Explore a different destination  Kuan Yin See
Burmah Road, George Town, Penang

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Kuan Yin See, Temple of the Goddess of Mercy, at night, during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival (8 October 2005)




Location Map to Kuan Yin See


Main entrance of the Kuan Yin See (16 October 2004)


A side entrance of the Kuan Yin See (16 October 2004)

Kuan Yin See

Kuan Yin See, or Temple of the Goddess of Mercy, is a Taoist temple along Jalan Burma. This is a different temple from the Kuan Yin Teng, also translated as the Goddess of Mercy Temple, of Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling.

The Kuan Yin See was founded in 1922 by Ben Zhong, the second abbot of Kek Lok Si Temple who was also the one who built the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas. At the entrance to the temple is a name plaque and on either sides are pillar couplets, with calligraphy written by Chen Baochen, an official in the former Qing imperial court.

The Temple of the Goddess of Mercy has become associated with the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, so much so that many people thought this is the Nine Emperor Gods Temple of Penang, which is a different temple located in Lebuh Macallum. Nonetheless, the Kuan Yin See is the busiest during this festival, with stalls erected at the front selling vegetarian meals and confectioneries.

The Kuan Yin is was once the home of Fa Kong, a flamboyant monk whose legacy included founding a zoo in Air Itam, in what is now Jalan Zoo. An inscription attributed to him, of Zen verses, can be seen on the rock in the garden of Kek Lok Si Temple.

Getting there

From the Komtar Bus Terminal, walk along Lebuh Tek Soon towards Jalan Penang. Cross Jalan Penang and turn right. Walk along Jalan Penang until you reach the pedestrian bridge. Use the pedestrian bridge to cross Jalan Burma. Walk down Jalan Burma until you reach Kuan Yin See on the right side of the road.

What to see and do

The Kuan Yin See presents a photography opportunity to capture scenes within a Taoist temple. While the worshippers will not bother with you, be respectful and do not intrude on those who in the midst of worshipping. The best time to come is during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, when the temple becomes extremely crowded and busy.

Nearby Sights

  • Malaysian Hakka Heritage Centre
  • Masjid Tengah
  • Masjid Titi Papan
  • Saw Khaw Lean Heah Kongsi

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    Kuan Yin See Photo Gallery


    View of the Kuan Yin See during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival (16 October 2004)


    Door gods at the Kuan Yin See temple doors (16 October 2004)


    Worshipper lighting incense (16 October 2004)


    Incense spirals on the ceiling (16 October 2004)


    Another front view of Kuan Yin See (12 December 2007)



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    Penang Travel Tips is researched and written by Timothy Tye, universally known as Tim. The text is the copyright of Timothy Tye, and may not be copied for commercial use or re-published in another website without the author's permission. Information provided is in goodwill and is believed to be correct and up-to-date at time of writing. Photographs on this website are the copyright of the author and may not be reused without prior permission. For commercial licensing of photographs, read the licensing terms. Tim is a Christian. Click here to know more about his beliefs.