Fanling Lung Yeuk Tau Tin Hau Temple

　　Fanling Lung Yeuk Tau Tin Hau Temple is located at the northern foothills of Lung Shan in Lung Yeuk Tau, Fanling, New Territories, Hong Kong, situated between Lo Wai and Ci Tong Tsuen, adjacent to the Sung Ling Tang Ancestral Hall. It is one of the main temples in the area. The exact year of the temple’s construction is unknown, but according to village elders, it was built even earlier than the Sung Ling Tang Ancestral Hall and was originally erected by the clan members to pray for success in imperial examinations. The current structure dates back to renovations carried out in the second year of the Republic of China (1913). The Tin Hau Temple was designated as a Declared Monument of Hong Kong on November 15, 2002, ensuring its preservation.

　　The temple follows a traditional two-hall layout, divided by a light well. The front facade features exquisite plaster reliefs and murals with auspicious motifs. The plaque above the entrance reads “Tin Hau Temple” (天后宮), and the couplet beside the door reads: “Her virtue matches heaven, she guards and protects; her motherly grace earns her the title of saint and sustains us all” (后德齐天凭护佑，母仪称圣藉维持). The main hall enshrines the Goddess Tin Hau, with two statues—one larger and seated for daily worship, and the other smaller and portable for use during festive processions. Beside them stand her attendants, Thousand-Mile Eyes and Wind-Following Ears. The rear eastern side chamber is dedicated to the Earth God and houses two bronze bells. One bell, cast in the 34th year of the Kangxi reign (1695), was offered by the Tang clan as a vow fulfillment to Tin Hau for blessings related to their children. The other, forged in the 39th year of Kangxi (1700), was donated by the Ma Wat Wai clan for the safe journey of their children traveling to the provincial capital to take civil service examinations.

　　Lung Yeuk Tau, Fanling Tin Hau Temple Must-visit reason: One of the most significant temples along the Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail

　　Lin Mo (960~987)　　Lin Mo, also known as Mo Niang, is affectionately called “Auntie,” “Goddess Mother,” or “Mazu” by the people. She was from Putian. Born on the 23rd of March in the first year of the Jianlong era of the Song Dynasty (960 AD) into an official family on Meizhou Island, Putian County. She never cried after birth until she was one month old, which is why she was named “Mo” (silent), also called “Mo Niang.” Her great-grandfather, Bao Ji, served in the Zhou military as a commanding officer but later resigned and lived in seclusion on Meizhou. Her grandfather, Fu, inherited the family’s honors and served as the Fujian Commander. Her father, Yuan, was an official in the early Song Dynasty as the Fujian Patrol Inspector. Mo Niang was exceptionally intelligent; by age eight, while studying under a tutor, she could already grasp the essence of the texts. As she grew older, she enjoyed chanting scriptures and worshipping the Buddha. Skilled in medicine, she often treated illnesses, taught disease prevention, and disaster avoidance. She was also well-versed... More+