Man Mo Temple

The Man Mo Temple, built by Taoists in 1848 and renovated in 1894, is one of the largest and oldest Chinese temples on Hong Kong Island. It is dedicated to two gods, Man Cheong, god of literature, and Mo, god of war.

Man Cheong, who was born in AD 287 as Cheung Ah Tse, is particularly revered by officials, politicians and statesmen. Mo was born in AD 160 under the name of Kwan Yue; he is also known as Kuan Ti or Kuan Kung. He fought against injustice and oppression, and was killed in 219 after being captured by his enemies. In 1594, under the Ming dynasty, the Emperor Wan Li posthumously granted him the style of "Great, Venerable and Loyal Ti, Assistant of Heaven and Protector of the Empire". He is the tutelary god of the Hong Kong police. Both of these gods were emperors in the early period of China, and under their rule the country enjoyed peace and prosperity. A statue of Mo stands in the center of the rear altar, with one of Man close by on the left. On religious feast-days both statues are carried through the streets. There are also numerous statues of other gods.

There is often a great bustle and activity in the temple complex, particularly in the gardens at the front. After seeing round the temple it is well worth spending some time outside it and watching the busy scene.

Near the Man Mo Temple, between Connaught Road and Conduit Road, operates what - if all the separate sections are included - is probably the world's longest escalator. Used daily by more than 30,000 people, it forms a useful link between "mid level" Hong Kong and the harbor area.