Taoists, Buddhists and Confucianists can all worship at this religious centre, one of Hong Kong’s most popular. Otherwise known as Sik Sik Yuen, Wong Tai Sin Temple is a huge structure built in the far north of the Kowloon side of Victoria Harbour. Tour the colourful temple and see the iconography of all three religious sects brought together in one place.
Taoists established this temple during the 1900s to house a sacred portrait of Wong Tai Sin. Join worshippers in leaving an offering at his holy likeness. Born Huang Chu Ping, Wong Tai Sin was a monk during the fourth century and had become a Chinese deity by the time he reached his 50s.
Enter the imposing temple, which looms over northern Kowloon with its bulk of 18,000 square metres (200,000 square feet). Kowloon means “nine dragons” in Chinese, and accordingly, the temple features a Nine-Dragon Wall behind the three arches of its façade. The temple is arranged according to feng shui principles of design, so you can see metal, wood, water, fire and earth elements among its various features. Approach the tremendous altar, which is built to accommodate the temple’s many and varied worshippers.
Follow a temple-goer to learn kau cim, a wish-making ritual. First, you get a cup filled with sticks labelled with Chinese numbers. Hold this as you kneel, then shake the sticks and make your wish. Eventually, a stick will fall out. Take this to a fortune teller, and they will interpret whether your wish will come true or not. Even non-believers will enjoy trying out this delightful ritual.
The Good Wish Garden behind the temple offers a peaceful place to reflect. Walk over the exquisite bridge, watch the vibrant koi swimming in their pond and look for turtles.
Located 7 kilometres (4 miles) north of Tsim Sha Tsui, Wong Tai Sin Temple can be reached via the Tsuen Wan and Kwun Tong MTR lines. Get off at Wong Tai Sin station and walk north for a short distance. The church is open daily during regular business hours and can be accessed free of charge.
