Description and is it worth visiting
This Chinese Taoist temple (Sze Ya Temple) was built in 1864 and is currently the oldest temple of this religion in the capital. It is also one of the most revered temples of the Chinese community in Kuala Lumpur.
It's hard to spot from the street: the entrance is quite unassuming, and at first glance, it looks like a very ordinary small local temple. But once you step inside, its scale reveals itself: besides the main prayer hall, it even has an inner courtyard and parking, which is very rare for this expensive area. Tourists can visit the temple completely freely.
Life is almost always bustling in the temple: worshippers burn incense, pray, and make wishes. It is especially crowded here on the eve and during the Chinese New Year — when the space is filled with vibrant ceremonies and special energy. At the same time, the atmosphere is completely free: tourists are welcome, and there is no strict dress code.
All in all, this place is definitely worth visiting when you're strolling through Chinatown. It might not be worth going to the temple specifically for a five-minute visit, but as part of getting to know the colorful Chinese quarter and the Petaling Street market, it's an excellent option.
🕐 Opening hours
Daily 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
💵 Admission / ticket price
Free.
🚶 How to get there
The Chinese temple is located in Chinatown on one of the narrow streets of the quarter, Jalan Cheng Lock (temple on the map), a few minutes' walk from the Petaling Street shopping street. The Pasar Seni and Masjid Jamek metro stations are a 10-minute walk away; you can also take the purple line free Go KL bus, stop Kota Raya (Petaling Street).
🚀 Tours of Kuala Lumpur with reviews
To make getting to know the capital's attractions more interesting and easier, we recommend checking out these trusted tour search and booking sites:
- Trip.com – the largest tour database, accept Russian cards
- Sputnik8 – tours in Russian, trusted guides
- Tripster – private and group tours in Russian
- GetYourGuide – international platform, many reviews
💡 Tip: Compare offers on different platforms — prices and programs can vary greatly.