The Cheng Hoon Teng Temple at Jalan Tokong, Malacca, is the oldest and surely one of the grandest Chinese temples in Malaysia. The temple, with its curved roof ridge, cut-and-paste chien nien decoration, and gable design, reflects the architectural style of South China, of craftsmen from Fujian and Guangdong. It has recently been restored, and in the process garnered a prestigious Unesco award for outstanding architectural restoration.
Cheng Hoon Teng, which means Temple of Clear Clouds, was founded in the early 17th century (not sure exactly when, but some say 1645) by the Kapitan China Tay Kie Ki alias Tay Hong Yong. In addition to being the religious institution, the temple also served as the official administrative centre and court of justice of the Kapitans, which included Li Wei King, Chan Lak Kua and Chua Su Cheong.
One side of column in the entrance employs Cao-shu, a grass script style of Chinese calligraphy which was done by Robert van Gulik (1910-1967), a Dutch diplomat and authority on Chinese history and culture.
The main hall was first constructed in 1704 by Chan Ki Lock, and was rebuilt by Kapitan China Chua Su Cheong in 1801. The central altar is dedicated to Kuanyin, the goddess of mercy. To her left (in the worshippers' direction) is Ma Choo @ Ma Choe Poh, patron diety of fishermen, sailors and sea travellers. Next to her is the goddess of birth. On the far end is Kuan Kong. The diety with the gold face is Pau Sen Ta Tek, the god of welding.
Unlike other Chinese temples, the Cheng Hoon Teng does not employ door gods. Instead the doors are guarded by the famous Taoist monks, The Eight Immortals. At the outer gate are the Eight Immortals on the animals that they ride on. At the entrance to the main hall, the Eight Immortals are no longer shown as humans, but are instead symbolized as dragons with four claws. Within their claws are the Eight Immortals' instruments, namely the flute, knife, lotus and fan. These dragon representations are called Ar Enn Pak Sien, or Hidden Eight Immortals.
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