Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple

The Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple is a historic Chinese temple located on Jalan Trus in central Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. Believed to have been established in the 19th century and rebuilt in 1870, it is one of the oldest structures in the city. Dedicated to five deities representing five major Chinese dialect groups, it symbolizes unity among the Chinese community and is renowned for its annual Chingay procession and well-preserved heritage architecture.

Visitors can expect a small, historic temple set among shophouses in downtown Johor Bahru on Jalan Trus. The interior houses altars dedicated to five deities, incense offerings, traditional wood carvings, murals and heritage displays. The compact courtyard and prayer halls are accessible for sightseeing and photography. Informational panels explain the temple's history and its role in uniting the local Chinese community. The surroundings are urban with nearby heritage streets, museums and shops.

The temple is believed to have existed since the mid-19th century, with major reconstruction in 1870 under the leadership of Kapitan Tan Kee Soon. It is one of the oldest surviving structures in Johor Bahru and reflects the early settlement of the Chinese community under the Johor Sultanate. The building has been preserved and renovated while retaining its historic character and is managed by the Johor Bahru Tiong-Hua Association.

The temple enshrines five deities - Yuan Tian Shang Di, Hong Xian Da Di, Gan Tian Da Di, Hua Guang Da Di and Zhao Da Yuan Shuai - each representing one of the five major Chinese dialect groups (Teochew, Hokkien, Cantonese, Hakka and Hainanese). It serves as a symbol of unity and cooperation among these groups. It is the focal point of the annual Chingay parade, a major cultural and religious procession held during Chinese New Year.