Thian Hock Keng Temple

The Thian Hock Keng Temple is one of Singapore’s most important Hokkien temples. Located on what used to be the shoreline (before the land reclamation work began in the 1880s), it was a must-stop destination to thousands of Chinese immigrants in the past.

It was built using southern Chinese aspects and was dedicated to ‘Mazu’ who was known by Taoists as the protector of seamen in their voyages ever since 1821.

There are many opportunities for visitors to go for a visit. Throughout the whole year, there are ten events which are celebrated here, each following important dates on the Chinese calendar. These include; the Chinese New Year, the Goddess of Mercy Celebration, the Qing Ming Festival, the Di Ceremony, the event of the Mazu Celebration, the Dan Day, the Goddess of Mercy ceremony, the lunar prayer event, the Birth of Confucius Celebration (Kong Zi Dan) and the Goddess of Mercy Festival.

Once inside the temple, you will see the finest of Asian styled art. It’s a temple made in fine stone, wood and tile filled with statues of phoenixes and dragons. There are also some beautiful wall carvings and amazing high columns located inside.

Thian Hock Keng Temple offers a unique opportunity for tourists of all walks of life to get to know the Hokkien culture. Venture into this world and discover the ancestral beliefs of ancestral beings from past generations.