Hong San Si Temple, Chinese temple in Carpenter Street, Kuching, Malaysia.
Hong San Si Temple is a Chinese temple in Kuching featuring bright red and gold exterior walls with ornate dragons carved into its roofline and decorative panels. The building displays traditional architectural details including intricately carved wooden screens, stone embellishments, and layered roof tiles typical of Hokkien temple design.
The temple was established in 1848 with support from James Brooke, the first Rajah of Sarawak, who helped complete its construction during his early governance. This backing from colonial leadership reflects the period when the region was under Brooke family rule.
The temple honors Kong Teck Choon Ong, a child deity in Hokkien tradition, whose presence shapes how visitors experience the space through incense offerings and colorful altar decorations. The deity's role in local life becomes visible through the way worshippers interact with the shrine and the seasonal celebrations that draw the community together.
The temple sits at the intersection of Jalan Wayang and Jalan Carpenter in central Kuching and welcomes visitors daily. Its location makes it easy to include in a walking route around the historic quarter of the city.
During the Great Fire of Kuching in 1884, local residents reported seeing the child deity on rooftops before rain suddenly appeared and extinguished the flames. This legend ties the temple to a pivotal moment in the city's survival.
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