 Hong Sun Seah Temple, Green Lane
Hong Sun Seah Temple is a very old Hokkien temple located in Green Lane (Jalan Masjid Negeri) behind Gembira Parade.
Hong Sun Seah Temple (23 September 2008)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
The British settlement of George Town was still very young when the temple was established in 1805, by a group of Hokkien settlers that came from Nan'an, Yongchun and Anxi districts of Quanzhou, in southeastern Fujian Province, in southern China. Hong Sun Seah Temple was established for the Hokkien community staying in the coconut grove and plantations there, dedicated to the patron deity. On the wall of the temple is a stelae inscribed in 1864, documenting the names of the founders of the temple, namely Meng Chengjin from Yongchun district, Liang Guangting from Nan'an district and Yap Hup Keat from Anxi district.
Over the centuries, the place underwent development. In the early years, Green Lane, the main road that runs through the plantation, was nothing more than a country road. Over the years, as housing development sprout around it, Green Lane was widened a few times to take on its present incarnation, renamed Jalan Masjid Negeri. Hong Sun Seah Temple itself underwent several renovations to arrive at its present form.
Main entrance of Hong Sun Seah Temple (23 September 2008)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Getting there
It is easiest to reach Hong Sun Seah by car. If taking public transport, Rapid Penang Buses No. 11, U206 and 304 pass through Jalan Masjid Negeri (Green Lane) in front of Gembira Parade. Check the Rapid Penang Bus Routes here.
What to see
Hong Sun Seah is a spacious temple with an equally big compound. The walls are covered by titles. Inside the main prayer hall, look at the stelae (or tablet) embedded on the wall. Also on the wall are titles with pictures from Chinese mythology.
Hong Sun Seah Temple
Location Map
Door god of Hong Sun Seah Temple (23 September 2008)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Main altar at Hong Sun Seah Temple (23 September 2008)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Founding tablet, Hong Sun Seah Temple (23 September 2008)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Picture tiles at Hong Sun Seah Temple (23 September 2008)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
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