The Hainan Temple also known as Thean Hock Keong or Temple of the Heavenly Queen is a Hainanese temple dedicated to the patron deity of seafarers, Ma Chor Po also known as Mazu, similar (in name with only a slight variation in spelling) to Thian Hock Keng Temple in Singapore. The temple was founded in 1866. The building that we see today was completed in 1895. The Hainan Temple is built in the Hainanese style, and is ornately embellished with exquisite stone carvings executed in the Sung dynasty style. The stonework that we see today is the work of craftsmen from China who were employed to remodel the temple in 1995, in conjunction with the centenary of its completion.
Arriving from the island of Hainan in southern China, the Hainanese pay homage to their patron deity Ma Chor Po with this temple. The majority of them became cooks and are famous Hainanese chicken rice. Some of the famous Chinese restaurants of the early 20th century were opened by the Hainanese, including the Loke Thye Kee and Wing Loke.
The Hainanese also formed a clan association, the Kheng Chew Hoay Kuan, which they named after their mother village. The association started the Aik Hua School, today known as SRJK (C) Aik Hua. The present school building was constructed in 1955 and is located to the right of the Hainan Temple. In addition, the association also helped to establish a hospital and set up a scholarship for the Hainanese community.
The Kheng Chew Hoay Kuan was renamed Hainan Clan Association in 1991. This led to the setting up of a restoration committee that oversaw the restoration work on the Hainan Temple completed in 1995.
Getting to Hainan Temple
From the Weld Quay Bus Terminal, take Rapid Penang Nos. 10 and 103 and disembark in front of Cititel. From Penang Road, enter Lebuh Muntri, pass Lebuh Leith, and you will arrive at the Hainan Temple, which is on your right.
Nearby Sights
Goldsmith Association: From Hainan Temple, turn right, walk a short distance, and the Goldsmith Association is on your right along Lebuh Muntri.
Kuan Yin Teng: From Hainan Temple, turn right, walk down Lebuh Muntri. Pass junction with Love Lane, enter Lorong Stewart, go to the end, follow the lane as it make a right turn followed by a left turn. Kuan Yin Teng is on your left.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion: From Hainan Temple, turn left, walk up Lebuh Muntri. At Lebuh Leith junction, turn right and walk to the end. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is on the left near junction of Lebuh Farquhar.
Visiting Penang
If you're planning a trip to Penang, please go through the information I have assembled in Penang Travel Tips. You'd find there information covering all aspect about Penang, including accommodation, transport, food, shopping, places of interest and more. Everything you need to know Penang is right there at your finger tips!
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Hainan Temple (7 July 2008)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Hainan Temple Location Map
Another view of Hainan Temple (20 March 2004)
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Front facade of Hainan Temple (20 March 2004)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Facade of Hainan Temple (25 June 2005)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Exquisite stone carvings at Hainan Temple (25 June 2005)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Exquisite stone carvings at Hainan Temple (25 June 2005)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Doorway, Hainan Temple (20 March 2004)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Door ring, Hainan Temple (20 March 2004)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Altar to Ma Chor Poh at Hainan Temple (20 March 2004)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Aik Hua School (7 July 2008)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
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