Wong Tai Sin Temple
Tribute To A Taoist God
Wong Tai Sin was a Taoist God who is widely respected and revered in Hong Kong for his healing powers.
This was an incredible experience. I spent an entire day here in February of 2005 which just happened to be during the Lunar New Year. I went the day before Chinese New Year which just happened to be my birthday. I planned it that way. And, what a fantastic day it turned out to be. Although very busy with worshipers and tourists it was a very serene and peaceful setting.
The temple itself is absolutely gorgeous with it's ornately designed and colorful structure. There were many people there worshiping at that time. They would burn incense at the main altar and then congregate in front of the temple where they would place newspaper on the ground with their offerings of food, usually fruit to Wong Tai Sin. It was fascinating to see and I have to say that because this was a place of worship I felt somewhat uncomfortable taking photos of the altar and the people though they do not mind.
Wong Tai Sin was a Taoist God who is widely respected and revered in Hong Kong for his healing powers.
This was an incredible experience. I spent an entire day here in February of 2005 which just happened to be during the Lunar New Year. I went the day before Chinese New Year which just happened to be my birthday. I planned it that way. And, what a fantastic day it turned out to be. Although very busy with worshipers and tourists it was a very serene and peaceful setting.
The temple itself is absolutely gorgeous with it's ornately designed and colorful structure. There were many people there worshiping at that time. They would burn incense at the main altar and then congregate in front of the temple where they would place newspaper on the ground with their offerings of food, usually fruit to Wong Tai Sin. It was fascinating to see and I have to say that because this was a place of worship I felt somewhat uncomfortable taking photos of the altar and the people though they do not mind.
I did also explore the grounds around the temple which were so beautifully sculpted that I just could not leave. I had to explore over and over again. There was a waterfall, bamboo trees, archways, rock alcove formations and bridges.
It is free to enter the grounds though donations are welcomed.
There are also many fortune teller stalls within the grounds should you want your fortune told.
To get there take the MTR to Wong Tai Sin station and it's about a 5 minute walk to the temple. For more information visit http://www.wongtaisin.com.cn/
Below is a poem I wrote about Wong Tai Sin Temple which is written in a haiku series.
Wong Tai Sin Temple
odorous incense
imbues the stone oasis
with fruitful worship
the faithful gather
sacrificial offerings
praising Wong Tai Sin
ancient waterfall
ornamental pagodas
an archaic bridge
man made testaments
to the shepherd Deity
in honor they bow.
