Leong San See Temple or “Dragon Mountain Gate Temple” is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Singapore. It was established in 1913 by a monk, Reverend Chun Wu, who came to Singapore from Fujian, China. The original Leong San See Temple was located in An Ping District of the Fujian Province, China. He had brought along with him a statue of Bodhisattva Kuan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) and purchased a plot of land at Race Course Road where he built a simple Leong San Lodge, in memory of the native Temple in China. An altar was set up for Kuan Yin.
In 1926, new buildings were built with funds from devotees. Later renovations also took place in 1930, 1962 and 1970. The temple was constructed in the Chinese palace style with a traditional roof, which has dancing dragons and a blazing pearl.
The thousand hands Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara or Kuan Yin is the main deity, whose symbolic gesture shows her readiness and willingness to help and ease the sufferings of mankind.
In 1925, the temple’s then abbot, Venerable Sek Kong Hiap (1901-1994) set up Leong San School, which was later renamed Mee Toh School or School of Eternal Brightness. An old “Leong San Gate” still stands opposite the School, which leads the way to the Mee Toh School and the temple.