Wong Tai Sin Temple
Wong Tai Sin Temple is a well-known temple dedicated to Wong Tai Sin. People from Hong Kong visit this temple on a daily basis to pray for good health and prosperity. Wong Tai Sin is a neighborhood in New Kowloon's Wong Tai Sin District. The Wong Tai Sin Temple was the inspiration for the area's name.
Pros:
- A living example of modern religious beliefs in Hong Kong.
- The Wong Tai Sin Temple has amazing architecture and decorations.
- You can get your fortune told!
Why it’s awesome:
- Exploring a travel destination's past is great, but sometimes you want to learn about the present as well; Wong Tai Sin temple will provide you with this opportunity, and it is a must-see on any Hong Kong itinerary. It's a Buddhist temple that was originally constructed in 1920 and then replaced in 1968, so you're looking at architecture and religious beliefs from the 1960s. As a result, it's an excellent way to learn more about recent history and how modern-day Hong Kong came to be.
What to do there:
- Observing daily life is the focus of a visit to Wong Tai Sin Temple. You probably won't understand much of the architecture or activities in the temple if you aren't Buddhist, but that doesn't mean you can't participate.
- This temple is dedicated to the Taoist god of horse racing and sickness healing. The complex is made up of several large structures, each with its own decorations and purposes. You'll probably see fortune-tellers and locals burning incense in the halls while you're there. If you're lucky enough to visit in the fall, you might catch a glimpse of the festival held in the Gods' honor.
Address: Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple, Hong Kong SAR
