iSee Tin Hau Temple

The Tin Hau MTR station was named after the most prominent landmark in the area, the Tin Hau Temple. Tin Hau, a Chinese deity who protects men at sea, is Hong Kong most popular goddess: there are over 100 Tin Hau Temples in the city and the one in Causeway Bay is one of the most visited ones. It is the heritage of the many fishermen and seafarers who lived in Causeway Bay area since the 17th century. Even though the exact construction date of the temple has been lost to history, the earliest copper bell in the temple traces back to 1747. Land reclamations along Causeway Bay have moved the temple from its seaside position further inland.

he temple was founded by the Dai’s, a Hakka family from South China. When they found a large stone incense holder washed up onto the shore, they believed it was a miraculous gift that could only be bestowed by Tin Hau. Needless to say, the Dai’s pooled resources to build a small shrine on that spot to commemorate her gift. As more and more devotees believed that their prayers had been answered by Tin Hau, news of the shrine spread. Now it expanded into a beautifully decorated temple with intricate ceramic figurines, carvings and fresco paintings.

Look behind the right of Tin Hau’s altar to find a dressing table, a basin, some toiletries and cosmetics which are prepared for Tin Hau. Even a goddess needs to always look good!