Hong Kong Temples
Hong Kong Island is a mad rush of people and cars, and while its hurried streets are fascinating and exciting, sometimes a bit of serenity is needed. Try visiting one of the city's many temples for a bit of relaxation during rushed times, and while you're at it you're sure to become familiar with the customs and traditions of Hong Kong's religions: Buddhism and Taoism. For followers of these religions, visits to the temples are usually made to ask for blessings from the gods on specific issues of daily life.

Hong Kong contains over 600 temples, 40 of which are open to the public. They are usually dedicated to one or two deities, whose images and shrines can be found within. Since both Buddhism and Taoism are considered to be traditional Chinese religions, there can often be deities from both honored at one temple.

The Wong Tai Sin Temple is Hong Kong's most celebrated Taoist Temple. Built in 1921, it has increasingly become one of the city's most popular places of worship, with Taoists and tourists alike crowding it year-round. The temple is said to be built as a namesake to Wong Tai Sin, a merchant and Taoist who delighted in the happiness of others. He was born in AD 328, and became a deity in his later life after he died. Because of his generosity and kindness to everyone and not just those of his religion, the temple is a place of worship for Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. A portrait of Wong Tai Sin can be seen at the main alter of the temple.

The temple covers over 18, 000 square metres, and its outside and rooms are gorgeously ornamented in traditional Taoist religious fare. The main alter is where worshippers gather to pray for guidance and good fortune, as worshipping at the temple is said to result in granted wishes to those who plead earnestly to the gods. Those who visit the temple also can have their fortune told, which is done ceremoniously in a complicated process.

Tin Hau Temples can be found all over the city, which are meant for worship to Tin Hau, the goddess of the sea. She is said to watch over those traveling on the ocean, and is the most respected and loved goddess of Hong Kong. Her birthday is celebrated with the decoration of boats with colored ribbons and flags. This colorful festival is fun and beautiful to watch, so if you will be in Hong Kong in early May be sure to attend the festivities!

The Tam Kung Temple worships the saint of the well-being and happiness of all fishermen. His birthday in the month of May is worshipped every year with endless fanfare to assure a safe journey for all seamen in the months to come.