Basically a Taoist Temple, the Wong Tai Sin Temple is revered by Confucians and Buddhists as well. The temple was founded in the year 1921 and is named after Wong Chuping who started practising Taoism at the age of 15 itself. After forty years of devotion, he finally achieved enlightenment and became immortal. From then onwards, he became Wong Tai Sin. People believed him to posses power to castigate evildoers, and heal sufferings. The fame of Wong Tai Sin enhanced leaps and bounds and finally crossed Guangdong Province to reach Hong Kong in the early 20th century. He soon came to be known as fulfiller of wishes.

Even today, the temple attracts a large number of devotees who come here to get their wishes fulfilled. But more than wish fulfilment, people come here to know their fortunes. The process of knowing the fortune is rather interesting. People light worship sticks, bow down before the main altar, seek a wish, and shake a bamboo cylinder containing fortune sticks until one falls out. A piece of paper is given in exchange for the stick, having the same number, and the soothsayer then interprets the fortune on the paper for the person. The number of devotees pouring in the temple is so great that there is hardly any time in the year that the joss sticks and candles do not burn at the main altar. However, the number is greatest during the Chinese Lunar New Year and Wong Tai Sin's birthday - the 23rd day of the eighth lunar month.

For those of you who now have a desire to visit the temple, it is important to know the locations first viz., on the southern side of Lion Rock in the north of Kowloon. Daily the temple is open for devotees from from 7:00am to 5:30pm all through the year. However, during the Lunar New Year Eve, it is open in the night as well. Architecture
Also known as Sik Sik Yuen, The Wong Tai Sin Temple is constructed in traditional Chinese temple style. You can see magnificent red pillars, splendid golden roof ornated with blue friezes, yellow latticework, and glowing multi-coloured carvings. The Grand Hall or the Daxiong-baodian together with the Sansheng Hall and the Good Wish Garden makes for a good visit. The main altar of the temple has the painting of Wong Tai Sin. This painting was brought all the way from Guangdong province in 1915 and officially transferred to this temple in 1921.

Another highlight of the temple is the three memorial archways. The first one with the name of the temple carved on it is outside the temple while the second one is reached by passing by the soothsayers and the fortune-telling stalls. The third and the last one is little ahead.

The Nine Dragon Wall is designed after the one in Bejing. There is also The Three-Saint Hall honouring the Lü Dongbin, Guan Yin and Lord Guan.


Kowloon and Lion Rock
Kowloon or the Kowloon Peninsula is the southern part of the main landmass in the territory of Hong Kong. Lion Rock is located to the north of the Kowloon Peninsula and rises upto 495m. The hill is known for its shape and can be seen from various locations in Kowloon. To reach the top, you need to cross through waist-high shrubbery, rock, and dirt. From the top, you can also catch some magnificent views of the Hong Kong Island.


Other Attractions

• Chi Lin Nunnery : Constructed in a typical style of 14th century Buddhist nunnery, Chi Lin is located in the Diamond Hill on the outskirts of Kowloon. The highlight here is a beautiful lotus pond along with statues of Buddha and bodhisattvas. The Nunnery is open from 9.30 am to 4 pm while the Lotus Pond is open from 6.30 am to 7 pm.
  
  

Hong Kong International airport is located at Chek Lap Kok on Lantau Island. Flights from here connect to a number of international destinations like Japan, Korea, Thailand, UK, France and Canada. From the airport, you can take MTR Airport Express Train to Wong Tai Sin station and on reaching come out at Exit B. You can also take a bus, limousine and taxi to reach the temple.