Kuan Yin See, Burmah Road

Kuan Yin See, George Town, Penang (8 October 2005)


Kuan Yin See, or Temple of the Goddess of Mercy, is a Taoist temple along Jalan Burma. This is a different temple from the Kuan Im Teng, also translated as the Goddess of Mercy Temple, of Pitt Street.

The Kuan Yin See was founded in 1922 by Ben Zhong, the second abbot of Kek Lok Si Temple who was also the one who built the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas. At the entrance to the temple is a name plaque and on either sides are pillar couplets, with calligraphy written by Chen Baochen, an official in the former Qing imperial court.

Kuan Yin See, front façade (16 October 2004)


The Temple of the Goddess of Mercy has become associated with the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, so much so that many people thought this is the Nine Emperor Gods Temple of Penang, which is a different temple located in Macallum Street. Nonetheless, the Kuan Yin See is the busiest during this festival, with stalls erected at the front selling vegetarian meals and confectioneries.

The Kuan Yin is was once the home of Fa Kong, a flamboyant monk whose legacy included founding a zoo in Air Itam, in what is now Zoo Road. An inscription attributed to him, of Zen verses, can be seen on the rock in the garden of Kek Lok Si Temple.

Kuan Yin See, lanterns (16 October 2004)


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Getting there

From the Komtar Bus Terminal, walk along Tek Soon Street towards Penang Road. Cross Penang Road and turn right. Walk along Penang Road until you reach the pedestrian bridge. Use the pedestrian bridge to cross to Burmah Road. Walk down Burmah Road until you reach Kuan Yin See on the right side of the road.

What to see and do

The Kuan Yin See presents a photography opportunity to capture scenes within a Taoist temple. While the worshippers will not bother with you, be respectful and do not intrude on those who in the midst of worshipping. The best time to come is during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, when the temple becomes extremely crowded and busy.

The side entrance of Kuan Yin See (16 October 2004)

Nearby Sights

A devotee lighting joss sticks in Kuan Yin See (16 October 2004)


Joss coils at Kuan Yin See (16 October 2004)

Location of Kuan Yin see on the map

List of Chinese Temples in Penang and Chinese Temples in Malaysia