Every district of Hong Kong has a church, temples or shrine of some kind, many of which are visually stunning and culturally significant, so well worth a visit. Here are some of the more noteworthy and historical temples in Hong Kong, along with other places of worship.
Man Mo Temple Sheung Wan
This Taoist complex houses three temples: Man Mo Temple, Lit Shing Kung and Kung Sor, which were built between 1847 and 1862. It’s an exquisite example of traditional Chinese architecture and craftsmanship. lcsd.gov.hk
Chi Lin Nunnery and Nam Lian Garden
The Chi Lin Nunnery is a cluster of Buddhist temples built in the Tang Dynasty’s architectural style. The adjoining Nam Lian Garden offers a peaceful sanctuary in bustling Kowloon as well as a superb vegetarian restaurant. This makes a lovely day trip if you want to visit temples in Hong Kong. discoverhongkong.com
Po Lin Monastery and Big Buddha
Home to the world’s largest seated Tian Tan Buddha statue, the monastery was built in 1906 and is an important focal point for the Buddhist community. Make it a memorable day trip by taking the cable car from Tung Chung. plm.org.hk
Wong Tai Sin Temple
The Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple is incredibly popular, probably due to its claim to make every wish come true. It takes its name from Fourth Century monk, Wong Tai Sin. Worshippers pray to his portrait in the temple. The Good Wish Garden is part of the complex and makes this one of the temples in Hong Kong which are definitely worth seeing. siksikyuen.org.hk
Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
Climb a winding staircase behind Sha Tin crematorium and marvel at the 10,000 golden Buddha statues that line your walk up to a courtyard with a pagoda, colourful religious statues and a vegetarian restaurant. This should be a must-see on any list of temples in Hong Kong. museums.gov.hk
Happy Valley Hindu Temple
Established in 1949, this temple serves HK’s Hindu community and is welcoming of all faiths. In addition to religious discourses on Sunday mornings and Monday evenings, the centre offers a range of spiritual lectures, yoga classes and meditation. hinduassociationhk.com
Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple
Located in Wan Chai, the Sikh temple is a Grade II listed building and was built in 1901 by Sikh members of the British Army. Today, it serves the city’s large Sikh community, providing cultural and social programmes. Religious services are held each morning and evening. khalsadiwan.com
Jamia Mosque Mid-Levels
One of five mosques in Hong Hong, Jamia is the oldest, dating back to the 1840s. The largest, Kowloon Masjid and Islamic Centre in Nathan Road, can accommodate 3,500 worshippers. islamictrusthk.org
St John’s Cathedral
This church in Central is the oldest in Hong Kong, and it continues to serve the Anglican community with weekly services in English, Cantonese and Tagalog on Sundays. A host of outreach programmes includes Helpers for Domestic Helpers, and a highlight of the cathedral’s calendar is the Michaelmas Fair in autumn. stjohnscathedral.org.hk
St Andrews Church
This pretty church is over 100 years old and is the hub for Anglicans in Kowloon. standrews.org.hk
Ohel Leah Synagogue
The Ohel Leah Synagogue and adjoining Jewish Community Centre provides the focal point for Hong Kong’s Jewish community. The synagogue dates back to 1840 and is now a Grade 1 listed building. ohelleah.org
Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple
Located in Wan Chai, the Sikh temple is a Grade II listed building and was built in 1901 by Sikh members of the British Army. Today, it serves the city’s large Sikh community, providing cultural and social programmes. Religious services are held each morning and evening. khalsadiwan.com
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