Tien Hau Temple, San Francisco
Arguably the oldest Chinese temple in North America, established in 1853 as a place of refuge, and worship for newly come Chinese to this far shore. Tien Hau is revered as a Goddess who has control over the Heavens and Sea to ensure safe passage, it seems fitting that those devoted to her erect a temple in her honor after such a long and wild sea journey. Built with an eye for privacy when worshipping and discretion against other hostile cultures, this temple was built on the top level of a large building. If you have been to China and have seen the larger state temples, then it might seem a little cozy to you. The Temple is built more along the lines of a family shrine being decorated like one with red light bulbs, golden lanterns, and ornate Chinese décor. Located on the third floor of a tidy walk up at 125 Waverly Place, just west of the infamous Grant Street, the Temple is open from to 10AM to 4PM daily. If lost one can also ask a local for the Tin How Temple. A fun feature of this temple is that if you feel the need to do so, you can bring a statue of Guan Yin (look in any nearby Chinese market on the walk to the Temple), which the caretaker will embody, with the energies of the Goddess over night.
Source: Justin Howard, San Diego Gay Travel Examiner
Brought to by a lonely Ventura Chiropractor who longs to be back in San Francisco! This is my next best thing to be able to talk about it.
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