Wong Tai Sin Temple

As today is our last full day in Hong Kong, we decided to go our separate ways.  Thus Kacy and Pat went in one direction, James in another, and Teri and I in yet another.  Two weeks of togetherness has been marvelous but it is nice to have some personal time on our last day as well.  

Teri and I decided to go to go to Wong Tai Sin Temple. Per Hong Kong tourism board website,

"The Wong Tai Sin Temple’s claim to ‘make every wish come true upon request’ might have something to do with its popularity. Home to three religions (Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism) its natural setting and beautifully ornamented buildings make it as much a scenic attraction as an important religious centre.

The temple commemorates the famous monk of yore, Wong Tai Sin (also known as Huang Chu-ping), who was born in the 4^th century and became a deity at Heng Shan (Red Pine Hill). In 1915, Taoist priest Liang Ren-an carried a sacred portrait of Wong Tai Sin from Guangdong in southern China to Hong Kong. Now housing this precious portrait, the Wong Tai Sin Temple is where worshippers pray for good fortune through offerings, divine guidance and fortune telling.

Feng Shui enthusiasts may notice structures representing the five geomantic elements: the Bronze Pavilion (metal); the Archives Hall (wood); the Yuk Yik Fountain (water); the Yue Heung Shrine (fire), where the Buddha of the Lighting Lamp is worshipped; and the Earth Wall (earth). Other areas of the complex include the Three Saints Hall, the Confucian Hall and the extravagantly colourful Good Wish Garden that is lavishly decorated with chinoiserie."

Teri purchasing incense as "fire" offerings at the temple. An insistent hustler just outside of the MTR subway station attempted to sell us incense for $100 HKD. At this shop by the temple, it was a much more reasonable $25 HKD.

At the entrance to the Wong Tai Sin Temple

By some of the mythical creatures at the Temple

More of the mythical creatures

Yet another mythical creature

We placed our incense sticks before the shrine

As you can see, the temple grounds in this area are very crowded

High rise buildings surround the temple grounds which are truly an oasis in the urban landscape.

Throngs of people come to pray to the Gods, 

especially groups of tourists from Mainland China