Wong Tai Sin Temple, Hong Kong - Sik Sik Yuen Temple

Wong Tai Sin Temple, Hong Kong Overview

The Wong Tai Sin Temple, more commonly known as Sik Sik Yuen Temple, is a shrine dedicated to Wong Tai Sin, the Great Immortal Wong. Home to three religions - Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism, locals claim that every wish made here comes true, which makes it a significant religious attraction.

From the tranquil Taoist garden pond and walkways with waterfalls, the magnificent archways to the intricate carvings all around, Wong Tai Sin Temple is a wonder no less. Fortune telling is the absolute forte of this temple, with endless stalls of face reading, palm reading and other similar activities lining up in the arcade that is southeast to the main complex of the building.

The Wong Tai Sin Temple receives a horde of visitors every year from 1 to 15 January as the people whose prayers were answered return to thank the deity.

Classic Chinese Temple Architecture

The Wong Tai Sin Temple can be appraised as a traditional Chinese temple having all the features of the kind of architecture the Chinese are known for. The grand and ornate red pillars, stunningly shimmering golden domes, impeccable carvings, and yellow latticework, blue friezes, all the wholesome elements being present.

The signature Chinese archways can also be seen as part of the entryway for 3 memorials. Perched on over 18,000 square meters of land, it houses several distinct complexes with numerous majestic looking halls, serene gardens and beautifully falling fountains where a walk would simply declutter the mind.

Rich History of Wong Tai Sin Temple

The Wong Tai Sin Temple was built as an homage to the “Great Immortal Wong”, a shepherd originally named Wong Cho-Ping. When he was 15 years old he dedicated his life to Taoism and 40 years later, he achieved enlightenment and attained immortality. Due to this, he was believed to have exceptional powers of healing people, punishing the evil and granting whatever was asked of him. Folk tales about his exquisite powers spread throughout the nation and people’s faith in him and his abilities kept going strong.

Best Time to Visit

Wong Tai Sin Temple is the busiest and witnesses a large number of people on weekends, the Chinese New Year and on the birth date of Wong Tai Sin which is usually in September on the 23rd day of the 8th Lunar month.

The best time to visit here would be around 9:00 AM or late in the afternoon on weekdays as most of the travel groups have left by then and you can roam around peacefully without the otherwise/usual bustle and crowd at the temple.

Tips

1. As it is a temple, it is suggested to dress up decently where not a lot of skin is exposed.
2. There are no eating joints at the complex, so make sure you eat before you go there or you can find restaurants near/around it like Gold Mondo Vietnamese Restaurant, Itamomo Café, Singapore Restaurant, and Aroi Thai.
3. While every fortune teller booth will have its own subjective/individual charges, expect to pay a minimum of HKD 100 per consultation.

How To Reach Wong Tai Sin Temple

The location is very convenient and easy to reach. Using Hong Kong’s public bus transport system reach at the Wong Tai Sin MTR station, take the exit B3 and then turn left from it.