Please enter the Verify Code |
°C
Uniquely HK
Feature Story
Colourful Chinese Deities and Temples
For centuries, Hong Kong was a sleepy outpost of various Chinese dynasties, the area consisting of a few small fishing villages and rural hamlets. When the British arrived almost 180 years ago and created a thriving entrepôt, nearly everything changed. But superstition and worship of deities and Chinese religions continued to play an integral part of daily life for local people, and Chinese temples were focal points of social and religious activities. Thus, despite the magnitude of the development over the last two centuries, Hong Kong has managed to preserve around 600 temples, shrines and monasteries that worship these deities, many in their original state.
With so many deities being called upon to protect the locals from calamities and evil power, it can be confusing to get a sense of who's who among them. This guide introduces several of the most popular deities and their temples, notable for either their historical or aesthetic appeal. As a bonus, several deities' birthdays fall in April this year, meaning you may be able to catch a special celebration event during your visit.
Do take a tour of Chinese temples where you can observe the rituals and appreciate the colourful architecture and elaborate presentation. Almost all take donations, though these are strictly voluntary. Enjoy your temple hunt.
Tin Hau
The patron Goddess of the Sea who protects fishermen and sailors, Tin Hau is far and away the most common deity worshipped by local Hong Kong people, fishermen or otherwise. Over 100 Tin Hau Temples are still in use. Tin Hau – which means heavenly empress – was Lin Mo, a woman born during the Song Dynasty in Fujian, who was deified after she purportedly performed numerous miracles to protect the local fishermen. Her birthday, which this year falls on 15 April, is celebrated widely by temple goers. Here are two for you to check out:
Tin Hau Temple at Joss House Bay
Located on the Clearwater Bay peninsula, this is the oldest and one of the most sacred temples in Hong Kong. Built in 1266 during the Song Dynasty, it includes a nearby rock with a carving dated 1274, the earliest known inscription in Hong Kong. Thousands flock to the temple on Tin Hau's birthday via a special ferry arrangement from North Point. It is also normally accessible by Public Green Minibus 16 from Po Lam MTR Station. Get off at the entrance of Clearwater Bay Golf Club and it's a short walk down to the temple by the bay.
Tin Hau Temple at Yau Ma Tei
A popular destination right in the heart of Kowloon, the complex features five buildings, with the oldest the Tin Hau temple itself, constructed around 1864. A visit to the temple is easily combined with a stroll along the famous Temple Street night market. 56- 58 Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon.
Che Kung
Known as a god of protection, Che Kung was a general in the Song Dynasty who was honoured by his emperor for supressing a rebellion in southern China and worshipped for his loyalty and bravery. By local custom, the Hong Kong's top government officials pay tribute to Che Kung during the Chinese New Year.
Che Kung Temple, Sha Tin
It was said that the locals built a Che Kung temple in the late Ming Dynasty in the 1600s to quell a disease epidemic. The original temple still stands but has been substantially renovated. A new, much larger structure, including a giant statue of Che Kung , was erected in 1994 to accommodate the many worshippers who come for the Che Kung Festival. 7 Che Kung Miu Road, Tai Wai, New Territories.
Tam Kung Temple, Shau Kei Wan
Built in 1905 by fishermen who came from Huizhou, the temple celebrates Tam Kung's birthday – which this year falls on 15 April, replete with a noisy procession and lion and dragon dances. Tam Kung Temple Road, A Kung Ngan, Shau Kei Wan, Hong Kong.
Pak Tai - Supreme Emperor of the North
Also known as Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heavens, Pak Tai was a prince in the Shang Dynasty (circa 1900 to 1046 BC) who was appointed by the Jade Emperor to defeat the Demon King and was granted his title following his triumph. The bronze tortoise and serpent under the feet of the Pak Tai statue signify the certain success of good over evil.
Pai Tak Temple, Wanchai
This beautiful temple, easily missed a short walk up from the well- known Blue House in Wanchai, isknown for its size and presentation. The temple was built in 1863 but houses a 400-year old statue of Pak Tai in the main hall. The temple consists of several chambers containing several other popular deities and is decorated with lotus lanterns. 2 Lung On Street, Wanchai.
Pai Tak Temple, Cheung Chau
During a plague outbreak in 1777, in the Qing Dynasty, the early settlers of Cheung Chau – mostly fishermen from coastal Guangdong province – carried an image of Pak Tai to the island in an attempt to quell the disease. This temple, in honour of Pak Tai, was completed six years later. Today, it is also the site of the quirky and colourful Cheung Chau Bun Festival, which celebrate the containment of the plague and venerates Pak Tai and other popular deities. Pak She Street, Tung Wan, Cheung Chau .
