This huge Chinese temple complex, 5km southwest of the city centre, has three main temple buildings and many smaller structures. Most are classically Indo-Chinese, with soaring pagoda-style roofs, massive drums and dangling Chinese lanterns. There's also an inner chamber in the form of a cave flanked by two great dragons, hence the temple’s popular name, Gedung Batu (Stone Building). Inside the cave is a gilded statue of Sam Po, surrounded by fairy lights.
The complex was built in honour of Admiral Cheng Ho, the famous Muslim eunuch of the Ming dynasty, who led a Chinese fleet on seven expeditions to Java and other parts of Southeast and West Asia in the early 15th century. Cheng Ho has since become a saint known as Sam Po. He first arrived in Java in 1405 and is believed to have helped spread Islam. Note that women are not allowed to enter the temples if they are menstruating, but they can visit the complex.
To get to Gedung Batu, take the Damri bus 2 from Jl Pemuda to Karang Ayu (a suburb west of central Semarang), and then an angkot to the temple. It takes about half an hour from central Semarang.
