The Hainan Temple was founded in 1870 in Lebuh Gereja. The present building dates from 1395. The Thian Ho Kong, or Temple of the Heavenly Queen, is dedicated to Mar Chor, the patron saint of seafarers.
Two interesting features of the original temple are the altar of Kwon Kong raised over the inner portal and the pillars cut in the Sung dynasty style. The Them Ho Kong is the main temple for many Hainanese groups.
The association's name was changed to Kheng Chew Hooi Khoon in 1925. It was recently renamed Hainan Provincial Association. The temple was given this new, highly ornamental facade on its centenary in 1995.
Read more about Penang at:
http://www.nomadicnotes.com/travel-guides/penang-malaysia/