Wong Tai Sin - Wong Tai Sin Temple

Even though this is one of the newest Chinese temples in Hong Kong it is nevertheless one of the most interesting. A private temple built about 1920 which once stood here was replaced in 1968 by the present building.

The temple is dedicated to the Taoist god Wong Tai Sin, whom the people of Hong Kong regard as the bringer of good luck in horse-racing and a healer of illnesses.

Large numbers of worshippers gather in the temple on the 23rd day of the 8th lunar month (usually at the end of September) to celebrate the god's festival.

The complex is made up of several buildings. In the large hall a number of fortune-tellers have their booths, and joss sticks and other offerings lie ready for use. Adjoining is the Hall of the Three Saints, which is dedicated to Kwun Yum (goddess of mercy), Kwan Ti (god of war) and Lue Dong Bin (one of the Eight Immortals of Taoism). Another hall is dedicated to Confucius and his 72 pupils, and beyond this is the Good Wish Garden, a Chinese-style landscaped garden.

Visitors are expected to leave a small offering for the maintenance of the temple complex.
To the northeast of Kowloon is the district of Wong Tai Sin. Of interest in this area is the Wong Tai Sin Temple.