Yuk Hui Temple on Cheung Chau Island, Hong Kong

Yuk Hui Temple on Cheung Chau Island, Hong Kong

The Cheung Chau Pak Tai Temple, also known as Yuk Hui Temple, is located at the northern end of Pei Sha Street on the north side of Cheung Chau in the Islands District of Hong Kong. Built in the 48th year of the Qianlong reign during the Qing Dynasty (1783), it has a history of over 200 years. It has been designated as a Grade I historic building by the Antiquities Advisory Board and is the largest Pak Tai temple in Hong Kong. In addition to the Pak Tai deity, the temple also enshrines the Tai Sui, Guanyin, and other deities. Initially managed by local residents, the Cheung Chau Pak Tai Temple was handed over to the Chinese Temples Committee in 1929.

History

Cheung Chau was originally home to fishermen from Huizhou, Chaozhou, and Guangzhou, who worshipped the sea god Pak Tai to seek divine protection for their safety at sea. It is said that in the 42nd year of the Qianlong reign (1777), an epidemic broke out on the island. Local fishermen traveled to the Xuanwu Mountain Pak Tai Temple in Huizhou County to invite a statue of Pak Tai to Cheung Chau to suppress the epidemic. As a result, Lin Yuk-mou, a local gentry, led residents of Huizhou and Chaozhou origin to raise funds and build the temple in the 48th year of the Qianlong reign (1783) to enshrine Pak Tai.

Architecture

The Pak Tai Temple follows a traditional three-courtyard layout. The main hall is spacious, with the shrine centrally located and side halls on both sides, creating symmetrical design. A granite staircase leads to the front of the hall, where there is a stone incense burner and two pairs of stone lions. The roof tiles and eaves of the temple are adorned with many lion ornaments, making it the temple with the most lions in Hong Kong. The temple underwent renovations in the 2nd year of the Daoguang reign (1822), the 18th year of the Daoguang reign (1838), the 8th year of the Xianfeng reign (1858), the 29th year of the Guangxu reign (1903), and again in 1989. The most recent renovation, costing over HK$13 million, was funded by the Chinese Temples Committee. The project commenced in 1999 and was completed in 2003.

Historical Relics

The temple houses several treasured historical relics, including a large iron sword from the Song Dynasty that was once caught in fishermen’s nets and enshrined in the temple, along with fish bones; a ceremonial palanquin made in the 25th year of the Guangxu reign; a stone incense burner crafted in the 11th year of the Xianfeng reign; and a bronze bell from the 49th year of the Qianlong reign. Additionally, to commemorate the visit of Princess Margaret and the Earl of Snowdon in 1966, a Ms. Chung specially created a golden crown to mark the occasion. The Chinese Temples Committee also cast a pair of bronze incense burners in 1959 to commemorate the visit of the then-acting governor, Sir Michael Patrick Herries (also known as Sir Michael Black), that same year.

Related Information

Customs and Festivals

The third day of the third lunar month is the birthday of Pak Tai. Devotees worship devoutly to pray for peace and safety in the community. The temple’s worshippers are mainly local residents from both land and sea. The busiest periods are during Pak Tai’s birthday and the Bun Festival held in the fourth lunar month. The Cheung Chau Bun Festival, originally held to give thanks to the Heavenly God Pak Tai for protecting the island, is a long-standing tradition. The festival is held at the Tai Ping Ching Chiu ground in Tung Wan and the square in front of the Pak Tai Temple. Events include the chiu ceremony, Chinese opera performances, the Bun Scrambling Competition, and festive parades. It is an annual highlight for both locals and tourists.

Transportation Guide

Location: End of Pei Sha Street, Cheung Chau, Islands District, Hong Kong

Getting There: Walk north for ten minutes along Haipong Road from the Cheung Chau Ferry Pier