The oldest temple on Hong Kong island is a tribute to Man & Mo, two of Hong Kong's historic idols.
Man,
the God of literature holds a brush in his hand and is considered to be the guardian saint of politicians and civil servants.
Mo,
holds a sword; representing the God of Martial Arts & War, worshipped by police officers, soldiers, pawn shop and antique vendors.
The temple once served as a place of worship for those seeking to pass their civil examinations during the Ming & Qing dynasties. Nowadays, many students come here to pray for good luck on academic achievements. Merchants from the nearby antique stores lining Hollywood Road also visit regularly to pay homage. Some visit in hopes of gaining more insight into their future by having their fortune told. To receive your fortune the hopeful visitor simply asks a question in front of a small altar, selects a bamboo cylinder and shakes it until a stick falls out. The number on the stick coincides with a written fortune. If you are unable to read your own fortune, go next door and pay for an English translation.
In addition to the beauty of the traditional Chinese architectural style, the temple is a great way to learn about the social and religious practices of Hong Kong.
Man,
the God of literature holds a brush in his hand and is considered to be the guardian saint of politicians and civil servants.
Mo,
holds a sword; representing the God of Martial Arts & War, worshipped by police officers, soldiers, pawn shop and antique vendors.
The temple once served as a place of worship for those seeking to pass their civil examinations during the Ming & Qing dynasties. Nowadays, many students come here to pray for good luck on academic achievements. Merchants from the nearby antique stores lining Hollywood Road also visit regularly to pay homage. Some visit in hopes of gaining more insight into their future by having their fortune told. To receive your fortune the hopeful visitor simply asks a question in front of a small altar, selects a bamboo cylinder and shakes it until a stick falls out. The number on the stick coincides with a written fortune. If you are unable to read your own fortune, go next door and pay for an English translation.
In addition to the beauty of the traditional Chinese architectural style, the temple is a great way to learn about the social and religious practices of Hong Kong.
The large incense coils which hang from the ceiling create a mystic hiatus from the hustle and bustle of the city. Devotees burn incense in an attempt to attract the gods and offer food for the spirits which have passed on. Local visitors can be observed passing through the temple; praying and waving long sticks of incense, usually breaking the request of the large sign suggesting guests burn three or less sticks as a consideration for the environment.
Useful Information
How to Get There:
MTR Central Station {Exit D2}. Turn Right to Theatre Lane {walking along Queen's Road Central towards The Center}. Hop on the world's longest covered escalator "Central - Mid Levels} to Hollywood Road.
Cost:
$0 {or leave a donation in a box as you enter}.
Things to Consider:
Official website with more information.
MTR Central Station {Exit D2}. Turn Right to Theatre Lane {walking along Queen's Road Central towards The Center}. Hop on the world's longest covered escalator "Central - Mid Levels} to Hollywood Road.
Cost:
$0 {or leave a donation in a box as you enter}.
Things to Consider:
- I love incense!...but the smoke and smell from the billions of lit incense sticks eventually drove me out. If you are not a fan of incense, it is still worth walking in and taking a quick look.
- Lots of great restaurants nearby {& local street graffiti, too}.
Official website with more information.
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