Wan Chai Pak Tai Temple

Wan Chai Pak Tai Temple

Wan Chai Pak Tai Temple (Wan Chai Pak Tai Temple), also known as Wan Chai Pak Tai Ancient Temple or Wan Chai Jade Void Palace, is a Pak Tai temple located on Lung On Street in Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island. It has been designated as a Grade I historic building by the Antiquities Advisory Board.

The Wan Chai Pak Tai Temple features grand architecture and is the largest temple in size among those on Hong Kong Island. It houses three halls, with the main hall enshrining the three-meter-tall deity Pak Tai. On both sides are the Three Treasures Hall, Dragon Mother Hall, and the God of Wealth Hall. In front of the Pak Tai statue stand four majestic and intricately crafted statues of the Four Heavenly Kings, which are highly valuable for their artistic appeal. The basic layout of the temple follows a traditional courtyard design, with side halls of varying sizes and shapes situated on either side of the main hall. The roof ridge is adorned with a double-dragon design. As the leader of the "Four Symbols," dragons symbolize peace, prosperity, and wealth, hence their presence on the temple roof signifies divine protection.

Originally named Jade Void Palace, the Wan Chai Pak Tai Temple was built in 1863 (the second year of the Tongzhi reign during the Qing Dynasty) through funds raised by local residents of Wan Chai. According to inscriptions in the temple, it underwent renovation in 1928 (the 17th year of the Republic of China). In 2005, the Chinese Temples Committee allocated over ten million Hong Kong dollars for a major restoration project. The bronze statue of Pak Tai inside the temple was cast in 1604 (the 32nd year of the Wanli reign during the Ming Dynasty) and is over 400 years old, standing at more than three meters tall with significant historical value. The temple also houses various artifacts over 130 years old, including bronze bells cast in 1862 and 1883. Additionally, the plaque inscribed with the characters “Jade Void Palace” was written by Zhang Yutang, a renowned general of the Qing Dynasty who was appointed to defend Kowloon during the Opium Wars. In 1854 (during the Xianfeng reign of the Qing Dynasty), he served as the Deputy Commander of Dapeng Brigade and was stationed at Kowloon Walled City.

The main deity worshipped in the temple, Pak Tai—also known as the Dark Heavenly Emperor—is said to have been a prince of the Shang Dynasty 3,000 years ago. As a child, he devoted himself to Taoist practice, and upon learning of this, the Primordial Celestial Worthy invited him to join the ranks of immortals. In the late Shang Dynasty, demons ravaged the land and harmed the people. The Primordial Celestial Worthy then ordered the Jade Emperor to dispatch Pak Tai to lead the Twelve Heavenly Armies in a mission to subdue the demons. The demons also sent a giant turtle and python to assist, but they were ultimately defeated by Pak Tai. After successfully conquering the demons, Pak Tai was bestowed the title of Dark Heavenly Emperor. As a result, people not only admire his bravery but also believe in his power to ward off disasters and misfortune. The statue of Pak Tai is typically depicted barefoot with disheveled hair, clad in a black robe and golden armor, symbolizing his valiant warrior spirit. Beneath his feet are usually depictions of a snake and a turtle, representing the triumph of righteousness over evil. In addition to Pak Tai, the temple also enshrines deities such as the Three Pure Ones, Guan Di, Guanyin, Tin Hau, the Western Mother of Buddha, the Goddess of Huashan, Ji Gong, the God of Wealth, Judge Bao, and the Dragon Mother.

The third day of the third lunar month is Pak Tai’s birthday, and devotees worship devoutly to pray for peace and prosperity. Southerners worship Pak Tai because the water in southern regions flows from the north. People in Guangdong make their livelihoods from the water, so they worship both the South Sea’s Hong Shing King (Red Emperor) and the Northern Dark Heavenly Emperor (Pak Tai). Pak Tai resides above the source of water, and worshipping him is believed to help control the water supply, ensuring abundant harvests and successful fishing seasons—this is why southerners revere Pak Tai. Before World War II, the temple experienced its golden age; every year on Pak Tai’s birthday, local residents would stage theatrical performances in celebration, drawing massive crowds.

Transportation Guide

Location: No. 2, Lung On Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

Getting There: Take Citybus routes 10S, 10, or 5S and alight at Shun Kiu Fung Station, then walk to the temple.