Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi

The Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, or simply Khoo Kongsi, is arguably the most magnificent and famous Chinese clan house in Malaysia and a must-see attraction in George Town. Tucked away in a hidden courtyard in the heart of the old city, this clan temple is a breathtaking testament to the wealth, status, and craftsmanship of the Khoo clan, who were prominent traders from the Hokkien province of China. The temple is an architectural masterpiece, featuring incredibly elaborate and intricate carvings of dragons, deities, and other mythological figures on its walls, pillars, and roof ridges.

The interior is just as stunning, with ornate prayer halls, beautifully gilded woodwork, and historic ancestral tablets. A visit to Khoo Kongsi is like stepping into a different world, offering a profound insight into the importance of clan heritage, ancestor worship, and the extraordinary artistic achievements of the Chinese community in Penang.