Exploring Hong Kong’s Sacred Sites: 11 Must-Visit Temples
Discover Hong Kong’s Finest Chinese Temples
Visiting some of the best temples in Hong Kong is a must-do for most visitors to this city-state. It offers a glimpse into the deep-rooted customs of the locals, whose main religion is Buddhism. Temples in Hong Kong are dedicated to different religions: Buddhist and Taoist traditions are both found here, along with Confucian shrines, with some temples honoring several deities.
While there are dozens of religious buildings of practically every faith on the island, this list focuses on Hong Kong’s finest Chinese temples, as these are usually the ones that draw in curious visitors from all over the world.
1. Po Lin Monastery (Big Buddha)
Majestic statues on Lantau Island
Good for: History, Budget
Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island is famed for the Tian Tan Buddha, a huge bronze statue of Buddha that’s visible from miles away. The temple is actually home to three big golden Buddha statues, along with the impressive 34-meter tall, 250-tonne bronze Buddha.
Each year, from the 22nd to the 29th day of the 1st lunar month (February), the monastery hosts a 7-day meditation retreat. During this time, you can immerse yourself in Buddha’s teachings and engage in meditation practices led by senior monks.
Location: Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm
Po Lin Monastery (Big Buddha)
2. Wong Tai Sin Temple
A temple of multifaith harmony
Good for: History, Photo, Unusual
Wong Tai Sin Temple is unique among Hong Kong shrines for encompassing multiple religions within a single temple. It is dedicated to Taoism (Wong Tai Sin), Confucianism (Confucius), and Buddhism (Guanyin). Visitors can admire typical Chinese architectural features, including red pillars, paper lanterns, memorial archways, Taoist drawings, and carvings of mythical creatures.
The temple is also popular for granting wishes through a local practice called kau chim. In this ritual, you shake a bamboo container filled with numbered sticks until one falls out, and then a resident fortune-teller can interpret its meaning. Read more
Location: 2 Chuk Yuen Village, Chuk Un, Hong Kong
Open: Daily from 7.30 am to 4.30 pm
Phone: +852 2327 8141
Wong Tai Sin Temple
3. Man Mo Temple
Tranquility amidst Hong Kong’s bustling heart
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
Man Mo Temple is one of the most visited Buddhist temples in Hong Kong. Built in 1847, it’s named after its two principal deities: Man (the god of literature) and Mo (the god of war). On any given day, you will find locals here praying at the altar, and it gets even livelier on annual celebrations like Chinese New Year and Buddha’s Birthday.
Located just a few minutes’ walk from the bustling downtown area of Central, Man Mo Temple offers a serene escape for those seeking peace and solitude amidst the city’s vibrant energy. Read more
Location: 124-130 Hollywood Rd, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Open: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
Man Mo Temple
4. Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
A unique shrine of thousands of Buddhas
Good for: History, Photo, Unusual
The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is a fascinating temple located in the New Territories. The 20th-century shrine is home to a sprawling collection of Buddha images spread out over eight hectares of land.
It was built by a devout Buddhist monk called the Reverend Yuet Kai in 1957 with the help of his followers. You’ll find around 13,000 Buddha images on display, with various poses, styles, materials, and sizes. Unlike most temples in Hong Kong, The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is run by volunteers rather than practicing monks, offering a unique and serene experience for those who visit.
Location: Pai Tau, New Territories, Hong Kong
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Phone: +852 2691 1067
Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
5. Pak Tai Temple
A historic temple on Cheung Chau Island
Good for: History, Budget
Pak Tai Temple on Cheung Chau Island dates back to 1863 when an image of Pak Tai (a Chinese deity especially revered by fishers) was brought to the tiny island. It’s believed to have helped save the population from a plague that swept through much of the Pearl River Delta.
Pak Tai Temple is most popular during the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, which takes place in the 4th lunar month, usually in April or May. During this event, immerse yourself in Taoist ceremonies, lion dances, and games, and savor the sweet buns that are a hallmark of this annual event.
Location: Pak She St, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong
Open: Daily from 7 am to 5 pm
Phone: +852 2981 0663
Pak Tai Temple
6. Che Kung Temple
A historic temple where you can turn your fortune
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
Che Kung Temple (Che Kung Miu) is a Grade II historic building located in Tai Wai. Originally built in the 17th century, the temple is usually busiest during the Che Kung Festivals and on the 2nd day of Chinese New Year, which is Che Kung’s birthday.
Visit the main hall to see a statue of Che Kung, along with three fan-shaped wheels of fortune in front of the statue. By turning the fan blade, it’s said that you can turn your fortune around. Read more
Location: 7 Che Kung Miu Rd, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
Open: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
Phone: +852 2603 4049
Che Kung Temple
7. Chi Lin Nunnery
Peace and tranquility amidst serene temple grounds
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
The Chi Lin Nunnery, established in 1934, is a stunning Tang dynasty-style complex that houses exquisite statues and Buddhist relics. Its temple grounds are adorned with lotus ponds, bonsai, and bougainvillea, offering a tranquil oasis for those seeking peace in the lively Kowloon district.
Within the temple halls, visitors can find gold, wooden, and clay sculptures of bodhisattvas and Sakyamuni Buddha. Situated on Diamond Hill, approximately 2.2 km northeast of Kowloon City, the Chi Lin Nunnery invites you to explore its serene beauty and spiritual heritage.
Location: 5 Chi Lin Dr, Sheung Yuen Leng, Hong Kong
Open: Daily from 9 am to 4.30 pm
Chi Lin Nunnery
8. Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees
A legendary spot to cast your wishes
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
The Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees are legendary in Hong Kong, famed for their role in granting wishes. Tradition tells of a man whose wish for his son’s academic success was fulfilled by the trees, inspiring countless others to follow suit.
While visitors once threw joss papers high into the trees, hoping for their dreams to come true, conservation efforts have led to a change in practice. Now, wishes are tied to specially designed wooden racks and imitation trees to protect the originals. Visit the Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees to participate in this cherished cultural ritual and add your hopes to the tapestry of wishes.
Location: Lam Tsuen Heung Kung Sho Rd, Lam Tsuen, Hong Kong
Phone: +852 2638 3678
Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees
9. Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail
A journey through history
Good for: Adventure, Budget, History
The Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail offers a captivating journey into Chinese history, particularly the legacy of the Tang clan, one of the largest clans in the New Territories. This 2-km-long path is at least an hour’s walk, as it takes you past numerous walled villages, ancestral halls, a study hall, and a temple, with structures dating from the 12th and 16th centuries.
Along the trail, you’ll gain insight into the Tang clan’s enduring traditions, including the celebrated Tin Hau Festival. Embark on the Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Hong Kong’s New Territories.
Location: Fanling, Hong Kong
Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail
10. Man Mo Temple in New Territories
One of the several temples for the God of Literature and the God of War
Good for: History, Budget
Man Mo Temple in the New Territories, established in 1891, serves as a place of devotion for Man, the god of literature, and Mo, the god of war. While there are other temples with the same name throughout China and on Hong Kong Island, this temple stands out with its unique features.
Inside, huge incense coils hang from the ceiling, burning for up to three weeks and creating a heady scent that enhances the exotic atmosphere. Devotees often burn paper representations of houses, servants, cars, and other luxuries for deceased relatives, believing these items will serve them in the afterlife. Visit Man Mo Temple to immerse yourself in the rich traditions and spiritual practices of this historic site.
Location: 53 Fu Shin St, Tai Po, Hong Kong
Open: Daily from 6 am to 6 pm
Phone: +852 2651 9989
Man Mo Temple in New Territories
11. Tin Hau temples
Discovering Tin Hau’s legacy across Hong Kong
Good for: History, Budget
There are around 70 temples across Hong Kong that are dedicated to Tin Hau, the Goddess of the Sea. Among the most popular is the Tin Hau Temple in Kowloon’s Yau Ma Tei, with the lively Temple Street Market unfolding nightly in the square in front of it.
Additionally, you can explore four Tin Hau temples on Cheung Chau Island, one on Peng Chau Island, and another on the Sai Kung Peninsula. Explore these temples to experience the unwavering devotion to Tin Hau that permeates Hong Kong.
Tin Hau temples
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