Tin How Temple, Taoist temple in Chinatown, San Francisco.
Tin How Temple is a Taoist sanctuary located on the top floor of a four-story building on Waverly Place. The interior displays Chinese architectural details with red lanterns, traditional altars, and a statue of the goddess Mazu.
The sanctuary was founded in 1852 and survived the major earthquake of 1906, with its original altar, goddess statue, and temple bell remaining intact. This continuity makes it one of the oldest Chinese temples on the West Coast.
The temple honors Mazu, a goddess central to Chinese maritime traditions and spiritual protection. Visitors can observe people making offerings and seeking blessings through rituals performed here.
The temple sits at the top of an older building and requires climbing three flights of stairs to reach the entrance. Visitors should expect modest lighting and show respect for active worshippers who pray there.
The name Waverly Place derives directly from this temple and is called Tin How Temple Street in Chinese. This naming reflects how important this sanctuary was to the community from its founding.
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