Yuen Chau Tsai Tai Wong Yeh Temple

Yuen Chau Tsai Tai Wong Yeh Temple

Tai Wong Yeh Temple is a temple in Hong Kong, located on Yuen Chau Tsai in the Tai Po District of the New Territories, near the former residence of the Chief Secretary.

The precursor of Tai Wong Yeh was a stone tablet erected by villagers from Chik Mei Tsuen on the north bank of the Shenzhen River during the mid-Qing Dynasty, placed on the northern shore of Yuen Chau Tsai. Nearby residents, both on land and water, believed it to be highly efficacious. As a result, by the end of the Qing Dynasty, fishermen from five surnames in Tai Po initiated a fundraising campaign to relocate the tablet and build a temple at the current site. The temple was rebuilt in 1988.

Starting in the 1930s, Tai Wong Yeh Temple has celebrated the Tai Wong Yeh Festival annually on the 5th day of the 2nd lunar month, the 15th day of the 2nd lunar month, and the 6th day of the 5th lunar month. During the May celebrations, from the 6th onward, bamboo stages are erected for Cantonese opera and Bai Zi opera performances. The divine stage is set up at the “Feng Shui Square” on Ting Kok Road. Activities such as parades and firecracker drawings are also held. The 6th is called “Inviting the Deity,” the 8th is the “Main Festival,” and the deity is sent back to the temple on the morning of the 15th. It is a major event for both land and water residents of the Tai Po District.

Transportation Guide

Location: Yuen Chau Tsai Lane, Tai Po, Hong Kong

How to get there: Take Citybus routes 71K, 71S, 73X, 75X, or K18, get off at Hong Fuk Court, and walk from there.