Journey back to 1637. That was the year the Hau Kok Tin Hau Temple was first built. It sits here in Tuen Mun Hong Kong. This temple honors Tin Hau Mazu a revered Chinese deity.
Once called Mouth Horn Tin Hau Temple it was named for its location. A horn-shaped hillock stretched toward the sea’s mouth. Today, it is known as Hau Kok Tin Hau Temple. Land reclamation in the 1970s and 1980s pushed the temple inland. Factories now surround it.
Originally, the Hau Kok Tin Hau Temple was a humble structure by the sea. Fishermen sought blessings from Tin Hau for safe voyages. Tuen Mun was then a vital waterway transport hub.
The To clan played a significant role in the Hau Kok Tin Hau Temple’s history. They were salt merchants who migrated to Tuen Mun during the Ming Dynasty. The To clan collaborated with fishermen. Together, they expanded the temple. Villagers also contributed to renovations over the years.
Look for the bronze bell inside the Hau Kok Tin Hau Temple. It dates back to 1697 during the Qing Dynasty. A Zhejiang native gifted the bell. It marks one of the earliest expansions of the temple.
The Hau Kok Tin Hau Temple has been rebuilt several times. Yet its location remains unchanged. It stands as a witness to the development of the old market. Though no longer by the sea, the temple’s spirit endures.
Step into Tin Hau Temple Plaza. It is a public space for recreation and cultural events. The Tin Hau Festival Parade and Lunar New Year Fair take place here.
Visit the Fa Pau Exhibition Hall. It displays mock-ups of Fa Pau. Panels, images, and photographs offer insights into the temple. Learn about the Tin Hau Festival and local customs.
Every year, villagers and fishermen celebrate the Tin Hau Festival. This happens on the 23rd day of the third month in the Chinese calendar. They pray for prosperity and peace. Dragon and lion dances fill the open space.
The Hau Kok Tin Hau Temple stands as a testament to Tuen Mun’s heritage. It connects the past with the present. It is a place of worship. It is a symbol of community and tradition.