Visiting some of Hong Kong’s top temples is a must-do for most tourists to this city-state. It provides insight into the deeply ingrained practices of the inhabitants, whose primary religion is Buddhism. Temples in Hong Kong are dedicated to several religions: Buddhist and Taoist traditions, as well as Confucian shrines, can be found, with some temples honoring multiple deities.
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While there are dozens of religious buildings of almost every faith on the island, this list focuses on Hong Kong’s finest Chinese temples, as they are the ones that attract curious visitors from all over the world.
What Are the Best Temples to Visit When in Hong Kong?
If you plan on taking a tour in the island-state, be sure to check out any if not all of these excellent Chinese temple shrines found only here in Hong Kong!
Che Kung Temple
Che Kung Temple (Che Kung Miu) is a Grade II-listed historic structure in Tai Wai. The temple, which was established in the 17th century, is normally busiest during the Che Kung Festivals and on the second day of Chinese New Year, which is Che Kung’s birthday.
In the main hall, there is a statue of Che Kung, as well as three fan-shaped fate wheels in front of the statue. It is thought that by turning the fan blade, you can change your fortune. A drum and a massive bronze bell can be found on both sides of the temple.
Location: Che Kung Miu Road, Tai Wai, Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong
Open: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
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Chi Lin Nunnery
The Chi Lin Nunnery, which was built in 1934, is a Tang dynasty-style complex featuring exquisite statues and Buddhist treasures. Lotus ponds with bonsai and bougainvillaea dot the temple grounds, luring those seeking moments of serenity in the midst of the bustling Kowloon neighborhood.
Bodhisattvas and Sakyamuni Buddha are sculpted in gold, wood, and clay in the temple halls. The Chi Lin Nunnery is situated on Diamond Hill, approximately 2.2 kilometers northeast of Kowloon City.
Location: 5 Chi Lin Drive, Diamond Hill, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm
Phone: +852 2354 1888
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Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees
The Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees are covered in brightly colored joss papers such as red and pink. According to legend, a dad once made a request to the tree for his son to do better in school. His desire was granted, and ever since, many people have come to the two trees to write their wishes on joss paper. They will then hurl it as high as they can into the tree in order for their wishes to be granted.
Because the Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees have been receiving joss papers for decades, it is now traditional to tie wishes to purpose-built wooden racks and imitation trees.
Location: Fangma Village, Lam Tsuen, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong
Phone: +852 2638 3678
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Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail
The Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail takes visitors on a journey through Chinese history, focusing on the Tang clan (one of the largest clans in the New Territories).
Allow at least an hour to traverse this 2-kilometer-long path, which passes by numerous walled towns, ancestral halls, a study hall, and a temple. These constructions were built during the 12th and 16th centuries. The Tang clan maintains traditional village rituals, the most well-known of which is the Tin Hau Festival.
Location: 66 Pak Wo Road, Fanling, New Territories, Hong Kong
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Man Mo Temple – Central
Man Mo Temple is one of Hong Kong’s most popular Buddhist temples. It was built in 1847 and is named after its two main deities: Man (the deity of books) and Mo. (the god of war). Locals can be found worshiping at the altar on any given day, and it becomes much livelier during yearly festivals such as Chinese New Year and Buddha’s Birthday.
Man Mo Temple is within a few minutes’ walk from Central’s downtown area, attracting visitors seeking the quiet and serenity of this Hong Kong temple.
Location: 124–126 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
Open: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
Phone: +852 2540 0350
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Man Mo Temple in New Territories
Man Mo Temple in the New Territories was founded in 1891. It is constructed as a center of worship for Man, the deity of writing, and Mo, the god of war. Other temples with the same name can be found throughout China, including one on Hong Kong Island.
Huge incense coils hang from the temple’s roof and can burn for up to three weeks straight, leaving a rich aroma and an unusual ambience. Paper houses, servants, vehicles, and other luxury for deceased relatives are frequently burned by devotees (in the belief that the items can be used in the afterlife).
Location: Fu Sin Street, Tai Wo, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong
Open: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
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Pak Tai Temple – Cheung Chau Island
The Pak Tai Temple on Cheung Chau Island dates back to 1863, when a statue of Pak Tai (a Chinese deity particularly revered by fishermen) was brought to the tiny island. It is thought to have aided in the averting of a plague that swept through much of the Pearl River Delta.
Pak Tai Temple is especially popular during the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, which occurs in the fourth lunar month, typically in April or May. Taoist rites, lion dances, and games are all part of the annual festival.
Location: Pak She St, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm, which also includes delicious buns to snack on throughout the day.
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Po Lin Monastery (Big Buddha) – Lantau Island
Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island is famous for the Tian Tan Buddha, a massive bronze figure of Buddha that can be seen for kilometers. The temple really houses three large golden Buddha sculptures, as well as a 34-metre-tall, 250-tonne bronze Buddha.
From the 22nd to the 29th day of the first lunar month (February), a 7-day meditation retreat is held where you can learn about Buddha’s teachings and participate in meditation techniques conducted by senior monks.
Location: Po Lin Monastery, Ngong Ping Plateau, Tung Chung Town, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Open: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
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Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery – New Territories
The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, located in the New Territories, is a magnificent shrine. The 20th-century temple houses a vast collection of Buddha pictures distributed across 8 hectares of ground.
It was built in 1957 by Reverend Yuet Kai, a dedicated Buddhist monk, with the assistance of his followers. Around 13,000 Buddha images in diverse stances, styles, materials, and sizes are on show. Unlike most temples in Hong Kong, The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is not staffed by monks; instead, it is maintained entirely by volunteers.
Location: Pai Tau, New Territories, Hong Kong
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Phone: +852 2691 1067
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Tin Hau Temples
Tin Hau, the Goddess of the Sea, is honored at around 70 temples in Hong Kong. One of the most well-known Tin Hau Temples is in Kowloon’s Yau Ma Tei district (as seen in the photo provided), and the space in front of it holds the nightly Temple Street Market. There are also four Tin Hau temples on Cheung Chau Island, one on Peng Chau Island, one on Ping Chau Island, and one on the Sai Kung Peninsula.
Wong Tai Sin Temple – Kowloon
Wong Tai Sin Temple distinguishes apart from most shrines in Hong Kong because it is unusual to have three religions in one temple: Taoism (Wong Tai Sin), Confucianism (Confucius), and Buddhism (Guanyin).
There are typical Chinese architectural designs such as red pillars, paper lanterns, memorial archways, Taoist artwork, and legendary creature carvings. Wong Tai Sin Temple is also well-known for fulfilling wishes through a local practice known as kau chim. Shake a bamboo container full of numbered bamboo sticks till one falls out. You can then have it interpreted by a local fortune teller.
Location: 2 Chuk Yuen Village, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Open: Daily from 7 am to 5 pm
Phone: +852 2327 8141
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Hong Kong may seem like a tiny piece of land on the world map, but it has some of the most beautiful temples you can find when you’re in Asia. So whether you’re looking for a nice place to escape the busyness of city life, or are looking for IG-worthy tourist locations to enjoy some peace and quiet, this guide will show you where you can easily find what you’re looking for!
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