Tin How Temple

The Tin How Temple, in San Francisco

The Tin How Temple is one of the oldest Chinese temples of the United States, in the heart of Chinatown. The San Francisco audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this traditional place of worship, dedicated to the goddess of the sea.

One of the oldest Chinese temples of the country

In the nineteenth century, the laws of the town forbade the Chinese to settle outside Chinatown; it is therefore in this district that the oldest temples are found. The Tin How Temple is one of them, and is among the oldest Chinese temples of the United States. Nestled on the upper floor of a building, it is dedicated to Tin How, protective goddess of sailors and the sea, venerated by the community. Its interior, decked with red lanterns, incense, offerings and gilding, gives off a contemplative atmosphere imbued with spirituality. You discover it with respect, as a precious testimony of the faith and the traditions of Chinatown.

What to see

Here you discover, with respect, one of the oldest Chinese temples of the United States, nestled on the upper floor and dedicated to the goddess of the sea Tin How, with an interior decked with red lanterns, incense and gilding. The Tin How Temple testifies to the spirituality of Chinatown. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Tin How Temple lies in the heart of Chinatown, in San Francisco, on the upper floor of a building, reachable on foot. A working place of worship, it can be visited with respect; access follows its own hours, which vary, and discretion is required. It is best to respect the silence, the faithful and the sacred character of the place.

To whom is the Tin How Temple of San Francisco dedicated?

To Tin How, protective goddess of sailors and the sea, venerated by the Chinese community; it is one of the oldest Chinese temples of the United States, in the heart of Chinatown.

Where is the Tin How Temple?

In the heart of Chinatown, in San Francisco, in the United States.