Leong San See Temple
Leong San See Temple (“Dragon Mountain Temple” in Mandarin) is one of Singapore’s most ornate Buddhist temples. Established by Reverend Chun Wu in 1917, who arrived in Singapore in 1913 with only an urn and a statue of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy.
An Hai Dragon Mountain Temple (安海龍山寺), Jinjiang, Fujian. Photo credit: chetek3.blogspot.com
Origins in the Tang Dynasty
Leong San Buddhist Temple has its origin in another temple of the same name in Nan An County, Fujian Province, established during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD). This Singapore temple was built in 1917 by Reverend Zhuan Wu, who came to Singapore in 1913 with only a statue of Guan Yin. He had learned Chinese medicine, specialising in eye treatment.
It was called Leong San Lodge then and consisted of only a few huts. The central hut was for the worship of Guan Yin, and celebrations were held in her honour on the 19th day of the second, sixth, and ninth Lunar month.
A temple takes shape
In 1925, Tan Boon Liat, a prominent local philanthropist and merchant, donated a substantial sum to expand the modest lodge into a proper temple. He personally oversaw the project as both supervisor and treasurer.
Building materials, timber beams, and ornamental carvings were imported directly from China. By 1926, the new temple was completed, featuring a grand main hall in the style of a Chinese palace, corridors, side verandas, guest rooms, monks’ chambers, and prayer halls.
Leong San See Temple, c. 1937. Credit: National Museum of Singapore
Leong San See Temple, c. 1980s
Preserving a century of heritage
Many restoration schemes were carried out through the decades to preserve the temple’s architectural heritage. The most significant work was undertaken in the 1970s under Abbot Venerable Kong Hiap (广洽法师), who added the main shrine and the left and right wings in 1972.
Venerable Kong Hiap also founded the Mee Toh School in 1954 and successfully petitioned for Vesak Day to become a public holiday in Singapore in 1956, a landmark achievement for the Buddhist community.
A living temple for all
Today, Leong San Buddhist Temple stands as one of Singapore's most ornate and historically significant Buddhist temples. It continues to serve as a centre for Buddhist practice, prayer services, ancestral worship, and community outreach.
The temple welcomes visitors of all backgrounds, offering a place of peace and reflection in the heart of the city. Its rich heritage and commitment to the community remain as strong as ever.
Leong San See Temple at Race Course Road, c. 1980s. Credit: National Museum of Singapore