Chan See Shu Yuen Temple
Chan See Shu Yuen Temple is one of the largest and oldest surviving Buddhist temples in Malaysia. Located at the southern end of Jalan Petaling, it is characterized by a typical open courtyard and symmetrical pavilions, and decorated with colourful paintings, woodcarvings and ceramic fixtures. Built between 1897 and 1906, it is quite an elaborate temple: from outside you can see the intricately carved kwang-tung roof, gables and specially-crafted terracotta friezes with monumental Chinese history and mythological scenes. The interior of the main temple has pillars with scenes of gold-painted warriors battling lions, dragons and other mythical creatures.
Behind a glass wall in the main temple are statues of the Chan See Shu Yuen Temple's three main deities, including Chong Wah, an emperor of the Sung Dynasty; above them is a mural of a brilliant yellow sun. Meanwhile, decorating the edges of Chan See Shu Yuen Temple are blue ceramic vases and small statues of peasants (guardians of the temple) armed with poles crowned with lanterns; on either side of the entrance gate are shrines to the male and female guardians.
Chan See Shu Yuen Temple serves a dual function as both a shrine and a community centre. Originally built as a kongsi (clan house) for families with the surnames Chan, Chen or Tan, the clan founders are depicted at the central altar of the temple. Besides the temple’s beautiful architecture you can also see black-and-white pictures (some are hand drawn) of deceased clan members above the altars on the right and left of the main temple during your visit to the temple.
Kuan Yin Temple
Kuan Yin Temple was built in 1880 and is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin. Also known as Guanyin Temple, it is located across the road from Jalan Stadium in Chinatown. Featuring distinctly Chinese and European baroque architecture, the temple is one of the most colourful shrines in the city. Kuan Yin Temple faces the Bulatan Merdeka roundabout, across the street from the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall. Since it is nearby the Masjid Jamek LRT station, it is easy for tourists to get to. Though the temple is not as extravagant as others in the city, it is worth a visit to see the three golden Chinese Buddhist statues inside.
The figure in the main prayer hall is that of Shakyamuni (Gautama Buddha); to his right is the statue of the South Sea Guanyin – a robed statue with a flashing halo. To the left of Shakyamuni is Qianshou (Thousand Arm Goddess of Mercy) Guanyin: this statue represents Kuan Yin's compassionate side as the goddess purportedly has a 'thousand hands and a thousand eyes' to generously provide for devotees. At prayer times (12:30 – 13:45), the chanting of 'Namo Guanshiyin Bodhisattva' from devotees and priests is a beautiful, melodious sound.
How to get there
Both temples are located across the street from each other and are easily reached via a 15-minute walk from the Light Rail Train (LRT) Pasar Seni station, or the Maharajalela monorail station which is located within eyesight. Alternatively, it is only a walk down the road from Petaling Street.
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