Joanna James
A glitzy city offering luxury shopping, natural as well as man-made attractions and vibrant cuisine that keep attracting visitors to explore these, Hong Kong is also blessed with a rich culture and deep spiritual values as can be witnessed by the many temples dotted around this city-state.
Dedicated to Wong Tai Sin this temple is one of the most famous attractions in Hong Kong as the belief is whatever you request at this temple will come true through a practice called Kau Sim. Depicting Chinese architecture of deep red pillars, golden roofs and other features. Many devotees revisit the temple when their wish comes true.
Located in Diamond Hills, Kowloon this large Buddhist Temple was founded in 1934 and redesigned in 1990 depicting the Tang Dynasty style. Apart from the venerated statues of Sakyamuni Buddha and others, this temple remains the largest handmade wooden building made of cypress wood and draws many visitors from Tsim Sha Tsui hotels. The mastery of ancient craftsmen is seen in the interlocking system adopted in this construction minus a single nail.
Founded in 1955 by a devout Buddhist layman Yuet Kai, this temple was completed in eight years. He laboured to complete the construction over this time and made 12,800 Buddha Statues by 1957. Today his remains are preserved and lie in a glass case within the temple premises. All statues are placed in five different halls within the temple. Many guests from hotels such as Park Hotel Hong Kong visit this temple during their stay in Hong Kong.
Located on Lotus Island, this monastery was founded in 1906. Unique features here are the three statues of Lord Buddha made in Bronze to represent the present, past and future. This temple is dedicated to Guanyin the goddess of Mercy. Making the monastery easy to find is the big statue of the seated Tian Tian Buddha.
Founded in 1783 by Lam Yuk Mo and named after him this temple was renovated and started receiving donations of jewels and antiques from devotees which are securely kept within the premises. Devotees mainly worship the goddess of courage Pak Tai whilst other deities are also worshipped. This temple is mostly visited during the Pak Tai festival and Ban festival.
Situated on Hollywood Road in Sheung Wan this temple was built in 1847. Receiving its administration in 1908, the Tung Wa board of directors got the Chinese Temple Committee to rebuild this temple. Completing the work in 1958 devotees now visit this temple to worship the god Man Tai, Man Cheong and Mo Tai before civil examinations.
Founded in 1929 the name of this colourful and inviting temple is based on two fairy islands, Fang Lai and Ying Chau. With fine architecture and vibrant colours, this temple keeps attracting visitors.
Originally built in the 1950s this Buddhist Temple in Lam Tei in Tuen Mun district was rebuilt in 2010 making it much bigger. With a Buddhist shrine and various adjacent buildings for rituals and discussions. The three gold-plated statues of Sakyamuni Buddha make this temple attract many visitors.
Originally built in 1864 to honour the Chinese goddess of the sea, Tin Hau facing the sea, now the temple is famous for its large public square with the interior wafting with the fragrance of incense sticks. Providing shade to the temple is a mighty Banyan tree which is venerated by Buddhists.
Originally built in the 17th century, this temple is located in Tai Wai. And becomes busy with devotees and visitors during the Che Kung Festivals and the second day of the Chinese New Year. Che Kung was a general in the Song Dynasty and his statue takes the pride of place at this temple built in his honour.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
