[2025 George Town Attraction] Travel Guide for Hainan Thean Hou Temple (Updated Jun)

🇲🇾 The old town of George Town in Penang, Malaysia is perfect for exploring on foot. The architecture on both sides of the streets blends Eastern and Western styles, featuring both Minnan-style ceramic-embedded eaves and magnificent European buildings. 🚶 Here's a one-way City Walk route I've organized for you - save it now! ✅ Architectural Tour: Love Lane Kuan Yin Temple High Court City Hall Cornwallis Fort Former Customs Building Clock Tower Little India Street Art Thean Hou Temple Railway Building ✅ Attractions to Visit: Peranakan Mansion Museum 💰 Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (Blue Mansion) 💰 Khoo Kongsi 💰 Sun Yat-sen Museum Penang 💰 🛺 If you don't want to walk, you can take a trishaw (rickshaw) where passengers sit in front and the driver pedals from behind. Locals jokingly call it "customer dies first" (if there's an accident, the passenger is in front). The drivers will take you through the streets and alleys, perfect for photos and checking in at popular spots.

Did you know Penang has its own Tian Hou Temple? The belief in Mazu truly knows no boundaries! Penang's Tian Hou Temple was established in 1886 and was originally known as the Hainan Association. All the building materials were transported from Hainan, and the current structure is a reconstruction from 1895. The main hall of Penang's Tian Hou Temple enshrines Mazu, the Heavenly Mother. On the right is Shui Wei Sheng Niang, the sea goddess of Hainan Island, and on the left are the memorial tablets of the 108 Brothers. Inside the temple, there are many plaques from the Qing Dynasty that have been well-preserved to this day. In 1995, during the temple's centennial celebration, master sculptors from Hui'an, Fujian were specially invited to redesign the temple's sculptures. The craftsmanship is incredibly intricate and holds significant artistic value. The Tian Hou Temple is located near the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion and Love Lane, making it easy to plan a visit to these spots together. Afterward, you can head to Red Garden Food Paradise to enjoy a feast.

Last week, I visited the Thean Hou Kong Temple, also known as Penang's Hainan Temple. In countries with Chinese communities, it is common to worship Mazu, the goddess who protects the sea and fishermen. Therefore, people often come to pray for her protection before embarking on a journey. This temple also has a unique way of drawing fortune sticks. You close your eyes, make a wish, and pick one stick from the container. There is a fortune-telling box placed below.

Penang's George Town is a world-renowned tourist destination, attracting thousands of visitors daily. George Town boasts numerous Chinese cultural heritage sites and temples. In 2024, I visited one such historical Chinese temple: Tian Hou Gong Temple. The temple is free to visit and does not require an entrance fee. It is conveniently located near the shipping dock and bus station, making it easily accessible. Tian Hou Gong was established by the first generation of Chinese immigrants to George Town and has a history spanning seven generations, over 200 years. The temple's architecture and decorations are rich in Chinese cultural and artistic styles, making it a perfect spot for photography📸. The temple is not crowded, allowing for a peaceful visit to pray and take photos📸. Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the main hall. Address: 93, Lebuh Muntri, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang