Macau Temples

(Last updated: August 5, 2026)

Most of the temples in Macau are either Buddhist or Taoist, and are built according to the principles of feng shui.  In ideal circumstances, they face the sea or a broad field, and/or back onto a mountain.  That’s so they can see evil dragons and other such nefarious spirits coming.

The roof is usually very complex, decorated with porcelain statues and other auspicious symbols, like dragons and carp.  In more affluent temples, there are also finely carved wooden pictures and clay friezes.

Temple guardians are usually painted on the entrance doors, which are often flanked by two stone lions.  The main feature inside is the altar, which is usually decorated with candles and flower vases, along with offerings of fruit and drinks.  Two imposing statues are often placed there: Thousand-Li Eye who wields an axe and sees all, and Favourable Wind-Ear, who can hear everything.

In terms of deities, the four most popular ones in Macau are the Buddha, Kun Iam (Goddess of Mercy), Tin Hau (or A Ma, Goddess of Seafarers) and Kwan Tai (God of Riches, Literature, War and Pawnshops).

Temples are individually managed and financed by worshippers, so if you visit, dropping 5 or 10 Mops into the donation box might go a long way.

Let’s begin then with major temples situated around Camoes Park.

Shi Gan Dang Temple

Originally this temple was nothing more than a stone tablet dedicated to Grandpa Shi Gandang. 

In 1894, locals decided that a stone tablet didn’t do the man enough justice, so they built a temple as well.

One of only two Shi Gandang temples in the world – the other being in Jinan, China – the Macau version is said to be much better.

Location: Travessa da Ponte

Tai Soi (Temple of Sleeping Buddha)

This small complex is composed of three adjoining temples: Pao Gong Temple (1889), Nam San Temple (1889) and the Temple of Divinity of Medicine (1893). 

The temples were constructed during a deadly epidemic, when residents turned to the gods for protection and relief from disease.

It’s a popular place of worship among pregnant women, who pay respect to the God of fertility and child rearing.

Location: Rua da Figueira

Tou Tei Temple (Temple of the Local God of Land)

Located on the northern side of Camoes Park, Tou Tei Temple was founded in the late Ming Dynasty. 

One of the oldest shrines in Macau, it has a history of over 600 years.

Every year the Earth God Temple is home to the Feast of Tou Tei Festival in February or March.

Location: Rua da Palmeira

Two of Macau’s most historically significant temples are situated around Mong Ha Hill: Kun Iam Temple and Lin Fung Temple.

Kun Iam Tong

One of the Three Ancient Temples of Macau, Kun Iam Tong was built in the 13th Century and restored in 1627, 1818 and 1858. 

Dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, it’s one of the city’s most affluent temples, as evidenced by its impressive collection of artwork and complex roof that’s inundated with exquisite porcelain figures.

Kun Iam Hall is the main hall featuring the Goddess of Mercy wearing silk clothes and a crown that is changed every year. Flanking her are 18 Buddhas, one of which is said to resemble Marco Polo, who practiced Buddhism in the temple in the 13th Century.

Make sure to visit the large garden in the back, home to ponds, statues and impressive looking carved stones.

For more pictures and information, please check out Trip Report I.

Location: Avenida do Coronel Mesquita

Opening Hours: 7:30 am to 5:00 pm

Lin Fung (Temple of Lotus)

Another of the Three Ancient Temples of Macau, Lin Fung Temple is said to have been built during the Ming Dynasty in 1592. 

The bronze bells and iron cauldrons date back to the 17th century. They were gifts from cities around the Pearl River Delta, thanking Macau for building and repairing their ships.

In the main courtyard there’s a lotus filled pond and a beautifully carved dragon collage.

To view more pictures, please have a look at Trip Report I.

Location: Avenida do Almirante Lacerda

Opening Hours: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm

Bamboo Temple

One of my favourite temples, the Bamboo Temple was constructed in 1911.

It’s dedicated to three divinities: the God of Medicine, Kun Iam and the Immortal Leung Kun.

Mu Yi and I paid a visit to the Bamboo Temple during Trip Report II.

Location: Estrada de Coelho do Amaral & Rua de Bras da Rosa

Xian Feng Miao (Temple of the Immortal Vanguard)

Located in a small lane opposite the Ox Warehouse, Xian Feng Miao was built in 1861.

Location: Travessa de Coelho do Amaral

The rest of these temples are scattered all around Macau.

Hong Kung Temple

In the 19th Century, Hong Kung Temple used to be located right on the coastline, and one day a wooden statue of Hong Kung washed up onto the shore.

The local residents took it as a sign of divine intervention and built a temple there in 1860. 

Up until the 1970’s Hong Kung Temple was home to a free school for the poor and illiterate, and is also known as the Bazaar Temple. 

To view more pictures, please have a look at Trip Report III.

Location: Rua de Cinco de Outubro

Lin Kai (Stream of Mourning Temple)

Lin Kai Temple was built in the 17th Century, and features an intricate facade of granite carvings and tiled pictures.

The main hall is a shrine to Ua Kuong, the dark-faced God who guards against fire.

In an adjoining hall there are statues of 18 goddesses with children, symbolizing childbirth and rearing.

Location: Travessa da Corda

Opening Hours: 7:30 am to 5:15 pm

Na Tcha Temple

One of two temples dedicated to the child God Na Tcha, this one is much older, having been built at the beginning of the Qing Dynasty.

Location: Calcada das Verdades

Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Temple of the King of Medicine

This pretty yellow temple was first constructed in 1933.  It recently underwent a reconstruction that I don’t like, so I’ve left the old pictures up.

To see more pictures of how it used to look before, please follow the link to Trip Report I.

Location: Rua do Almirante Costa Cabral & Rua do Ultramar

To take a tour of Taipa temples, just click the link below.