There are really many Tin Hau Temples in Hong Kong, and they all have their own characteristics. As for the Tin Hau Temple, which will be introduced by
HongKongFootprint.com this time, it is heard that it also retains the industrial characteristics of the past, so let's go and have a look.
The Tin Hau Temple located in Cha Kwo Ling is said to have its original site on the shore of a nearby bay. The old temple was destroyed by a typhoon in about 1912. Until 1947, the old temple was relocated to its current location at the request of the local residents and with the assistance of the government. Although the current Tin Hau Temple has been rebuilt many times, it still retains its unique architectural style.
This Tin Hau Temple is mainly made of granite, which is very rare in Hong Kong, which also reflects the local characteristics of the Cha Kwo Ling where the quarrying industry was the mainstay. Although in today's Hong Kong, the quarrying industry has long since declined, it is not difficult to find that the development and technology of the quarrying industry in the past were indeed of a considerable level.
The structure of Tin Hau Temple is simple. There are two painted walls in the temple, the green dragon on the left and the white tiger on the right. As for the roof ridge, there is a ridge decoration with the theme of "Two Dragons Playing with Pearls", which is also very distinctive.
This Tin HauTemple is dedicated to the "Tin Hau". According to records, "Tin Hau" is also known as "Mazu". It is said that her real name is "Lin Moniang". She was born in the early years of the Northern Song Dynasty. When she was a child, she was not only talented and intelligent, but also had the ability to predict changes in the weather. As a result, this ability saved many fishermen who went to sea to make a living. Therefore, since the Northern Song Dynasty, "Tin Hau" has been regarded as the patron saint of fishermen. Especially in some cities or villages built along the coast, there is always a Tin Hau Temple. Most of the Tin Hau Temples in Hong Kong were built in fishermen's settlements, but the belief in worshiping the "Tin Hau" also came from different industries.
During festivals, especially on the birthday of Tin Hau (the 23rd day of the third lunar month), Tin Hau Temple will be very lively. There will be some traditional celebrations outside the temple, such as dragon and lion dances, Cantonese opera performances or parade performances and etc. The scene is spectacular, but also very lively.
Next to the Tin Hau Temple, there is also a strange stone. The local residents believe that visiting this strange stone will help fertility, so they call this strange stone the "Child-Giving Rocks". According to legend, there was a believer who had no children for a long time after his marriage. One day, because he touched this strange stone, his wife became pregnant soon after. This story is widely circulated, so believers have come to pay homage to this strange stone.
If you want to take a look here, or touch the strange stone, it is recommended to take the MTR to Yau Tong Station and leave at Exit B2. Afterwards, walk along Cha Kwo Ling Road to this temple. It takes about 15 minutes on foot to get there.
Location: Tin Hau Temple (Cha Kwo Ling)
Address: Cha Kwo Ling Road, Cha Kwo Ling, Kowloon
Credit:
Hong Kong Footprint (HongKongFootprint.com)
Want to know more about Hong Kong Tourist Attractions?
Click here to get the list of various major
tourist attractions in Hong Kong and follow my guide to the best tourist attractions to visit and tick them off one by one. Enjoy!
The information and images above are for reference only, and are subject to change in accordance with the announcement of relevant organizations or climate change at that day.
