Kuan Yin, and the Goddess of the Waterfront. These events are a great opportunity for you to witness traditional practices and even take part in some of the ceremonies.
Remember to check the temple’s schedule for upcoming events during your visit. When I visited Kuala Lumpur they still had the New Year decorations up.
Visitor Information
How to get to Thean Hou Temple
The getting to the temple part is the only downside of this stunning temple. It’s located a bit outside the city centre and there is no public transportation going there.
The closest public transportation stop is Bangsar, from there it’s a 20 – 30 minutes walk. This might not seem like much but in the Malaysian heat it was far. I was so exhausted when we reached the temple.
While walking we wished we would have taken a taxi, but once you’re on the way there are no taxis in sight and we didn’t have a internet connection to order a Grab (Asian Uber).
So I recommend getting a taxi or a tour to visit the temple.
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Entrance Fee
The temple welcomes visitors daily and is free to enter. But the Thean Hou Temple relies on donations to maintain its grounds and facilitate daily activities. So consider making a small donation if you can afford it.
Thean Hou Temple Opening Times
The Thean Hou Temple is open every day from 8am to 10pm.
Things to Do
At Thean Hou Temple, you can:
- Explore the prayer hall and marvel at the intricate details of its design
- Admire the various Chinese deities on display
- Participate in traditional activities, such as lighting joss sticks and making offerings
- Stroll around the beautifully landscaped gardens and ponds
- Learn about the Chinese zodiac year of your birth in the garden
Remember to be respectful of the religious and cultural practices taking place within the temple grounds.
Nearby Attractions
Well, you’re probably only looking into visiting Thean Hou Temple because you’re in Malaysia’s capital. So you might even have an idea about things to do in Kuala Lumpur. I’ll still list my favourite things to do in the city.
- Batu Caves: This impressive Hindu temple inside a limestone cave is my absolute favourite temple in Malaysia.
- Petronas Towers: Those towers are the tallest twin towers in the world and one of the most famous landmarks in Kuala Lumpur.
- Chinatown: The art project Kwai Chai Hong is a hidden gem in Chinatown and makes for the perfect photo background in KL.
- Light show at the River of Life: The River of Life is a great project to beautify the Klang River and every night it’s home to a spectacular light show.
Travel Tips
What to Bring
- Camera or smartphone: Thean Hou Temple is a beautiful and photogenic spot, so make sure to bring your camera or smartphone to capture the memories.
- Battery bank: Using your phone all day for navigating and taking photos can drain the battery quickly, so it’s best to bring a power bank.
- Local SIM card and Wi-Fi: You might want to get a local SIM card so you can use your phone while exploring. I didn’t have one to be honest, I just downloaded an offline map.
- Water and snacks: I always bring my reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. You can also bring some vegan snacks from KL city centre but it’s not necessary since the trip to the temple won’t take that long.
Etiquette
The Thean Hou Temple is a serene and peaceful place that represents Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian traditions. To maintain the sanctity of the temple, please adhere to the following etiquette:
- Remain quiet and respectful during your visit.
- Refrain from touching or disturbing religious artifacts and worshipping objects.
- Avoid taking photos of worshippers engaging in prayer.
- If you want to take part in prayer or partake in any temple rituals, follow the local customs and observe others for guidance.
Dress Code
Although the Thean Hou Temple does not have a specific dress code, it’s always wise to dress modestly when visiting places of worship.
To ensure a comfortable and respectful visit, make sure to cover your knees and shoulders.
Services and Facilities
At Thean Hou Temple, you’ll find a variety of services and facilities to explore and enjoy.
Chinese fortune-telling
As you walk through the temple grounds, you can experience traditional Chinese fortune-telling services. Whether you’re curious about your future or seeking guidance, skilled fortune tellers are available to provide insights based on ancient techniques.
Thean Hou Temple marriage registration
For couples looking to tie the knot, Thean Hou Temple offers marriage registration services in its picturesque setting. With its beautiful decoration and unique atmosphere, this temple is a popular spot for wedding ceremonies and photography sessions.
Traditional Chinese martial arts and meditation
While exploring the temple, you might come across groups practicing qigong and wushu. These traditional Chinese martial arts and meditation exercises are popular amongst the local community and visitors alike.
Hotels near Thean Hou Temple
There are no hotels directly next to the Thean Hou Temple but a great option close to the temple is EST KL Sentral Bangsar Kuala Lumpur.
I stayed in the Ceylonz Starlight Suites. The hotel has a great infinity pool in a good location but it’s far away from the Thean Hou Temple. You can read all about my experience in my Ceylonz Starlight Suites review.
FAQ about Visiting Thean Hou Temple
What do you wear to Thean Hou Temple?
There is no specific dress code, but it’s an active place of worship so you should still dress modestly.
What is the nearest station to Thean Hou Temple?
The nearest station to Thean Hou Temple is Bangsar, from there it’s about a 20 minute walk to the temple.
Final Thoughts: Chinese temple in KL
I’m so glad that we decided to visit the Thean Hou Temple. It’s so worth going out of your way to visit this beautiful temple.
Thean Hou Temple is without a doubt the most beautiful Chinese temple Kuala Lumpur has to offer.
The only thing I recommend doing differently than we did it is to take a taxi or tour instead of walking there.
š¤© I love this private Kuala Lumpur tour for visiting the best attractions in 1 day
Read more:
- Top 15 Free Things to do in KL Malaysia
- From Kuala Lumpur to Batu Caves: Visiting Batu Caves Guide
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- 10 Top Instagrammable Places in KL
- Ceylonz Starlight Suites Bukit Bintang: An Honest Review
- River of Life KL: A Vibrant Urban Oasis Worth Exploring
- Visiting Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur: Ultimate Guide
- 15 Famous Landmarks in Malaysia You Shouldnāt Miss
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