Wong Tai Sin Temple
Wong Tai Sin Temple (黃大仙祠 | Huáng Dàxian Sì) is the most popular Taoist ancestral shrine in Hong Kong. Built in 1921 on Rosy Garden, it is located southern of the Lion Rock, in Kowloon's Wong Tai Sin district which was named after the temple. It is often referred to as Sik Sik Yuen Temple, probably because Sik Sik Yuen is the actual Taoist organisation that provides administration for the temple.
The shepherd who became a god
The temple was named after Wong Tai Sin, also known as Huang Chu-ping or Heng Shan (Red Pine Hill) deity; born around AD328 in Zhejiang Province. A shepherd who at the age of fifteen followed Taoism and achieved enlightenment nearly four decades later. Legend has it that Wong Tai Sin achieved supernatural powers that enabled him to heal the wounded and prevent people from dying. The influence of Wong Tai Sin reached Hong Kong's Wan Chai district in the early 20th century and resulted in the temple that now commemorates the famous monk. Leung Renyan (梁仁庵), the Taoist priest who brought the influence of Wong Tai Sin in Hong Kong, also brought a portrait of the god from Guangdong that now stands on the temple's main altar. Due to its historic significance, Hong Kong government has declared Wong Tai Sin Temple as a Grade II historic building. The temple is also host to a large collection of artifacts, the majority comprising of Taoist, Buddhist and Confucian literature.
Wong Tai Sin Temple
Wong Tai Sin architecture
The site location, originally known as Rosy Garden, became home of the Wong Tai Sin temple in 1921. However the temple was rebuild in 1973 resulting into the 18,000-m² building complex what stands there today. The architecture resembles that of traditional Chinese style. Large ornate red pillars, golden roof and multicolour carvings being the typical characteristics of that style. Amongst the carvings, dragons and phoenix figures gracefully overlook at the roof of the temple.
Temple key features
The temple's main feature is the Wong Tai Sin portrait that stands above the main altar. The Hall of the Three Saints (三聖堂) dedicated to Guan Yin (goddess of mercy), Guan Di (god of war) and Lu Dongbin (Taoism immortal) is also a common place of worshipping for the believers. There is also the Unicorn Hall dedicated to Confucius and his disciples, the Archive Hall hosting the philosophical teachings of Wong Tai Sin and the Memorial Hall which now houses the spirit tablets of deceased Sik Sik Yuen members. The Bronze Pavilion is mostly used as a the temple's resting place. Good Wish Garden, a Chinese styled garden depicts the one found at Beijing's Summer Palace, whilst the Nine Dragon Wall (九龍壁) is a replica of the infamous site found at the Forbidden City.
Fortune telling and other activities
It is estimated that over three million people pay their respects to Wong Tai Sin temple on an annual basis. What may sound surprising is the fact that the vast majority of those people are locals as well as Chinese tourists coming from mainland China; very few are western tourists. Most of the visitors come here to pay their respect to the god, but also ask for good luck, fortune, good health or help with something more specific, such as exams, career and other issues. Myth says that every wish can be realised for those who visit the temple and make a plea to the gods. "What you seek is what you receive" (有求必應) is more often achieved with kau cim, a practice most commonly known as Chinese fortune sticks in the western world. The process involves a tube-shaped cup containing incese-like sticks, all made of bamboo. Each stick is inscribed with a different number. The worshipper kneels before the main altar, makes the desired wish and shakes the cup until a stick falls out. That stick is exchanged for a note bearing the same number as the one inscribed on the stick. Next step is choosing a soothsayer from within the temple's nearby hall cubicles, who will then interpret the note for a small fee. Fees range between HK$150 and HK$300; interpretations in English can be also be carried out by some of the soothsayers, who have notices outside their cubicles. All in all, a small price to pay for a chance of glancing into the future.
Visitor numbers fluctuate throughout the year, reflecting various key events and dates. Early to mid-January is a large concentration of worshippers whose prayers and wishes were realised, so they return to show their gratitude to Wong Tai Sin. The immortal's birthday is on the 23rd day of the eighth lunar month; also a known busy period for the temple. Perhaps the most busy time for the temple is the Chinese New Year. It is believed that the sooner someone offers their glowing incense to Wong Tai Sin's main altar just when New Year comes in, the more luck they will have for the rest of the year. Finally, the temple offers facilities for carrying out Taoist wedding ceremonies.
Operation & Getting to Wong Tai Sin Temple
Wong Tai Sin temple is open from 07:00 till 17:30 throughout the year, with the exception of the Lunar New Year Eve where it runs overnight. Good Wish Garden is accessible from 09:00 till 16:30. That schedule is subject to severe weather conditions, under which the temple will be closed; typhoon signal eight or above and black rainstorm warning.
Probably the easiest way to get to the temple is via the Mass Transit Rail (MTR). Wong Tai Sin station is on the MTR Kwun Tong line. From Wong Tai Sin station taking exit B2 or B3 is a five minute, sign-guided walk to the temple. Admission is free, but a small donation fee is expected from visitors.