Wong Tai Sin Temple, also called Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin, is known to be the busiest worshiping site of Hong Kong where incense never dies out, because it is said to “answer every prayer.” Located in northeast Kowloon, it is a Taoist temple dedicated to the great monk Wong Tai Sin. Many locals regard it as a sacred religious site for prayers, worship, and spiritual guidance.
As the most famous temple in Hong Kong, Wong Tai Sin Temple has also attracted countless visitors from other places for its kau chim fortune-telling practice, stunning traditional Chinese architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Walk down the halls, altars, and gardens. It is the best place to learn about local religious and spiritual life when you travel to Hong Kong.
Fast Facts about Wong Tai Sin Temple
- Location: No. 2, Chuk Yuen Village, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily
- Entrance Fee: Free admission (donations are welcome）
- Recommended Visit Time: 1-2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: anytime of the year, especially during Chinese New Year and Wong Tai Sin’s birthday
- Suited to: culture lovers, spiritual seekers, anyone interested in learning about the local spiritual life
Wong Tai Sin & Temple History
Master Wong Tai Sin was originally named Wong Cho-ping. He was born in Eastern Jin Dynasty in 328. He grew up in a poor family in Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, and herded sheep in the mountains.
At the age of 15, with the guidance of an immortal, he went into the mountains and started practicing Taoism in a cave. After about forty years, he achieved enlightenment and was said to turn rocks into a flock of sheep. He often helped the mortals and became a beloved, admired figure.
In 1921, a group of Taoist followers built the temple here according to Feng Shui and named it Sik Sik Yuen. The first of the “Sik” means having little of something. The second “Sik” means desire. The name suggests being rid of desires and seeking content in spiritual enrichment. Wong Tai Sin Temple was at first a sacred site for practice exclusive to monks and followers. It became opened to public in 1956.
Main Structure & Activities at Wong Tai Sin Temple
Pray at the Main Altar
The Main Altar is at the center of Wong Tai Sin Temple. It is where Master Wong Tai Sin is enshrined. He is guarded by a statue of the Monkey King. The Main Altar has always been the venue for practicing dharma assemblies and ceremonies.
The architecture is magnificent with a heavy use of red and gold colors. You can go in for a prayer at the Main Altar and light an incense (which is distributed for free). Master Wong Tai Sin is said to grant every prayer he receives.
Try Kau Chim Fortune-Telling
As you walk about Wong Tai Sin Temple complex, you’ll see fortune-tellers practicing kau chim for people, a traditional Chinese form of fortune-telling. The practice involves shaking a bamboo cylinder filled with numbered fortune sticks until one falls out. Exchange the stick for a paper slip with an answer to the question you have in mind. It’ll be an interesting cultural activity to do on your Hong Kong tour.
Explore the Main Structures
Wong Tai Sin Temple complex was constructed strictly according to the five phases of Feng Shui, in which, the Fei Luen Pavilion, or Bronze Pavilion, represents Metal, the Scripture Hall represents Wood, the Yuk Yik Fountain represents Water, the Yue Heung Pavilion represents Fire, and the Earth Wall represents Earth.
Another characteristic of Wong Tai Sin Temple is that it respects all three religions of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. The Three Saints Hall represents that belief best as a site of worship of three deities, Lord Guandi of Confucianism, Bodhisattva Guanyin of Buddhism, and Patriarch Lüzu of Taoism.
Admire the Beautiful Good Wish Garden
The Good Wish Garden is a beautifully constructed back garden to Wong Tai Sin Temple. It was originally designed to resemble the Summer Palace of Beijing. There are waterfalls, ponds, bridges, pavilions, and a variety of floras. You’ll also find a Nine-Dragon Wall here, a replica of the one in Beijing.
Visit the Cultural Centre for Wong Tai Sin Belief and Customs
The Cultural Centre for Wong Tai Sin Belief and Customs is a museum aiming to help the public understand the influence of Wong Tai Sin worship and the customs in Hong Kong. There are exhibitions on the origins of the Wong Tai Sin Belief and Customs, historical changes took place at Sik Sik Yuen, and knowledge about Taoist culture.
Join Seasonal Special Events
As a cultural center of Hong Kong, there’re many seasonal events at Wong Tai Sin Temple. The two major ones are during Chinese New Year and Master Wong Tai Sin’s birthday. As Hong Kong’s famous site for prayers, on the first day of the Lunar New Year every year, people will scramble to light the first incense of the year to show their devotion.
On Wong Tai Sin’s birthday, all disciples of Wong Tai Sin will gather at noon at the Main Altar for worship events. Incense is provided free of charge, but it’s only allowed to light nine incense sticks to show respect for the deities.
During all seasonal events, there’re activities like arts and poetry performances, handicraft and calligraphy workshops, lectures, lantern lighting and offering, artifact exhibitions, and temple fairs.
Best Time to Visit Wong Tai Sin Temple
As mentioned before, there’re seasonal events at Wong Tai Sin Temple, with Chinese New Year and Wong Tai Sin’s birthday (the 23rd day of the 8th lunar month) being the grandest. Those are the best time to visit for a vibrant atmosphere and witness the temple’s religious rituals. Thousands of visitors, locals and travelers alike, gather to seek good fortune and blessings. Long queues and large crowds are expected.
If you’re seeking a more peaceful spiritual experience, you can avoid these peak times and plan your visit on a weekday morning. You can take your time in the garden and the museum.
Season wise, the best time to visit Wong Tai Sin Temple is from October to December when it’s cool and dry. From January onward, it tends to become rainy and cloudy often. And summers are typically hot and humid sometimes with tropical storms. Please keep in mind that although the temple doesn’t have a strict dress code, you’re still expected to dress modestly and respectfully.
How to Get to Wong Tai Sin Temple
MTR: Take the Kwun Tong Line to Wong Tai Sin Station. Then take Exit B2. You will find the temple just a couple of minutes away.
Bus: Take bus No. 1, 2F, 3, or 11 to Wong Tai Sin Temple. Or you can opt for bus No. A29, A29P, E22A, E22C, E22P, or E22S to Wong Tai Sin Station on Lung Cheung Road.
Taxi: Another way of getting there is by taxi, which is readily available across the entire city.
Attractions nearby Wong Tai Sin Temple
Nan Lian Garden is a Tang Dynasty-styled classical Chinese garden with hills, water features, trees, rocks, and wooden structures.
Chi Lin Nunnery is a large Buddhist temple complex. It is the world’s largest hand-made wooden building showcasing Tang Dynasty architecture, constructed without nails using cypress wood.
Kowloon Walled City Park is a historical park built on the site of the notorious Kowloon Walled City. It is designed in the style of a Jiangnan garden.
Lion Rock is a famous mountain with a lion-shaped peak. It’s a popular hiking destination in Hong Kong with a gorgeous view of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.
Ladies Market is one of the best Hong Kong markets for fashion items. You’ll find a wide selection of clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.
