Hong Sun Si Temple 鳳山寺, Green Lane

Hong Sun Si Temple, Green Lane, Penang (16 February 2021)


Hong Sun Si Temple (GPS: 5.38533, 100.30322; Traditional Chinese: 鳳山寺, Simplified Chinese: 凤山寺) is a very old Hokkien temple located in Green Lane behind Gembira Parade. It is on Lintang Delima 1, though at the time of its founding, no such road existed yet, so there was a country path from Green Lane to the temple.

The British settlement of George Town was still very young when the temple was established in 1805, by a group of Hokkien settlers that came from Nan'an, Yongchun and Anxi districts of Quanzhou, in southeastern Fujian Province, in southern China. Hong Sun Si Temple was established for the Hokkien community staying in the coconut grove and plantations there, dedicated to the patron deity. On the wall of the temple is a stelae inscribed in 1864, documenting the names of the founders of the temple, namely Meng Chengjin from Yongchun district, Liang Guangting from Nan'an district and Yap Hup Keat from Anxi district.

Over the centuries, the place underwent development. In the early years, Green Lane, the main road that runs through the plantation, was nothing more than a country road. Over the years, as housing development sprout around it, Green Lane was widened a few times to take on its present incarnation, renamed Jalan Masjid Negeri. Hong Sun Si Temple itself underwent several renovations to arrive at its present form.

Hong Sun Si Temple is on the Map of Green Lane, Penang

How to go to Hong Sun Si Temple

It is easiest to reach Hong Sun Si by car. If taking public transport, Rapid Penang Buses No. 102, 206 and 304 pass through Jalan Masjid Negeri (Green Lane) in front of Gembira Parade.

What to see at Hong Sun Si Temple

Hong Sun Si is a spacious temple with an equally big compound. The walls are covered by titles. Inside the main prayer hall, look at the stelae (or tablet) embedded on the wall. Also on the wall are titles with pictures from Chinese mythology.

Hong Sun Si Temple, Green Lane, Penang (16 February 2021)


Hong Sun Si Temple, Green Lane, Penang (16 February 2021)


Hong Sun Si Temple (23 September 2008)


Main entrance of Hong Sun Si Temple (23 September 2008)


Door god of Hong Sun Si Temple (23 September 2008)
Main altar at Hong Sun Si Temple (23 September 2008)


Founding tablet, Hong Sun Si Temple (23 September 2008)


Picture tiles at Hong Sun Si Temple (23 September 2008)

List of Chinese Temples in Penang and Chinese Temples in Malaysia