The temple is dedicated to Admiral Zheng He, also known as Cheng Ho, who led seven naval expeditions for the Ming Dynasty.
It is built at the base of Bukit China, a hillside site containing over 12,000 Chinese graves dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
The name 'Poh San Teng' translates literally to 'Hill Temple'.
The temple shares grounds with the historic Hang Li Poh's Well, which reportedly never dried up even during severe droughts.
The building was constructed to serve as a place for the Chinese community to pay respects to their ancestors buried on the adjacent hill.
Poh San Teng Temple is a Chinese temple situated at the foot of Bukit China in Malacca, Malaysia. Constructed in 1795 by Kapitan China Chua Su Cheong, the temple honors Admiral Zheng He, a famed Ming Dynasty explorer. The structure serves as an integral part of the larger Bukit China complex, which is one of the oldest and largest Chinese burial grounds outside of China. Its proximity to the historical Hang Li Poh's Well links the site directly to the legend of the Ming princess who married Sultan Mansur Shah. The temple architecture reflects traditional Fujianese styles, characterized by intricate roof carvings and ceramic ornaments. It functions as a place of worship and a memorial for the local Chinese community. The site remains a focal point for heritage tourism due to its historical connection to the 15th-century diplomatic ties between China and the Malacca Sultanate.
The ornate entrance gate of the temple with the hillside burial grounds visible in the background.
Combine your visit with a walk up the stairs of Bukit China for panoramic views of the surrounding Malacca town.
Carry bottled water as the area is largely outdoor and lacks significant shade.
Visit the adjacent well to see the historic stone structure used by the Malacca Sultanate.
Do not wander off the marked paths into the private grave areas on the hillside to show respect to the burial site.
Dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees; remove shoes before entering the inner sanctum.
