Hou Wang Chinese
Temple and Museum
Hou Wang Chinese Temple and Museum – Atherton
Looking for things to do in Atherton? Step inside a rare 1903 timber and tin Chinese temple, and you’ll find a surprising interior.
The Hou Wang Chinese Temple and Museum sits on the edge of Atherton in Far North Queensland. It is the last timber and iron Chinese temple in Australia.
A rare piece of Chinese heritage
The National Trust of Australia (Queensland) received the temple as a donation in 1979. Since then, careful conservation work has protected its unique historical character.
Today, locals and visitors can explore the rich Chinese heritage of the Atherton Tablelands. The temple, also known as Hou Wang Miau, is far more than a place of worship. In fact, it was once the social and religious heart of the region’s Chinese community. The museum also holds a wide collection of cultural artefacts. As a result, it’s a great day out for the whole family.
Explore with our volunteer guides
Our passionate volunteer guides know the property well. They’ll share the stories and facts behind the beautifully preserved artefacts. For example, you’ll learn that it may be the only temple dedicated to Hou Wang outside China. You’ll also discover that craftspeople in China made most of the fittings. These include the detailed carvings, the bell and the metal vessels. Afterwards, they travelled by ship to Australia.
In 1903, members of the local community raised money to build the temple. Today, inscriptions inside the building still record their names.
Visit the gift shop
Take home a memory from our new gift shop. Inspired by Chinese culture, it stocks tea sets, fans, lanterns and more. It’s also a great place to shop for Chinese festivals and celebrations throughout the year.
Getting here
You can drive to the temple, which is on the edge of Atherton. Alternatively, daily buses run to Atherton from Cairns, Kuranda and Mareeba.
Plan Your Visit
Address
86 Herberton Road, Atherton, Queensland, 4883
Open Hours
Wednesday to Saturday | 10 am-2 pm
*Closed all calendar Public Holidays
Christmas and New Year Closure Dates
12 December 2026
21 December 2026 – 5 January 2027
Phone
Follow Us
Entry Fees
SELF-GUIDED TOUR – MUSEUM & TEMPLE
Adults $10.00
Concession $5.00
Youth (3-17 years) $5.00
Infant under 3 years FREE
Family (2 Adults + up to 3 youth) $20.00
National Trust Members FREE
GUIDED TOUR – MUSEUM & TEMPLE** (see what’s included)
Adults $15.00
Concession $10.00
Youth (3-17 years) $5.00
Infant under 3 years FREE
Family (2 Adults + up to 3 youth) $30.00
National Trust Members FREE
GROUP BOOKINGS
*Discounts apply for Groups 10+ by prior arrangements
Your guided tour includes:
• 1hr guided tour of The Hou Wang Temple c.1903
• Entry into the Museum
• Access to the grounds and self-guided walk
• Chinatown map and Temple booklet
• Chinese Tea tasting (tea of the day)
School Excursions
Using the stories of family life at Atherton Chinatown in the early years of last century, students will learn about the similarities and differences in family life by comparing the present with the past.
History of Hou Wang Temple
In 1903, the large Chinese community living and working at Cedar Camp built the Hou Wang Temple. They used typical Queensland materials: timber and corrugated iron.
However, the region’s Chinese population declined after 1920. As a result, the temple fell into disrepair over several decades. Then, in 1956, a cyclone blew down the pagoda (a tiered tower) in front of the temple.
Who was Hou Wang?
“Hou Wang” is a title given to Yang Liang Chieh. He commanded the bodyguard of the last emperor of the Song Dynasty (1127–1279 AD).
In 1279 AD, the Mongols invaded, and the eight-year-old emperor fled. Meanwhile, Yang Liang Chieh stayed behind to lead the rearguard
