Chinese temple architecture

Shen temples are distinct from Taoist temples in that they are established and administered by local managers, village communities, lineage congregations and worship associations.

Shenist temples are usually small and decorated with traditional figures on their roofs (dragons and deities), although some evolve into significant structures.

[1] "Joss" is an Anglicized spelling of deus, the Portuguese word for "god".

The term "joss house" was in common use in English in the nineteenth century, for example in North America during frontier times, when joss houses were a common feature of Chinatowns.

Joss sticks, a kind of incense, are burned inside and outside of the temple.