They are finally OPEN back! The latest hour update per the call today is: open 9:30am - 2:00pm everyday except Thursday. I miss the grandma temple attendant in the temple :) This temple is the oldest Chinese temple in California and it's very promising on your wishes.(For your strong wishes, like wishing your family health or kids' academic success, talk with the elder temple attendant to guide you on the right praying ceremony) read more

Worth the flight of stairs all the way up. They close at 2 PM and closed Thursdays. Very lovely to come and spend some time in a serene space. I really enjoyed that Susan was there as she was able to translate my fortune for me when I used the fortune sticks (donation to do so). Soak it all in. read more

I know the previous poster gave this place one star because she got a bad fortune. I really take those things with a grain of salt and I don't participate in any fortune telling stuff (what ya don't know won't hurt ya, YKWIM?). So, I'm yelping on the service & the temple itself. I went to the temple today (on Ash Friday no less!) to do a ritual for CNY. The little old ladies pretty much guided me through the whole thing (so the clueless and uninitiated won't look stupid). They even taught me how to light up the offering (after I had trouble with it). As a history buff I really appreciate the historical aspect of the temple. It is the oldest one in the US and the displays were pretty impressive. Not as awe-inspiring as China's but given the space (in a narrow building), it is pretty nice. Bad thing, this place is on the top floor. You'll have to climb 3 flights of stairs to get to this place (no elevators). It may be a bit of a problem if you're out of shape. read more

I had difficultly finding the temple even with my precious iPhone... at least when I went back in September it seemed that the pinpoint location shown on my phone's map did not exactly correspond with the address, and there are several other similar buildings in the surrounding area to add to the confusion. Visiting was an enjoyable experience once I found it, although I did not stay for very long. Worth checking out if you're in the area for sure, but I wouldn't necessarily go out of the way to see it unless you have a personal reason for doing so. I still have the satchel of "lucky tea" I received on my way out as a memento. read more

Tin How Temple - Buddhist Temples Near Me - San Francisco, California

Based on the last review 10 months ago of the temple being closed due to COVID,does anyone know if the temple is still closed? Tried calling them today but no answer. I don't go out Chinatown often anymore ( sad :( ), so just wondering anyone if the temple will be open on Chinese New Year day this year? Thanks in advance! read more

Due to the shelter in place, the temple will be temporarily closed until further notice. Stay safe everyone!

Please disregard all other reviews, except this one. Tien Hau Temple is now a tourist destination. It is not a temple. But if you have any interest in Buddhism, Confucianism, San Francisco History, Chinese Culture, or Asian Art, urban exploring, or weird, off-the-beaten path things, you should go. Here's why: 1) It is the oldest temple in America. 2) It is beautiful. It is a rare cultural gem. 3) It's level of importance in the Buddhist tradition in America 4) You'll see. History: It used to be a functioning temple. For many years it was an important place of worship in the marginalized Chinese community. And here's something they won't tell you on the tour: In the 1960's, Abbott Hsuan Hua, the monk who brought Mahayanan Buddhism to the West, rented it out. It was here that the first Anglo Americans were introduced to Orthodox Buddhism. True story. This is where it went down. Now it is a tourist trap, sure. A lady will give you a glossed-over history of the temple. You'll be asked for a donation. Maybe you'll light a joss (incense) stick. Fortune? Whatevs. But for beauty, its place of import in San Francisco and Chinese History? Go. Cough up a few bucks to keep the place running. IF YOU CAN'T AFFORD A DONATION, IT'S OKAY. If you're looking for a real Chinese Buddhist temple - a place to learn meditation, with community, Chinese classes, ceremonies, sutra study and lecture, etc. then go around the corner to GOLD MOUNTAIN MONASTERY on Sacramento Street (at Grant). Ring the buzzer and a nun will let you in. I hope this is helpful for visitors, and helps contextualize what Tien Hau is and was about. I also hope this is helpful for spiritual seekers who were confused about what they found. It would be like going to Alcatraz to look for a bodygaurd, or crossing the Golden Gate looking for an architecht. It's not why you go, not why this temple is important, and not why it's such a weird, precious SF gem. P.S. Tien Hau (say tee-yen ho) and some chinese at Lucky Creation would be a really cool date. Just so you know. Keep SF weird. read more

Whichever way you spell it (the signs over the door and off the balcony say Tin How, but there's a Yelp page for Tien Hau) or whether you consider it a temple or local flavor or a religious organization, this is a must-visit. For one thing, it's largely considered the oldest Chinese temple in the United States. As you climb the stairs toward the summit, you see various signs in the hallway advising against taking pictures or standing idle in the doorway. It's really small inside, but it's beautiful. What I think what grabs people the most is the massive gold-leaf wood carving hanging from the ceiling. It's breath-taking, and although it's tempting to pull out the camera, we respected their wishes and refrained from doing so. The room is filled with the smoke of incense and the occasional sounds of patrons shaking cups of kau cim sticks. It's free to come visit, but they do accept donations. read more

First off, I want to to say how sorry I am for those people who have gone to this temple thinking it is real or has any spiritual meaning behind it. Initially, I thought this "temple" was unique and very vibrant. A nice older Asian lady greeted us and gave us a 10 minute rundown of how the temple, rituals etc worked. She was very nice and almost seemed to have her speech down to perfection. Eventually, I was talked into doing a ritual that consists of shaking a canister full of numbered sticks until one falls out, you either ask a question or make a wish (all while making a donation to "benefit" the upkeep of the "temple.") 72 came out, I picked out the correspondent card and started to read it. I should have known better, everything was horrible and negative; "bad things are going to happen to you and your family, You will not find love, You will lose all of your money, during pregnancy you will experience trouble while in labor"... OH MY GOD... how can someone say that to another human being and live with themselves?? I put the pieces together a bit after leaving, and realized that this "temple" is nothing but a scam. Case in point: Right above the sacred altar hanging from the elaborate chandelier, was a hand-written advertisement for a family-owned car wash, as if you go there the heavens will hear your prayers and grant them. They take advantage of others' hopes, dreams and fears to get you to go back to their temple to do other rituals that take away bad luck, all while you're giving them what they want, money. It's shocking to see that such dishonest and immoral people really exist. Amazingly, they can sleep at night. I'm glad I realized this is a bunch of crap, but I'm sure many people are taken advantage of everyday. It is very easy to believe that this is real and get wrapped up because they are so good at what they do, being con-artists. If you want to visit a real historic landmark, visit St. Mary's Cathedral in Chinatown or if you're interested in Buddhism, go to a true monastery. I had to give it 1 star, otherwise I could not post this review, otherwise it would have gotten --5 stars! It saddens me to see money-hungry, leeches using something so sacred as religion to make a buck. read more

I called after 4pm yesterday for hours but no recording and no pick up. I tried this morning at 9:49am and someone answered. They are open from 9:30 to 2pm. Wearing my mask and followed the strong incense smell and climbed 3 flights of stairs to tranquility. Someone at the top of the stairs greeted me and opened the gated door. I bought a set of praying papers for the Tin Hau Goddess and Goddess of Mercy. There were about 5 people inside praying. Compare to past Chinese New Years, this place was packed. Maybe this is the 9th day and not the first day therefore less people. Before I was not able to find the path to the huge metal incense holder to the gods because of sea of people. Today, I was able to move freely. After the others left, I was the only prayer at the temple with 3 workers. Happy I had room to move about but Sad there were not more believers. This temple was built since 1850's. Hope it can be preserved. read more

This is a lovely temple that I enjoy returning to. I don't come as often as if like since I'm not nearby. Today I missed opening times that are now 9am -3pm daily. I'll be back again. read more

I had no idea this awesome slice of some other world was in Chinatown. How difficult it is to find and the trek up the stairs really helps you make the transition to this quiet and ethereal space. When we climbed up, someone in one of the lower apartments was also having a traditional music jam session, so that added to the ambiance. The views from the balcony (which we did photograph - photography is not allowed inside the temple itself) are also lovely. Surprise someone with an adventure today - take them to Tin How! read more

This is the oldest temple in San Francisco according to the brochure. Before we even went in, we had to go buy some round fruit as an offering. I gave tangelo's and apples. It's up three flights of stairs so I was a little out of breath when we got up there. We arranged the offerings on plates and put it on the table, then we lit incense and prayed at different stations, then at the very end we burnt some paper offerings. It was a nice experience to have, it's very quiet in there. Worth a stop when you're in Chinatown. read more

Saw a recommendation for this place on Yelp, and decided to visit it. If you're new to China town, it's pretty hard to find - luckily there were photos posted on Yelp of the building and entrance, which is a tiny doorway leading up 3 flights of stairs (no elevator option). Once you make it to the top, the place is pretty cool. There are hundreds of red and gold lanterns hung from the ceiling, and other artifacts around the fairly small room. People come here to pray, so the atmosphere is very quiet, and when I was there the air was think with incense, so if you can't stand the smell I wouldn't recommend going. There's no charge to go, but they do accept donations (I gave them a few dollars on my way out). There's also absolutely NO photos, so don't even try. I wish I could've taken photos, because the place was so beautiful. Besides the 2-minutes walk around the room gawking at how beautiful everything is, there's not a whole lot else to do. You could pray, I suppose, but I felt a bit awkward and out of place so I ended up staying for only about 7 minutes before leaving. Don't bring children, because everything looks breakable, and it's very quiet in there. It's an interesting experience, and I would recommend it as one of the stops if you're visiting San Francisco. read more

Thank you for clarifying the issue, I am sorry to have post such a negative review. Those personal that wearing robes and asked for donations and using your temple name would get their days, hopefully soon. More people are noticing also and I had done more research, I found out this has been happening in New York, Japan, Australia and parts of Europe. Karma karma karma. Thank you so much. read more

Not that walking up and down the San Francisco hills was not enough...the temple was located on the 4th floor. It was all worth it when you reach to the top. It was like you stepped into a secret sanctuary - ignoring the hustling world outside. The people there were friendly and helpful. We lit our incenses and got our readings aka answers to our questions. read more

Tin How temple (Tianhou) was established on this spot in 1850 by the first Chinese immigrants. Tianhou means 'Mother Ancestor' and is the goddess of the sea, protector of sailors and fishermen. Her mortal name is Lin Moniang. Unfortunately, photos are not permitted inside. It's open 10-4 daily and 'voluntary donations' are accepted. The original temple along with Chinatown was destroyed in the 06 quake/fire. You go up narrow stairs and past a mah jongg parlor but the shrine is beautiful with lots of incense, red paper, fruit and elders praying. read more

Tin How Temple - Tin How temple - Buddhist Temples Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

The Tin How Temple is a sacred, almost secretive place that is located on the fourth floor of the building. With photographs and stories lining the walls of the stairwell and temple, one is transported into the world of Buddhism as red envelopes and lanterns surrounding the statues of the deities come into sight. It is pretty small, but there is more than enough space for visitors to arrive, pray with incense ($1/bundle as a donation to the temple), and leave while feeling peaceful inside. read more

The Tin How Temple is a beautiful and sacred place. I'm not from San Francisco and it's not my faith but as hard as it is to find and after the four flights of stairs, you do unexpectedly enter into another world of quiet, reflection, peace, faith and a totally different culture. It is very small but the weight of its history, the indelible dedication of its elderly keepers, the liveliness of its colors, and the mystery of its faith to tourists like myself leaves a mark. No photos are allowed. I suggest you turn off your phone and really take 20-30 minutes just to observe and stand meditation in the silence. It will cleanse your mind and soul. This is not for everyone but if you want to challenge your heart and mind, I encourage you to come especially in the busyness of our lives. There is something to learn from visiting this Temple. Highly recommend it. read more

I love this temple even though compared to those in Asia, it's teeny. I've made a few 'offerings' here to 'thank' those for keeping me safe under certain circumstances. Although there is no admissions fee, a donation is appreciated. Located on the top floor of this building, there is no elevator so you have to climb the stairs all the way up. Make sure you purchase incense if you wish to make an offering and ladies, please do not visit the temple during THAT time of month as it is disrespectful towards the temple and the deities. They do not have a phone there. read more

A tiny temple. Built in 1911 and has been remodeled a bunch over the years so it has a mishmashed feel. On the top floor is the temple, dedicated to the Goddess of Heaven. Worth stopping in and getting a fortune, but take yours with a grain of salt especially if it is negative.... You are there for the cultural experience and not the fortune. :) read more

This temple is a bit hard to find. When we arrived it was closing. The top floor has an alter outside which was peaceful and an inside room with prayers hanging from the ceiling. read more

Well - I'm not really sure what to make of this place. It was intriguing for sure, but the lady there didn't speak any english at all so couldn't really help us. There was a flyer discussing who Tien Hau is and why she is worshiped which was helpful. I asked about the fortunes and the lady just shook her head and said "no english". I actually found the jar holding the sticks and handed it to her - then she knew what I wanted. Two of the three of us got good fortunes, one got a very, very negative one. I wasn't blown away by the experience like I have been in some temples but it wasn't a negative experience either. read more

I heard about this place from a guy who read about it in Fodor's, and we wouldn't have known it existed otherwise. Chinatown is so packed full of people, and it was amazing how quiet and unassuming the temple was. It just blended right in with all the shops. There are several prayer areas, and they just ask that if you are only visiting and not praying, that you be respectful and look to see if there is anyone praying. I thought that was reasonable. We only stayed for about 5-10 minutes, but is was really neat to experience. read more

Never been to this place until the other day . You have to walk up a couple flights of stairs to get to the temple because there's no elevator . Anyways , the temple is small but looks like it's pretty old and cultural . You can light up incense here , pray to the gods , or kau cim here which is pretty nice . You can donate a dollar to use the incense they have . There's fortunes at the side of the altar which you can look at after you kau cim . The smell of incense is very strong here . You can worship and pay your respects to Guan Yin and Tian Hou at this temple . This place seems more like a historic temple than a daily go-to temple . read more

Love this temple! This is my first time coming here. I got sufficient guide before starting my prayer. Definitely will come back again.

I didn't think there would be so many stairs to climb. This is a small temple with the usual incense and fruits. You can have your fortune read for a donation. Pretty cool place to visit. read more

Small place, walked past it multiple times trying to find it. But the imagery is beautiful inside the small temple and the women that work at the front smile at you quietly and do not bother or scoff at you if you are a tourist. Glad i came. read more

It is really interesting to read Michelle R's review. Now I know the temple is real because people do get "bad" fortunes every so often. If everyone gets "good" fortune, it would call for more of a concern for me. The fact that there are frequently visited by many China town locals, lanterns are hung by many and received enough donation to continue operations for over 10 years showed that this place has their fair share of fans. One can lie to you once and get away from it, it is just unreasonable to claim that they are a "con" when many locals and people support them and donate $$$ to them. If it is a cult, it would have been shut down long time ago. People are not stupid, my dear!!! If you don't like receiving "bad" fortune and advices as honest as they come, perhaps, you ought to go else where. Temple exist not to please you but to tell the honest truth about what is happening to you at the time when you asked about it. This is a free world. No one force you to do or buy anything. If you don't want any of their service, just simple refuse nicely. I think it is very disrespectful and insulting to criticize something you have not done research on or let yourself have the opportunities to become familiar with. How fair is it to base your negative review out of "one" experience. The people who operate the temple could not even defend themselves with their English skills and then you post this here to black mouth them. They probably won't even know about it. Sharon Stone received her fair share when she openly criticized the recent earthquake. How much does she really know about it to begin with. I would ask how much do you know of temples in Asia to begin with and what basis are you using to compare your experience against? I hope you have a great answer to it. If not, re-think about what you are writing and doing. read more

I, too, read the review by the person who essentially trashed the temple, the people there, and several millenia's worth of culture because she obtained a bad fortune. I was outraged at her response. Apparently she does not know enough about I-Ching or other traditional sources of divination to realize that some readings indicate "bad luck". The person at the temple who told her the fortune was simply being honest. The poster's upset indicates that, at least on some level, she believes in divination and "bad luck" . . . otherwise she would not have been affected. Why she also seemed to believe that she could only have "good luck", and/or that the process of divination could only reveal "good luck", is beyond me. Her contentions that the people at the temple are trying to squeeze money out of gullible tourists is also illogical. Persons who want to get your money from you would lie and say you had a good reading, not lie and say you had a bad one. At any rate, I find her remarks reductive, racist, and offensive in the extreme. All of this being said, my wife and I went to the temple during our honeymoon in San Francisco last September, and it was truly one of the high points of the trip. Although I am a Catholic myself, I found the temple to be one of the most spiritual places I have ever visited. The climb to the top was a bit arduous, but it really gave me the feel of a small pilgrimage or quest. The beautiful colors, the smell of the incense, and the genuine kindness of the sweet lady there made it an exotic, enjoyable experience. I strongly recommend this place to anyone who finds themself in the San Francisco area. read more

We have come here a lot over the yearswhen visiting Chinatown, my second home away from hojkme. The people here are very friendly & are eager to explain the different gods, alters, fortune sticks, & so forth. He have lit candles for relitives & our cousin lit a couple for good luck & wealth. The guy was anxious to get home as we got there shortly before closing, but still took the time to explain everything to us. It is definitely worth the four flights of steps to get up here. So, for a traditional Chinese temple experience, Tin Hao cannot be beat. Keep up the good work guys. read more