Man Mo Temple, Hong Kong

Among all the temples throughout Hong Kong honoring Man Tai, the Taoist God of Culture and Literature, and Mo Tai, the God of War, Man Mo Temple is the most historically significant and it is the largest and one of the oldest Man Mo temples in the city. Built beginning in 1847, it reflects Qing Dynasty architecture with its green tiled roof, intricate carvings, and richly decorated interior.

The temple is still active, and visitors are welcome to enter free of charge. Once you step inside from Hollywood Road, the first thing you’ll notice is the haze of spiraling incense coils suspended from the ceiling. Many of them burn for days, each coil bearing a small red prayer tag left by worshipers. Walk a little farther into the main hall and you’ll see elaborate wooden carvings framing the altars, along with golden statues of Man Tai and Mo Tai. To your left, near the entrance, you’ll find a fortune-telling counter, where a Taoist practitioner offers traditional kau cim readings.

To explore the rest of the complex, continue walking straight through the central chamber. Litt Shing Kung, the hall dedicated to all gods, stands just behind the main altar area. To reach Kung Sor, the old community assembly hall, turn left from the central hall before exiting the rear of the temple. This side chamber once served as a community assembly room, where elders settled disputes and discussed village matters. Today it displays historical tablets, ceremonial furniture, and old inscriptions that hint at its former civic role.