Kun Iam Temple

The Kun Iam temple in the northern part of the peninsula dates in its present form from 1627 and runs back through a sequence of halls and courtyards to gardens behind, dedicated to Guanyin, with the goddess dressed in embroidered silks that are changed periodically. In 1844 the Treaty of Wanghia, the first between China and the United States, was signed at a stone table in the garden, which still stands with a plaque.

What's there

• The sequence of halls - courtyards running back from the street to the gardens.
• The Guanyin figure - the goddess dressed in silks changed periodically.
• The treaty table - the stone table in the garden where the 1844 treaty was signed.
• The garden - the planted ground behind the temple halls.

When to go

October to December is dry and cool. The temple keeps daily hours. Festival days bring large numbers of worshippers.

Practical notes

It is an active temple and worshippers take priority. Incense smoke is heavy indoors. It is a bus or taxi ride from the historic centre.

Nearby

Red Market is south, and Lou Lim Ieoc Garden is southwest.

Key facts