Jui Tui Shrine, is a historic and colorful Chinese temple located in Phuket, Thailand. It plays a central role in the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival and is a popular pilgrimage site.
Website Ratings:
Google: 4.7/5
TripAdvisor: 5/5
10 Must-Do Activities:
1. Explore the Beautiful Shrine Architecture
The shrine features traditional Chinese architecture, with intricately carved dragons, phoenixes, deities, and colorful motifs adorning the roof and walls. The vibrant reds, golds, and greens are typical of Chinese temples.
Tip: Pay attention to the exquisite details on the roof and pillars, which represent ancient Chinese symbols of good fortune and protection.
2. Make an Offering to the Deities
Visitors can offer incense, fruits, and flowers to the shrine’s deities. The main deity worshipped here is Tean Hu Huan Soy, the god of performing arts and dance, but there are also other gods worshipped for health, prosperity, and protection.
Tip: Purchase offerings at the entrance, light incense, and place them on the altar for blessings.
3. Learn About Chinese Spiritual Practices
The Jui Tui Shrine is a great place to learn about Chinese spirituality and local religious customs. The shrine is popular among locals who come to pray for good health, happiness, and success.
Tip: You can observe locals performing rituals and ask the caretakers about the significance of different symbols and practices.
4. Participate in Fortune Telling
The shrine offers a unique fortune-telling experience. Visitors can shake a cylinder containing kau cim sticks until one falls out. Each stick corresponds to a specific fortune, which can be interpreted by the temple’s priests.
Tip: If you're curious about your future, this is a fun and interesting activity to try. The shrine staff can help interpret your fortune.
5. Visit During the Phuket Vegetarian Festival
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is one of the most important events associated with Jui Tui Shrine. Held annually in September or October, the festival features processions, self-mortification rituals, and firewalking as devotees seek purification through abstaining from meat and engaging in spiritual practices.
Tip: If you’re in Phuket during the festival, don’t miss the chance to witness the processions that start from Jui Tui Shrine and take over the streets of Phuket Town.
6. Light Firecrackers for Good Luck
It’s common for visitors to light firecrackers at the entrance of the shrine as an offering to the gods and to ward off evil spirits. The loud noise is believed to bring good luck and chase away misfortune.
Tip: You can buy firecrackers outside the shrine. Be cautious and follow local customs when lighting them.
7. Admire the Statues of Chinese Gods
Inside the shrine, you’ll find statues of various Chinese gods and deities, each with their own symbolic meaning. The statues are beautifully crafted and are often decorated with offerings of gold leaf, flowers, and incense.
Tip: Learn about the different gods represented at the shrine, including Guan Yin, the goddess of mercy, and Guangong, the god of war and justice.
8. Experience the Sacred Atmosphere
The shrine has a deeply spiritual and peaceful atmosphere. Whether you are religious or not, the serenity of the space, combined with the scent of burning incense and the quiet devotion of worshippers, makes for a moving experience.
Tip: Take your time to walk around the shrine quietly, observing the rituals and soaking in the meditative ambiance.
9. Learn About the Shrine’s History
The Jui Tui Shrine has a long history dating back over 100 years. Originally built near the Bang Yai Canal, it was relocated and rebuilt after a fire. Exploring the shrine offers a glimpse into the Chinese-Thai community’s heritage and the cultural fusion that defines Phuket.
Tip: Ask the shrine’s caretakers or read up on the shrine’s history to appreciate its cultural significance.
10. Capture Photographs of the Shrine
The Jui Tui Shrine is a visually stunning structure, with its colorful roof, intricate statues, and elaborate altars. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially if you visit during the Vegetarian Festival when the shrine is decorated for the celebrations.
Tip: Be respectful while taking photos, especially inside the shrine where people are praying. Focus on capturing the beautiful details without intruding on the sacred space.
Official Website: https://www.tourismthailand.org/Attraction/jui-tui-shrine
"This image is for illustrative purposes only and may not accurately represent the actual location."
Main Positive Reviews:
Many visitors found the shrine to be a great way to experience local culture, particularly during the Vegetarian Festival.
The temple’s colorful and traditional Chinese architecture received praise from numerous reviewers.
Visitors noted the calm and spiritual atmosphere, making it a peaceful place to visit.
Several tourists appreciated the friendliness of the local people and staff at the shrine.
The shrine is considered very photogenic, with many visitors taking beautiful pictures.
The fact that the shrine is free to enter was a major plus for many travelers.
Its central location in Phuket makes it easy to access from most parts of the city.
Reviewers appreciated the shrine’s long history and its importance in local traditions.
Many people mentioned that it’s a good spot for a short visit, typically lasting 30 minutes to an hour.
The shrine is particularly popular during the Vegetarian Festival, which many found to be an unforgettable experience.
Main Negative Reviews:
Some visitors felt that it gets too crowded during the Vegetarian Festival.
A few people found that there isn’t much to do apart from taking a few photos.
The shrine is relatively small, which could be disappointing if you’re expecting something larger.
Overall Analysis
Cost: Admission: Free
Average Expense: The visit itself is free, but you may want to donate or buy offerings, which could range from 50 to 200 THB.
Given its high ratings on both Google and TripAdvisor, Jui Tui Shrine is highly recommended if you are in Phuket. It offers a deep dive into local culture and traditions, particularly if you visit during the Vegetarian Festival.
Is it Worth Visiting:
With an average rating of around 4.6/5 across major platforms, Jui Tui Shrine is definitely worth a visit, especially during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Despite some minor issues like overcrowding and limited information in English, the shrine offers a rich cultural experience that is hard to find elsewhere. Given the high ratings and general positive feedback, it is recommended for anyone visiting Phuket.
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