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Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai
Sin Temple
If you have a
long-standing wish that's yet to come true, perhaps the place to
visit is the Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple where, provided you
make an earnest plea to the gods, "every wish can come true" - or so
it is said. But even if you don't get your wish and win a million in
the lottery, this temple complex in the heart of urban Kowloon is
still well worth a visit. Covering 18,000 square metres and located
in a tranquil natural setting remote from the nearby housing estates
and the bustle of their streets, the temple is, apart from being an
important religious centre, a scenic attraction full of beautifully
ornamented traditional buildings.
It commemorates the famous monk of yore Wong Tai Sin (also known as
Huang Chu-ping), who was born around AD 328 and became a deity at
Heng Shan (Red Pine Hill) in his later life. In 1915 a Taoist
priest, Liang Ren-an, brought a sacred portrait of Wong Tai Sin from
Guangdong in Southern China to Hong Kong. It was only fitting
therefore that this magnificent temple be built and dedicated to
this honoured divinity revered down the ages for his benevolence. In
perpetuation of such an unselfish philosophy, the Temple preaches
three traditional religions - Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. The
major feature is the Main Altar where the portrait of Wong Tai Sin
is hung. Here believers go to pray for divine guidance and good
fortune. Another place of great significance is the Three Saints
Hall, where the deities Lu Zu, Guan Yin and Guan Di are worshipped.
Other important fixtures include the Bronze Pavilion (females
excluded), the Archives Hall, the Earthly Fountain, the Yue Hing
Shrine where the Buddha of the Lighted Lamp is worshipped, the
Unicorn (Confucian) Hall where Confucius is worshipped, and the
extravagantly colourful Good Wish Garden lavishly decorated with
many exotic examples of Chinoiserie. Take the MTR to Wong Tai Sin
Station and leave via Exit B. The Temple is in Wong Tai Sin Road
adjoining the Upper Wong Tai Sin Estate.
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Chi Lin Nunnery
Kowloon
City
Laid out like a classic garden of Southern China, Kowloon Walled
City Park seeks to preserve the heritage of Kowloon's fabled Walled
City. Among its attractions are a courtyard, the Old South Gate of
the Walled City, sculptures, pavilions and flower and tree-lined
pathways.
Wong Tai Sin
Named after a shepherd boy who is believed to have had mystical
healing powers, the temple complex of Wong Tai Sin is a gloriously
colourful spectacle founded on the lower slopes of the Kowloon Hills
over half a century ago. Crucial family decisions are often resolved
by reference to the deity, and the temple's host of fortune-tellers
have helped to make this Hong Kong's most popular temple. The sacred
grounds are busiest during Chinese New Year and on Wong Tai Sin's
birthday, on the 23rd day of the 8th lunar month.
Diamond Hill
Magnificently renovated in traditional architecture, the Chi Lin
Nunnery is another must-see attraction in Kowloon. No nails were
used in this multi-million dollar renovation, only wooden dowelling
and brackets. The 3.2-hectare site, comprising various Buddhist
halls, is a living museum of the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907).
Lei Yue Mun
Partly built on harbour-side stilts, the old village of Lei Yue Mun
is an offbeat destination adored by seafood aficionados. Visitors
can wander at will along covered walkways, purchase their own live
seafood from the many market stalls, and take it into nearby
restaurants to be cooked according to their own specifications.
Though the nearby Eastern Harbour Crossing links Lei Yue Mun with
Hong Kong Island, it remains a raffishly rural backwater and an
extraordinary experience.
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Information provided by
Hong Kong Tourism Board.
