Yap Temple (Choo Chay Keong 慈濟宮)

Choo Chay Keong Temple, George Town, Penang (30 January 2006)


The Yap Temple, officially called Choo Chay Keong 慈濟宮 (Cí Jì Gōng, Penang Hokkien: Cu3 Cae1 Keong1), is the clan temple of the Lum Yeong Tong Yap Kongsi, located next to it. The official name translates roughly as the Palace of Bestowing Relief. The clan temple is located at the corner of Armenian Street and Cannon Street, in the core zone of the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site.

360° View of Yap Temple on Google Street View

The diminutive temple - small compared to other buildings surrounding it - was erected for the worship of the Yap clan's patron deity, Hoay Che Chung Wang, as well as for the display of the Yap ancestral tablets. As such, it can also be called the Yap Ancestral Temple (葉氏祠堂).

Choo Chay Keong Temple (29 January 2005)

Getting there

If you are walking from the Weld Quay Ferry & Bus Terminal, refer to Google map on this page. From the bus terminal, cross Pengkalan Weld using the pedestrian bridge. Turn left and walk along Pengkalan Weld until the junction of Gat Lebuh Chulia. Turn right into Gat Lebuh Chulia. At the junction of Lebuh Pantai, Gat Lebuh Chulia becomes Lebuh Chulia. Continue along Lebuh Chulia until the junction of Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling. Turn left and walk along Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling until the junction of Lebuh Armenian. You will see Choo Chay Keong Temple at the junction of Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling and Lebuh Armenian, to the right.

Choo Chay Keong Temple can be reached by taking the Rapid Penang Bus 10, 103, 301, 302, 401, U502, disembarking at Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling. Check the Rapid Penang Bus Routes for details. From Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling bus stop, walk in the southwards. You will see Choo Chay Keong Temple at the junction of Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling and Lebuh Armenian, to the right.

Prayer Hall, Yap Temple (8 February 2013)


Interior of Yap Temple with altar table and alcove with images of the Yap patron deities (8 February 2013)

What to see and do

The dragon pillars supporting the front porch of Choo Chay Keong Temple is exquisite. The polygonal incendary in front of the temple was only added during the renovations of the 1990's.

Nearby Sights

The following sights are reference against the main entrance of Yap Kongsi.
Inside Choo Chay Keong Temple (29 January 2005)


Guardian lions and paqua on the altar at Choo Chay Keong Temple (29 January 2005)


Intricate roof ornamentation of the Choo Chay Keong Temple (30 January 2006)


Choo Chay Keong Temple at night (13 February 2005)

Location of Yap Temple on the map

List of Clan Temples in Penang, Chinese Temples in Penang and Chinese Temples in Malaysia