Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple
Guanyin temple on Waterloo Street, built in 1884
Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple is a Chinese temple to Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, at 178 Waterloo Street in the Bugis area, about 300 metres from Bugis MRT station. The original temple was built in 1884, making it one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Singapore, and the National Heritage Board records that during the Japanese Occupation it gave refuge to the sick, the wounded and the homeless. Major restoration and rebuilding works in the 1980s added the present facade. Besides Guanyin, the temple honours Hua Tuo, the patron saint of Chinese physicians, and it is also known as the Si Ma Lu Guanyin Tang.
Worshippers come through the day to light joss sticks, pray and draw fortune sticks. On the night before the first day of the lunar year, thousands of devotees gather hoping to be the first to plant joss sticks at midnight. Sri Krishnan Temple, a Hindu temple, stands a few doors away at 152 Waterloo Street, so the two can be seen on the same short walk. The National Heritage Board lists the temple among its historic sites. Rochor and Bencoolen MRT stations are also within about 400 metres.
Highlights
Original temple built in 1884
Dedicated to Guanyin, Goddess of Mercy
Refuge for the sick during the Japanese Occupation
Midnight crowds on the eve of the lunar year
Practical Info
Address
178 Waterloo Street, Singapore 187964
In This Destination
Central Region
Museums, temples, heritage quarters and the Southern Ridges hill parks