The Tin How Temple is the oldest Taoist temple in the United States, founded in 1852 and dedicated to Tin Hau (Mazu), the goddess of the sea and protector of travellers and sailors — fitting for a community that had just crossed the Pacific. It sits at the top of three steep flights of stairs in an unassuming building on Waverly Place, the "Street of Painted Balconies," one of Chinatown's most atmospheric alleys.
The small sanctuary at the top is dense with hanging red lanterns, gold carvings, incense smoke, and offerings of fruit and paper. It is an active place of worship rather than a museum, so visit quietly and respectfully; photography of the altars is generally not allowed. There is no admission charge though a donation is expected. The climb and the hush at the top make it one of the most memorable stops in Chinatown.