Joss House

Bendigo Victoria

The Chinese Joss House in Bendigo, also known as the Chit-Kung-Tang Joss House is located at Emu Point (follow the Tourist Tram north along Pall Mall and then pursue the signs beside the lake). It was constructed of timber and hand-made local bricks during the 1860s by the local Chinese as the Chinese Masonic Hall. It is painted red, a colour tradionally symolising strength. It is divided into three sections - the caretaker's residence, the major temple and the ancestral hall, presided over by two stone kylins. Within are a throne and banners.

The Joss House was constructed to worship the god Kwan Gung. Kwan Gung was a Chinese general (AD 221-26) and the miners worshipped him as a judge, guide and protector. The building was restored by the National Trust upon advice received from a Chinese historian.

It is one of few surviving buildings of its type in Victoria. It stands as sole reminder of a once extensive Chinese community that flocked to this area during the gold rush. Its symmetrical composition is dominated by ornamental central portico and reflects traditional Chinese design principles. The lantern in centre of interior, wall painting in portico, the brick cresting and incised carving of the head board are notable features.