Friday, September 21, 2018

Top 10 temples in Hong Kong

A visit to the best temples in Hong Kong will surely connect visitors to the deep-rooted customs of local Hong Kongese. Different religions like Taoist traditions and Buddhist are both found here along with Confucian shrines are followed.  The Hong Kong temples are dedicated to these religions.  The temples are sometimes dedicated to more than one deity.

Everyone should visit the Hong Kong temples and these are the top 10 temples to visit:

1.  Po Lin Monastery (Big Buddha) in Lantau Island:

Po Lin Monastery (Big Buddha) in Lantau Island

The temple is home to three big golden Buddha statues as well as the 34-meter high, 250-ton bronze Tan Tien Buddha statue, which can be seen for miles around.  Originally, this temple was opened to the public in 1970, but after the completion of the Big Buddha in 1993, this temple became the mainstay of tourists.

2.  Wong Tai Sin Temple in Kowloon: 

Wong Tai Sin Temple in Kowloon


The 18,000sqm temple is the most popular temple in Hong Kong.  This temple is dedicated to the three major religions in China –Confucianism (Confucius), Taoism (Wong Tai Sin), and Buddhism (Guanyin).

3.  Man Mo Temple in Central: 

Man Mo Temple in Central

This temple is the oldest and certainly one of the most sacred Hong Kong temples. People are captivated by the mystical ambiance that is created by the smell of incense and the lingering smoke.  It is named after its two principal deities:  Man, the god of literature, who is dressed in red and holds a calligraphy brush; and Mo, the god of war, wearing a green robe and holding a sword.  If you want to visit any Hong Kong temples, then this one is highly recommended.

4.  Ten Thousand Buddha’s Monastery in Sha Tin (New Territories): 

Ten Thousand Buddha’s Monastery in Sha Tin

The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (called Man Fat Tsz in Cantonese) is a fascinating Buddhist temple located in Sha Tin in the New Territories.  This temple is spread over 8 hectares of land and houses a sprawling collection of Buddha images.  This is one of Hong Kong’s popular tourist attractions and most famous Buddhist temples too.

5.  Pak Tai Temple in Cheung Chau Island:  

Pak Tai Temple in Cheung Chau Island

This temple is most popular during the Bun Festival which takes place in the fourth lunar month each year, usually in April or May.  Many people come down to the small island of Cheung Chau Island.  They enjoy a cacophony of percussion drums, a colourful parade, lion dancing, and loads of buns and baked snacks.

6.  Che Kung Temple at Sha Tin:  

Che Kung Temple at Sha Tin


This temple is listed as a grade II historic building in Hong Kong.  It dates back more than 300 years, marking the precious cultural value of the structure.

7.  Ching Chung Koon:  

Ching Chung Koon

Ching Chung literally means ‘evergreen pine tree’ and Koon means ‘Daoist Temple.’  The temple also holds a lot of precious relics including lanterns bestowed by the Beijing Imperial Palace and elegant Chinese calligraphy.

8.  Fung Ying Seen Koon:  

Fung Ying Seen Koon


Fung Ying Seen Koon is a sacred spot for Daoism in Hong Kong.  This temple is one of the best places to visit in Hong Kong and is named after two divine mountains, Ying Chau Mountain and Fung Lai Mountain.  Traditional Chinese culture is illustrated perfectly in the colour scheme of the temple.

9.  Hung Shing Temple:  

Hung Shing Temple


The remote island of Kau Sai Chau is where this temple is located.  This temple is one of the Declared Monuments in Hong Kong.  It has attained the third place in UNESCO’s Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards in 2000.  It is an interesting stop-off to see the seafaring collectibles and dragon boat models that are displayed throughout.

10.  Tin Hau Temple:

Tin Hau Temple


Tin Hau Temple at Lam Tsuen is the most popular among all the Tin Hau Temples in and around Hong Kong.  This is because of the two well-known wishing trees growing within its boundaries.  The goddess of the sea, Tin Hau, who has magical powers to protect the fishermen is enshrined in the temple.

Apart from the remarkable skyline, mouth-watering street food courts, luxurious shopping malls, and Chinese structures, the Hong Kong temples are also worth visiting.