Interestingly, there are over 100 temples dedicated to Tin Hau in Hong Kong. We are standing before one of them. This is the Tin Hau Temple in Hong Kong. More specifically, this Tin Hau Temple is located at 53 Shau Kei Wan Main Street East, Shau Kei Wan.
Let’s step inside the Tin Hau Temple. Feel the cool air as we transition from the bustling street outside. This Tin Hau Temple opens its doors from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
This Tin Hau Temple has a long history. The original temple was built in 1845. But a typhoon devastated it in 1872. It was rebuilt in 1873 on the same site. Originally, the Tin Hau Temple faced the sea.
Look around and observe the architecture. The Tin Hau Temple was renovated several times. This happened in 1876, 1902, 1920, 1948 and 2005. The Chinese Temples Committee manages this temple.
Who was Tin Hau? Tin Hau is also known as Mazu. She is the Chinese Goddess of the Sea. Many seafarers pray to her for protection. In the larger Chinese temples, the statues of two guardian gods may be found on either side of the main altar. In the case of Tin Hau temples, such guards are always the two daemon brothers Chin Lei Ngan and Shun Fung Yi. They are known as “Thousand Li Eyes” and “With the wind ear”.
Tin Hau is a significant figure in Hong Kong’s cultural landscape. Many celebrate the Tin Hau Festival. Marine parades often occur during this festival at various Tin Hau Temples.
Remember the incense burner found floating on the sea? Legend says that the Tai family found an incense burner. It floated miraculously on the sea. This event gave rise to one of Hong Kong Island’s pre-colonial names. It was called Hung Heung Lo or Red Incense-burner island.
Take a moment to reflect on the history and significance of this place. Feel the connection to the past and the community. As we leave the Tin Hau Temple, remember the story of Tin Hau. Remember the story of the incense burner and the families who built this temple.