Wong Tai Sin Temple, a Taoist temple established in 1921, is one of the most famous temples in Hong Kong. It is also renowned among overseas Chinese in Southern Asia, Europe, and America.
Wong Tai Sin Temple is named after Wong Chuping. When Wong Chuping was 15, he began to follow Taoism. Forty years later, he achieved enlightenment and became immortal. People called him Wong Tai Sin from then on. It is said that he punishes evils, heals the wounded, and rescues the dying. The influence of Wong Tai Sin spread from Guangdong Province to Hong Kong in the early 20th century. With his mercy and his power, he is said to grant whatever is requested. Wong Tai Sin Temple is known for its fortune-telling. The fortune sticks (or lots) in Wong Tai Sin Temple are very accurate. Many people who visit the temple come to have their fortunes told. Generally, worshippers entreat the fate of the same year. They light worship sticks, kneel before the main altar, make a wish, and shake a bamboo cylinder containing fortune sticks until one falls out. The stick is exchanged for a piece of paper bearing the same number, and the soothsayer then interprets the fortune on the paper for the worshipper. Wong Tai Sin has many worshippers in Hong Kong, so the joss sticks and candles burn exuberantly all year round, especially during the Chinese Lunar New Year and Wong Tai Sin's birthday - the 23rd day of the eighth lunar month.
Wong Tai Sin Temple is also called Sik Sik Yuen. The architecture of Wong Tai Sin Temple is in the traditional Chinese temple style: grand red pillars, a magnificent golden roof adorned with blue friezes, yellow latticework, and resplendent multi-colored carvings. Aside from the Daxiong-baodian or Grand Hall, Sansheng Hall and the Good Wish Garden are also worth seeing. The temple grounds also feature three memorial archways. The first one stands outside the temple and is carved with the name of the temple. If you walk past the soothsayers and the fortune-telling stalls, you can see another memorial archway. And if you continue further along the third memorial archway standing before you. Memorial archways are a common feature of traditional Chinese architecture. Also at the temple are the Nine Dragon Wall--a replica of the renowned Nine Dragon Wall in Beijing, and the Good Wish Garden - a miniature copy of Beijing's Summer Palace .
Additionally, Wong Tai Sin Temple is the only temple that offers facilities for wedding ceremonies in Hong Kong.
Q & A on Wong Tai Sin Temple
1.
Jan. 18,2010 14:05 Reply
Ms.Terry(USA) said:
I would like to experience fortune telling. Does anyone know of an accurate teller?
Is Wong Tai Sin better than those on Temple Street? How much do they normally cost?
Thanks :)
Jan. 20,2010 03:19
Ms.jenny(CN) replied:
Well, you can go to Wong Tai Sin Temple to experience fortune telling. You draw lot by your own and then ask someone in the temple to explain it to you. This might cost you about 20 HK dollars. Just for your reference.
2.
Jan. 6,2010 07:12 Reply
Ms.Anne(Philippines) said:
Hi, we will be staying at Panda Hotel. we would like to visit the following places:
1.disneyland
2.ocean park
3.repulse bay
4. TST
5. wong tai sin temple
Please help us on how to get to above places and back to panda hotel.
Thanks
Jan. 7,2010 01:23
Ms.Helena replied:
Hi, Ms.Anne
I suggest you go to explore the official website of the hotel. I happened to visit it and seemed to find a colomn talking about transport. Anyway, get a try. Good luck to you!
3.
Dec. 20,2009 21:11 Reply
Ms.Betty(Malaysia) said:
Can someone advise on how to get to Wong Tai Sin Temple from BP International Hotel and to Madame Taussand after temple visit. Will purchase octopus card. Appreciate your advise. Tks
4.
Dec. 14,2009 05:04 Reply
Mr.myat(Philippines) said:
how to take MTR from Sheung Wan Station to Wong Tai Sin Temple?
Dec. 14,2009 21:10
Ms.ADA_WATSON(China) replied:
Island Line Sheung Wan to Central (1 stop)
Tsuen Wan Line Central to Prince Edward (6 stops)
Kwun Tong Line Prince Edward to Wong Tai Sin(4 stops)
The total journey time is about 30 minutes. The total fare is 11.5/single ticket and 11.2/Octopus
5.
Nov. 11,2009 02:39 Reply
Ms.Bella(Malaysia) said:
Hi! May I know how and what is the cheapest transportation to go to Wong Tai Sin Temple from my hotel
Dorsett Seaview, Kowloon and also back to my hotel?TQ
Nov. 11,2009 21:17
Mr.Goodman replied:
Hello,Ms.Bella. Dorsett Seaview Hotel is about 5 minuts walk from Yau Ma Tei Metro Station. Just walk there and then take Kwun Tong Line, get off until it reach Wong Tai Sin stop. You can take the same way back to your hotel.