Wan Chai Pak Tai Temple — Attraction in Hong Kong

由灣仔坊眾於同治二年集資建成，現由華人廟宇委員會管理。北帝又稱「玄武神」及「玄天上帝」(北方在顏色上為黑色，故稱玄天)。法相為赤足分踏龜蛇，統領北斗星群，(龜亦是北方代表)。北帝信仰沿於星宿崇 拜，為太上老君化身，後託皇子，於武當山修道得成正果，再得玉帝封為太玄，鎮守北方。

Yuk Hui Temple (玉虛宮) in Wan Chai was erected by local residents in 1863 for the worship of the Taoist deity Pak Tai (北帝), Emperor of the North, also known as Yuen Tin Sheung Tai (玄天上帝), the Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven.

It is a Qing vernacular temple with its main deity halls in the middle. Two side chambers for other deities, keeper’s quarters, incense burners and light-wells are on its left and right. Right in front of the main building is a raised platform accessed by a granite staircase. The main building is a two-hall building separated by a covered courtyard in between having the Pak Tai statue right in front of the end hall and another statue of his at the altars at the very end of the hall accompanied by other deities including Kwun Yam (觀音), Kwan Tai (關帝), Lui Cho (呂祖) and others.

The roofs of all the buildings are in flush gable (硬山頂) style except that of the covered courtyard in hip-and-gable (歇山頂) style. The ceramic ridge decorations including a pair of dragon, a firing pearl, two aoyus (鰲魚, dragon fish), figurines of Chinese opera, floral patterns, etc. made by a Shiwan kiln dated 1907 are still kept in good condition. The granite columns and the wooden brackets are elegantly engraved with ornate carvings. Its statues including the four Tin Wongs (天王, heavenly kings) are exquisitely carved in tradition style. Though it is not the oldest Yuk Hui temple in Hong Kong, it is the best maintained one having the highest built...

Pak Tai Temple is a traditional Chinese temple dedicated to the Taoist deity Pak Tai (also known as the Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven) and is located in the Wan Chai district of Hong Kong Island. Although it is located in a relatively urban area, there are nearby parks where you can find a place to rest and enjoy the surroundings. Here's some information about Pak Tai Temple and the nearby park:

Pak Tai Temple: Pak Tai Temple in Wan Chai is one of the oldest temples in Hong Kong, dating back to the early 19th century. It is known for its architectural style, intricate decoration and religious significance. The temple offers a tranquil and spiritual atmosphere in the midst of the bustling city. Nearby Park: Victoria Park is a large public park located in Causeway Bay, which borders Wan Chai. It is one of Hong Kong's most popular parks and offers various amenities and places to relax. Here you will find lush greenery, walking paths, benches and open spaces for leisure activities. Victoria Park is an ideal place to rest and relax after visiting Pak Tai Temple. In addition, Wan Chai is surrounded by the natural beauty of Victoria Harbour, and the waterfront promenade provides a pleasant setting for a leisurely stroll and relaxation. While there are other parks and resting areas near Pak Tai Temple in Wan Chai, Victoria Park is the most notable and accessible...

This is one of the interesting Chinese temples to visit in Wan Chai if you are sightseeing in this area of the city. Opening hours are 8am to 5pm daily and is located at the end of Stone Nullah Lane a couple minutes walk past the Blue House.

Pak Tai is a Grade I heritage building that was constructed in 1863. It is dedicated to the Pak Tai (Emperor of the dark heaven) for whom followers believe uses his spiritual powers to protect against disasters.

It is of typical 19th-century Chinese temple architecture with grey brick exterior, nice murals above the entrance, tiled decorative roofing. See the dragons upon the roof as well as the nicely carved stone dragons to the sides of the entrance.

The interior features a centre shrine with a 3 metre tall bronze cast of Pak Tai. You'll find tribute items left by worshippers, hanging incenses, lanterns, copper bells and other deity figures and features worth viewing.

In the end, Pak Tai is a somewhat isolated and a tad bit tricky to find so best to consult Google maps and mark this one on your hand map before setting off to look for it. It is just next to the Stone Nullah Lane public garden at the top of Stone Nullah Lane. If you find the garden, you'll have found Pak Tai...