Kheng Hock Keong Temple

Kheng Hock Keong Temple stands on 18th Street in Latha Township, in Yangon's Chinatown, Myanmar. The Fujian-style Chinese temple is dedicated to Mazu, the sea goddess who protects sailors and travellers, and it serves the city's Chinese-Burmese community, many of whose ancestors arrived by sea from Fujian province. The temple's roofline is decorated with carved dragons, ceramic figures and upturned eaves, and the interior is dark with the smoke of large incense coils hanging from the ceiling. Red lanterns, gilded carvings, wooden altars and statues of deities fill the main hall, and worshippers burn joss sticks, light candles and offer fruit. Entry is free, though donations are welcome. A visit takes about 30 minutes. The temple is open daily from about 06:00 to 18:00, and the atmosphere is most lively in the morning, when worshippers arrive, and during Chinese festivals such as Lunar New Year, when crowds and offerings increase. The best photo angles are of the ornate gate and roofline from the street and the hanging incense coils from inside, though visitors should be discreet and avoid photographing worshippers at prayer. The temple lies about a ten-minute walk from Chinatown's 19th Street, famous for its barbecue restaurants, and a taxi from Sule Pagoda costs about 1,500 to 3,000 MMK (about $0.35 to $0.70). Many visitors combine it with an evening meal on 19th Street. Smoke can irritate the eyes, and visitors should dress modestly and show respect when moving through the hall.