An evaluation of the implementation of Chinese temple layout principles in Bali, Indonesia

According to archaeological research, there has long been a strongcultural relationship between China and Bali. As part of this history, theChinese brought their indigenous cultural values with them, particularly theirpractice of worshipping ancestors and their syncretic belief in three majorreligious doctrines. The Chinese temple is the primary physical manifestationof this belief and has become identified with their community. The Chinesecommunity in Bali has also lived side-by-side with Balinese culture andthrough a process of adaptation there has emerged a transformation of theChinese temple spatial layout in Bali. This paper will identify the influence ofBalinese culture on the layout of Chinese temples in Bali and evaluate thisinfluence, by analysing the five basic principles in Chinese temple layout, andhow these symbolic meanings have been altered due to being in Bali