Established in the early 19th century, Thian Hock Keng was built by Fujian Chinese immigrants to worship Tianhou, the Goddess of the Sea whom they believed had granted their safe passage to Singapore. During the early days of colonial rule, Singapore's waterfront had extended as far inland as Telok Ayer Street, where the temple is located. Thian Hock Keng has since been gazetted as a national monument.
