Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Malacca, Malaysia

For UNESCO heritage lovers there is a very old temple to visit in Malaysia: the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Malacca.

History of Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Malacca

Built in 1645, this is the oldest functioning Chinese temple in Malacca town of Malaysia. It will surprise you to know that the building materials for this temple were imported from China then.The temple has been rebuilt several times. In 2003, Cheng Hoon Teng was tagged with the prestigious UNESCO award for outstanding architectural restoration. It is also known as the ‘Merciful Cloud Temple’.

Interiors of Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

Cheng Hoon Teng temple is a living treasure. The woodwork is stunning and one of the major reasons why tourists flock to see this temple. The beams, sculptures of mythical creatures, deities, and exquisite tiles are amazing creations. Look upwards to find the roof decorated with beautiful figurines. Golden phoenixes and dragons, sculpted in fine porcelain cut and paste shard work, add splendor to the building. The main deity in the temple is Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy.

(Pic: Beehive Communications)

Architecture is amazing! Details here reflects the skills of craftsmen present in those years. The temple consists of a complex of several prayer halls. The unique fact is that not a single nail was used in the wooden construction of the main shrine hall. Another dramatic feature is the seven-meter red flag-pole facing the left wing of the main prayer hall. It houses the remains of two of the three Kapitans who contributed to the construction of the temple. The temple conforms to the principles of feng shui.

Cheng Hoon Teng temple, Malacca is worth a detour from the nearby Jonker Street!