Visit the most famous temple dedicated to the 10th-century protector of incoming ships, known throughout Asia as the empress of heaven.
Many temples throughout Hong Kong honour the goddess Tin Hau, but the Tin Hau Temple in Causeway Bay is the most famous. Tin Hau is known as the empress of heaven and a protector of sea travellers, and she is worshipped throughout Asia under various names. Visit the Causeway Bay temple for a peaceful oasis in the midst of Hong Kong.
All Hong Kong locals know the legend of Tin Hau, and you can find figurines that depict her in any souvenir shop. Born during the Song dynasty in the 10th century, she stood on the oceanfront during typhoons and directed ships safely to shore. As Tin Hau’s legend has aged, Taoists have come to see her as a protective deity for all fishermen and seamen.
Look for the large stone lion that sits as a sentinel at the entrance to the Causeway Bay temple. Its bright green roof crowned with Chinese dragons is hard to miss. The temple rests on the place where the Tai family found a small Tin Hau statue several centuries ago. Originally, it lay on the waterfront of Victoria Harbour when it was built in the early 18th century. It shifted 300 metres (1,000 feet) inland when Causeway Bay was partially filled in, so today it stands amongst the high-rises of the city.
Enter the temple to see a representation of a red-clad Tin Hau guarded by two vicious-looking demons. You will only need a few minutes to tour the small temple, but you may want to spend a while enjoying the quiet atmosphere. Wander the area around the temple to enjoy Causeway Bay’s other attractions, including the Noon-Day Gun and Victoria Park.
Access the Tin Hau Temple by taking the Island MTR line to Tin Hau station. The temple lies less than a block to the east. It is open daily and can be entered free of charge.
