The Hiang Ihian Siang Ti Temple, one of the three oldest Chinese temples in Kuching was originally a humble building in the present Main Bazaar and is reputed to be over a century and half years old. Only in 1863 was it relocated to its present site along the narrow and busy Carpenter Street. Visitors walking along the picturesque street never fail to notice the traditionally style crimson coloured Chinese temple, sandwiched between the quaint old shophouses.

As the temple was originally built by the early Teochew immigrants, who hailed from the southern Guangdong province of China., management of the temple is placed under the Kuching Teochew Association, hence the temple is also often referred to by locals as the Teochew temple.

Like all Chinese temple, the Hiang Thian Siang Ti has a front courtyard, where a large incense urn, smoldering with joss sticks placed by devotees, is located in front of the main entrance. The walls on each side of the entrance are painted with beautiful images of a tiger and a dragon. Unlike the other two temples in the area, this temple requires visitors to leave their foot wears outside before stepping into the inner courtyard.

In the inner courtyard by the side, is a covered area where a display of ceremonial staffs that look like the ancient western halberd. Murals of a tiger and a dragon adorn the walls, and from the ornate rafters hang many signboards with Chinese characters in written in exquisite calligraphy.

Walking to the main altar, where the deity Hiang Thian Siang Ti sits regally, is a table filled with ceremonial offerings of fruits and tea and many other worship paraphernalia. Photo taking is usually allowed but it is courteous to ask temple caretakers or assistants, who are always happy to see appreciating visitors.

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