Kheng Hock Keong

Kheng Hock Keong Temple after World War II, in 1945.

Kheng Hock Keong Temple (Chinese: 慶福宮; pinyin: Qìngfú Gōng), located on Strand Road in Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar (Burma), is the largest and oldest Chinese Buddhist temple in Yangon. It was built in the late 1800s, and is maintained by a Hokkien Chinese clan association. The temple attracts mostly Hokkien and Hakka worshippers, while the other temple, located in Latha Township, attracts Cantonese worshippers.

Fu Sun Temple is situated on Kaba Aye Zedi Road, a block away from the Sedona Hotel. Fu Sun Temple is one of the oldest and most famous Chinese Buddhist temples in Yangon. It was established 148 years ago. No one knows clearly when and how exactly the temple was built and who were involved it its construction. The temple-tender, Mr., Yang, has been looking after this temple for many years. He said he has absolutely no idea about the initial history of the temple but he said he has taken part in its renovation in the year 1960

In the beginning when the temple was first built, there wasn’t anything around the temple. Unlike before, there are now a restaurant and a basketball court within the same compound of the temple. There is also a small artificial body of water in the center of the compound, right in front of the entrance to the temple.

Fu Sun Temple, which people refer to the compound as a whole, has broken people’s impression of a typical worship place. The seriousness and austerity of a Chinese Temple can not be found here. The whole place has turned out to be something more like a Chinese park. If you stroll around the area, you can see many traditional Chinese sculptures and architectural designs. One would definitely notice the circular Chinese balconies with their stone-made tables and stools. Beside one of the balconies, there is a collection of simple miniature versions of Chinese bridge and towers. One can even take photographs standing on the bridge or sitting beside one of the towers.

The park aims to attract both young and old people to the temple. Visiting temples for praying and mediating as routines that should be strictly followed have long left the minds of some less-devoted people. Going to the temple and visiting the park has become a pleasurable activity for families, as well as young people who like to play basketball. The laughters of people from the restaurant and the basketball court lighten your heart as you step into the temple.