Penang Heritage Area 1. Kuan Yin Temple Kuan Yin Temple is Penang’s oldest temple. Built in 1728, it is set on Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling (previously known as Pitt Street) and was constructed by early immigrant settlers from China. Upon completion, the temple was one of the most magnificent Chinese-style structures in northern Malaysia. Erected at the cost of 4,000 Spanish dollars, a princely sum at the time, it was built in honor of the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin. Older than the kongsis (clan houses) of Penang, it was originally used not only for religious but also for social functions within the Chinese community. Kuan Yin Temple was originally named Kong Hock Keong temple (Cantonese-Hokkien Temple). 2. Khoo Kongsi Khoo Kongsi is one of Georgetown’s most interesting attractions. Built some 650 years ago, it is part of the goh tai seh (five big clans) that formed the backbone of the Hokkien community in olden-days Penang. One of Penang’s m