11 Best Temples in Hong Kong

Che Kung Temple (Che Kung Miu) is a Grade II historic building located in Tai Wai. Originally built in the 17th century, the temple is usually busiest during the Che Kung Festivals and on the 2nd day of Chinese New Year, which is Che Kung's birthday.

Visit the main hall to see a statue of Che Kung, along with 3 fan-shaped wheels of fortune in front of the statue. By turning the fan blade, it’s said that you can turn your fortune around. On the 2 sides of the temple, you’ll find a drum and a giant bronze bell.

The Chi Lin Nunnery dates back to 1934 and features a Tang dynasty-style complex with beautiful statues and Buddhist relics. Lotus ponds with bonsai and bougainvillaea dot the temple grounds, attracting those looking to experience moments of peace in the bustling Kowloon district. 

The temple halls contain gold, wooden, and clay sculptures of bodhisattvas and Sakyamuni Buddha. The Chi Lin Nunnery is located on Diamond Hill, about 2.2 km northeast of Kowloon City. 

The Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees are covered in joss papers in bright shades like red and pink. Legend says that once, a man made a wish to the tree for his son to do better in his studies. His wish was granted, and since then, many people come to the 2 trees and write their wishes on a joss paper. They'll then throw it as high as they can into the tree for their wishes to come true.

As the Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees have been receiving joss papers for decades, it's now customary to tie papers with wishes to purpose-built wooden racks and imitation trees. 

The Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail lets you delve back into Chinese history, particularly of the Tang clan (one of the largest clans in the New Territories). 

You should allow at least an hour to walk this 2-km-long path, as you’ll pass by plenty of walled villages, ancestral halls, a study hall and a temple. These structures date back from the 12th and 16th centuries. The Tang clan still practice traditional village customs, the most popular of which is Tin Hau Festival.

Man Mo Temple in the New Territories dates back to 1891. It's built as a place of devotion for Man, the god of literature, and Mo – the god of war. There are other temples under this name throughout China and one on Hong Kong Island.

Huge incense coils hang from the temple's ceiling which burn up to 3 consecutive weeks, leaving a heady scent and an exotic atmosphere. Devotees often burn paper houses, servants, cars and other luxuries for deceased relatives (in the belief that the items can be used in the afterlife).

There are around 70 temples across Hong Kong that are dedicated to Tin Hau, the Goddess of the Sea. One of the most popular Tin Hau Temples is located in Kowloon's Yau Ma Tei – the square in front of it hosts the nightly Temple Street Market. You'll also find 4 Tin Hau temples on Cheung Chau Island, 1 on Peng Chau Island, 1 on Ping Chau Island,and another on Sai Kung Peninsula.