Tin Hau Temple in Lam Tsuen

　　The Tin Hau Temple in Lam Tsuen, Tai Po, is situated in Fong Ma Po, Lam Tsuen Village. Constructed during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, it is the most prominent Tin Hau Temple in the Tai Po area. Inside the temple hangs a bronze bell engraved in the 36th year of Qianlong (1771). Legend has it that during the early days of the temple’s construction, funds were scarce, but fortunately, a couple surnamed Tang, who were passing through Lam Tsuen, donated a large sum of money, enabling the completion of the temple. As a result, their spirit tablets are enshrined inside the temple for descendants to pay respects and commemorate.

　　The temple follows a “five-bay, two-courtyard” architectural layout. Aside from the main hall dedicated to Tin Hau, the sides house the Literature and Martial Deities Hall and the Righteousness Ancestral Hall. The Righteousness Ancestral Hall commemorates 12 local martyrs who protected the village, and villagers gather annually during the Autumn Equinox to worship them. Since its establishment in the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, the villagers of Lam Tsuen have held a Decennial Festival (Jiuh) every ten years, featuring five consecutive days of Cantonese opera performances in the village.

　　The plaque above the entrance reads “Tin Hau Palace.” The temple preserves a cloud-patterned plaque from the 33rd year of Qianlong (1768), a bronze bell engraved in 1771, and inscribed plaques and couplets from the 15th year of Daoguang, as well as temple steles from 1976 and 1992. The main hall enshrines the statue of Tin Hau, with the Goddess of Mercy hall on the left and the God of Wealth hall on the right. On either side stand the statues of Heavenly Eyes and Wind-Ear, symbolizing far sight and keen hearing.