| Lin
Fung Temple is one of the three famous temples in Macau
(the other two are: A-Ma Temple and Kun Iam Temple).
Lin
Fung Temple has a history of over 400 years as it was
originally built in 1592. It was restored many times in
the Qing Dynasty and most of the present structures are
the result of the restoration which started in 1876.
A
pair of stone lions guard the entrance, and Lin Fung Temple
has a fine facade of intricate clay bas-relief sculptures
carved in the 19th century depicting historical and mythological
figures.
The
main hall of this temple is dedicated to the Goddess of
Mercy, whose statue occupies an elaborate altar. The ceiling
is a particularly good example of black beam and exposed
white tile construction.
Historically,
Lin Fung Temple has been well known for centuries as the
place where Chinese Mandarins from Guangdong province
would stay when they came to Macau. The most renowned
visitor was Commissioner Lin Zexu, who, in order to suppress
the opium trade, interviewed officials of Macau in this
temple on September 3rd, 1839. He is now honored with
a six-foot granite statue and a new museum in the temple
courtyard. Because of this historic occasion, the temple
became renowned both at home and abroad. |