Original antique photograph of a Chinese temple in Singapore ca. 1860.

These temples were also called joss houses in English because of the custom of burning incense (joss sticks.) Chinese folk religion went with ethnic Chinese abroad and these temples reflected such a faithful community. Sloping roofs were believed to ward off bad spirits, while incense attracted favour from ancestors or friendly spirits.

Two rickshaw drivers can be seen in front, waiting for customers to hire them.