Kuan Yin Temple was built in 1880 and is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin. Also known as Guanyin Temple, it is located across the road from Jalan Stadium in Chinatown. Featuring distinctly Chinese and European baroque architecture, the temple is one of the most colourful shrines in the city.
Kuan Yin Temple faces the Bulatan Merdeka roundabout, across the street from the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall. Since it is nearby the Masjid Jamek LRT station, it is easy for tourists to get to. Though the temple is not as extravagant as others in the city, it is worth a visit to see the three golden Chinese Buddhist statues inside.
The figure in the main prayer hall is that of Shakyamuni (Gautama Buddha); to his right is the statue of the South Sea Guanyin – a robed statue with a flashing halo. To the left of Shakyamuni is Qianshou (Thousand Arm Goddess of Mercy) Guanyin: this statue represents Kuan Yin’s compassionate side as the goddess purportedly has a ‘thousand hands and a thousand eyes’ to generously provide for devotees. At prayer times (12:30 – 13:45), the chanting of ‘Namo Guanshiyin Bodhisattva’ from devotees and priests is a beautiful, melodious sound.