Kuan Yin Teng

On Lebuh Pitt is the temple of Kuan Yin Teng – the goddess of mercy, good fortune, peace and fertility. Built in the early 19th century by the first Hokkien and Cantonese settlers in Penang, the temple is not large or especially impressive, but it’s very central and popular with the Chinese community. It seems to be forever swathed in smoke from the outside furnaces, where worshippers burn paper money, and from the incense sticks waved around inside. It’s a very busy place, and Chinese theatre takes place on the goddess’ birthday, celebrated on the 19th day of the second, sixth and ninth lunar months.