Man Mo Temple

Inside Man Mo Temple

Man Mo temple (文武廟) is one of the oldest and well preserved temples in Hong Kong. The temple was build by Taoists during the colonial era in 1848, renovated in 1894, dedicated to two gods; Man Cheong, god of literature and Mo, god of war. Man holds a calligraphy brush and Mo holds a long sword. Man Cheong was born in AD 287 named as Cheung Ah Tse, sacred to officials and statesmen. Mo was born in AD 160 named as Kwan Yue, also known as Kuan Ti or Kuan Kung. Having fought against oppression and injustice, Mo was eventually killed in AD 219 at the hands of his adversaries. Honouring Mo and his achievements, Emperor Wan Li granted Mo as "great venerable and loyal, assistant of Heaven and protector of the Empire". Statues of Man and Mo are one of the key focal points of the temple, surrounded by statues of other gods including Pau Kung, god of justice and Shing Wong, god of the city. The historical artefacts of the temple, amongst others, include a bronze bell dated 1847.

Man Mo temple has been managed by Tung Wah Group of Hospitals since 1908. The temple, apart from the regular worshipers attracts a considerable number of visitors. The air inside the temple has a sense of thickness which is the effect of the aromatic vapours emitted by scores of burning coils. That is combined with shreds of sunrays, offering the visitor the illusion of travelling back in time.

Man Mo temple is open daily between 8:00am and 6:00pm. It is situated on the Western District of Hong Kong Island, 124 Hollywood Road. This is only a few minutes walk from the Mid-Level Escalators. Alternatively the temple can be reached by bus route 26 departing from Des Voeux Road (in front of HSBC main building). There is also another Man Mo temple in Tai Po, which has been declared as a Hong Kong monument.