Eng Chuan Tong Tan Kongsi

Eng Chuan Tong Tan Kongsi (29 January 2005)

Eng Chuan Tong (GPS: 5.41333, 100.33622) is the clan temple of the Eng Chuan Tong Tan Kongsi, probably the oldest of the Tan clan associations in Penang. The ancestral temple of the clan association is located at Seh Tan Court, in a compound linked to Beach Street, in the inner city of George Town, Penang.

The Tans are one of the most common surnames among the Chinese in Penang (According to Wikipedia¹, Tan is the 5th most common surname in China, as of 2007). Written in Traditional Chinese as 陳, Simplified Chinese as 陈 and in pinyin as Chén, it dates back to the Zhou Dynasty. After King Wu of Zhou founded the Zhou Dynasty, he bestowed on the descendants of Emperor Shun the Land of Chen. The surname Chen is spelled Tan in Hokkien as well as in Teochew, in all the places where these two languages are spoken.

Although the ancestral temple was built in 1878, the exact date of the clan's establishment has been lost. Two of the oldest documents in the temple - a copper altar and a wooden plaque - date from 1852 and 1857 respectively. The clan association is believed to have been established in 1810 or perhaps even earlier, making it one of the oldest (if not the oldest) clan associations in Penang.

The Eng Chuan Tong Tan Kongsi was originally located at Chulia Street, and was known as Wei Hoey Beow. Only later was its name changed to Eng Chuan Tong. Surrounding the ancestral temple are row townhouses belonging to members of the clan. Among its accomplishments was the establishment of the Eng Chuan School for children of needy members.

In addition to Eng Chuan Tong, I have also written about another Tan Kongsi, the Sungai Nibong Tan Kongsi.

Getting there

You can walk to Tan Kongsi from Weld Quay Ferry & Bus Terminal. Cross Pengkalan Weld using the pedestrian bridge, then turn left, walk along Pengkalan Weld until junction of Gat Lebuh Chulia, then turn right. Walk along Gat Lebuh Chulia until junction of Lebuh Pantai, then turn left. Walk along Beach Street until you reach Tan Kongsi on your right, about 300 meters from the junction.