Man Mo Temple

The Man Mo Temple in Hong Kong Island is a Taoist temple dedicated to two principle deities: Man Cheung, the god of literature, and Kwan Yu, the god of war. There are several Man Mo Temples in Hong Kong while the oldest and largest one built in 1848 is located on Hollywood Road in Sheung Wan. Though renovated many times, the temple still largely maintains its original look, and attracts endless streams of believers and tourists everyday.

The temple is open daily from 8am to 6pm. It is elaborately decorated and arranged inside, with numerous characteristic objects such as the bronze bell, the giant Ding (vessel), pewter censers, and exquisite wooden seats for god statues. Apart from the main statues of Man Cheung holding a big writing brush and Kwan Yu holding a long sword, this temple also displays some other figures such as Bao Gong, the god of justice whose face is painted black.

The most distinct feature of this temple is the thickly dotted incense coils hanging on the ceiling. Chinese people believe that incense and candles are the food for gods and spirits, and it is a must to burn incense when praying to the gods. In Man Mo Temple one can buy an incense coil with a piece of red paper on which his or her wishes are written, then hang the burning incense coil on the ceiling.

As Man Cheung, the god of literature is believed to be able to assist those who are seeking office or success in public examinations; and Kwan Yu a guardian deity of trades and profession, people usually go to the Man Mo Temple to pray for good luck or consult the fortune tellers about their lives and futures. The temple also provides an English fortune telling service.