My cousin suggested to visit a temple during our short layover in Hongkong. Since I’m the one who’s making an itinerary, I have to find a temple which is nearest to metro train. To my surprise, Wong Tai Sin Temple is walking distance from Wong Tai Sin Station and even one station close to Nan Lian Garden which is on top of our must-visit place in our Hongkong stopover.
Unlike Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery, Wong Tai Sin temple is more crowded maybe because 1. its a place of worship for locals 2. accessibility to tourists by using public transportation. I’m not sure if there’s an important event during our visit as people flooded in/out of the temple. Whatever it is, we’re happy to explore and able to personally see the Wong Tai Sin Temple amidst it’s busyness.
Wong Tai Sin Temple is named after Master Wong Cho Ping. Though it was primarily a Taoist temple, it also has a Buddhist and Confucian worshipping halls. Based on the history found online, the architecture of Wong Tai Sin Temple is based on Five elements-metal, wood, water, fire and earth. These elements are much recognized through its structured hall, shrines and other important in-house features surrounding the temple.
The enormous Supreme Paradise Pai-Fong (Maingate) welcome our arrival.
The 2.6m tall Wang Ling-guan Shrine glorify the Taoist God of gate-keeping is the first of many interesting features found inside.
Wang Ling-guan Shrine
A bit of trek for more sightseeing.
It has been said that the main purpose of Bell and Drum Tower in Jinhua Heritage Pai-fong is to protect the worshiping platforms and Main Altar.
Jinhua Heritage Pai-fong
Wong Tai Sin Temple’s popularity rise up because of numerous worshipper’s answered prayers after they offer their petition. It is so obvious on how people lined up to worship and pray at the Main Altar.
We were amazed to see a gigantic bronze statues of Twelve Animals of the Year. They are dressed in various ethnic costumes to demonstrates the different characters of the animals.
The Archives Hall represents the wood element. This is the place where the administrative work of those officials are done on daily basis.
Archives Hall
The Yue Heung Shrine are painted in red that represent ‘fire’ in Five elements and it worships the Buddha of Lighting the Lamp.
Yue Heung Shrine
The Yuk Yik Fountain represents ‘water’ element comprised of seven lotuses.
Yuk Yik Fountain
This the moon gate entrance to Good Wish Garden. It is a chinese-inspired garden mirroring a miniature replica of the Summer Palace in Beijing.
Right after the entrance is the Statue of sheep which is made from white jade.
The bridge that linked from main entrance leading to different pagoda and pavilion.
I appreciate how they connect the temple to a sanctuary. In this way, devotee/tourist has another platform for self-evaluation while being close to nature.
We stayed here for some minutes to take rest and planned for our next route.
To be honest, Wong Tai Sin Temple is such a great discovery for me. I never thought that a simple suggestion from my cousin would lead me to explore more temple in the future. Way back to my old travel history local/abroad, I was hoping to visit a new church but this time, I can also include temple on my list especially if I know the country/place I will visit has a number of temples as part of their historical landmark.
How to get there: Head to Wong Tai Sin Station (Exit B2)
Admission: Free
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