Hung Shing Temple - Wan Chai — Attraction in Hong Kong

This Hung Shing Temple (洪聖古廟) was probably built in 1847 with boulders from the hillside and its right portion and back are sitting on rocks. It is one of the earliest temples on Hong Kong Island, and may have existed as a shrine long before the British came to the Island.

The sea facing temple is dedicated to the deity Hung Shing is revered as the god of the seas who protects Chinese fishermen. Hung Shing (洪聖), literally holy Hung, refers to a Tang (唐 A.D. 618-907) official who was an expert in astronomy, geography, mathematics and most importantly in weather forecast which was of great importance to the fishermen and sea-faring traders. Hung Shing temples have been widely built in southern China especially Guangdong province. Well patronised by local residents, this Hung Shing Temple has lain at the heart of the religious life of the area.

The temple is a simple one-hall building with a granite platform right in front of its façade. The roof of the platform is supported by elaborate granite columns and accessing staircases are built on either ends rather than in the middle facing the temple entrance. The ceramic decorations of Shiwan kiln is made by the renowned ceramicist Lee Man-yuk (李萬玉) with a dating on the first year of Xuantong...

An interesting attraction to see in Wan Chai is the Hung Shing Temple. This is a Grade I historical building situated along the busy Queen's Road East. Opening hours 9am to 5pm daily.

This temple started off as a simple shrine on top of shoreline rocks directly on the harbour. Later the first temple was constructed here around 1850. Massive land reclamations since that time have resulted in the temple now being in the busy urban and commercial area of Wan Chai while the harbour is now only found much further north.

The temple is dedicated to Hung Shing, the protector of fisherman and sea traders. It is of typical 19h-century Chinese temple architecture, featuring grey brick walls, a simple entrance with a decorative porch and roof. The interior is a simple two hall structure with numerous deity figures, items of worship.

Overall, the Hung Shing Temple is smaller and less impressive than others you may plan to visit around the city. However, it remains interesting and worth a quick look inside if you plan to spend time in the Wanchai area and enjoy seeing buildings of historical value during...

The marvels of this Chinese temple right in between a busy road caught my eye. It's an amazing piece of culture and heritage amidst a fast paced modern city. Stop by to take a photo but watch out for the heavy human and vehicle traffic. If you are entering the temple, keep your volume low and make a donation where you can to support...