Wong Tai Sin Temple
The Pious Worshippers
Covering an area of 18,000 square meters (712 square yards), Wong Tai Sin Temple is located on the southern side of Lion Rock in the north of Kowloon, which is far from the bustle of the street. It is not only an important religious centre but also a scenic attraction full of beautifully ornamented traditional buildings.
Wong Tai Sin is believed to be the holy place where every wish can come true as long as you make the sincerest plea to the god. Firstly built in 1921, Wong Tai Sin Temple was dedicated to the Great Immortal, Wong Tai Sin. According to the record, Wong Tai Sin, originally named Wong Chuping, was born in Lanxi, Jinhua City in Zhejiang Province around 328. He began to absorb in Taoism at the age of 15. After the insistent practice for 40 years, he was said to have gained immortality and reached enlightenment. From then on, he was referred to as Wong Tai Sin, who was active in rescuing the dying, healing the wounded and punishing the evils.
Taoists also believe that he has the power to grant whatever is requested of him. Just because of this reason, thousands of visitors come to Wong Tai Sin Temple each year in hopes of making wishes at the alter and getting the spiritual answer by practice of Kau Cim. They light the incense sticks, kneel piously before the main alter to make their wish. Then, shake the bamboo cylinder with fortune sticks contained until a sticks falls out. The numbered stick is exchanged for a piece of paper carrying the same number, and then the soothsayer will tell the worshipper about their fortune. For those whose prayers become true, they need to return to express thanks to the immortal. Every January 1 to 15 is the high season for the temple, because numerous visitors flock here for worshipping. Some are the returned visitors whose prayers were answered. It becomes extremely busy on Wong Tai Sin's birthday on the 23rd day of the 8th lunar month, during when all the disciples of Wong Tai Sin gather in the main hall at noon time in participation of the sacrificial activity.
When it is Chinese New Year's Eve, many a worshipper comes to temple and waits for the coming of the New Year outside the temple. When it is the right moment, they eagerly rush in to the main altar to offer their glowing incense sticks to Wong Tai Sin. As they all hold the belief that the earlier they offer the incense, the better luck they will have in the coming year.
The temple is traditionally the Chinese architecture with grand red pillars, the golden roof decorated with blue friezes, ornate yellow latticework and mulit-colored carvings. On the grounds of the temple are three memorial archways, which are commonly seen in the classical Chinese architecture. One is carved with the name of the temple. In the complex, you will also see the Nine-Dragon Screen, which is modeled after the one located in Beijing.
Besides the Grand Hall, Three Saints Hall and the Good Wish Garden are all worth visiting. The temple also houses many doctrinal books about the Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. In recent years, the temple has even been allowed to be the spot for the wedding.
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 07:00 - 17:30
Transportation: Take Subway Kwun Tong Line and get off at the Wong Tai Sin station.
Tips: Three Saints Hall, the Bronze Pavilion (females excluded), the Archives Hall, the Earthly Fountain, the Yue Hing Shrine, the Unicorn (Confucian) Hall and the Good Wish Garden charge a small entrance fee. The Opening Hours of the above areas: 09:00 - 16:00 (closed on Mondays).
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