Seven Saints Ancient Temple

　　   The Seven Saints Ancient Temple, also known as the Seven Saints Palace Ancient Temple or simply the Seven Saints Temple, is located in Guankeng, Shisanzhen, Sai Kung North, Tai Po District, New Territories, Hong Kong. It was built during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. It was jointly constructed by four village associations from Shisanzhen—Dongping She, Xiping She, Nanqing She, and Beiqing She—with each association taking turns to manage the temple for one year.

　　   The Seven Saints Ancient Temple is a traditional three-bay, two-courtyard temple building. Inside the temple hangs a bronze bell cast in the 27th year of the Qianlong reign (1762). The couplet on the outer hall, “Seven Sisters’ Kindness Shows Compassion; Divine Power Governs Yin and Yang,” and the high-footed signboard in front of the shrine, “Keep Filth Away,” were erected in the 32nd year of the Guangxu reign (1908). There are also plaques and couplets from the Guangxu and Republican eras indicating renovation work. In front of the temple stands a feng shui wall, beyond which lies a plaza. During the heyday of classic wuxia and martial arts films, this area was often used as a filming location by movie companies, earning it the nickname “Martial Arts Haven.”

　　   Originally, operas were performed at the Seven Saints Ancient Temple every year to honor the deities. However, this tradition stopped in the 1970s when many local men went abroad to work. After renovations in 1998, the original villagers resumed holding Cantonese opera performances every three years to give thanks to the gods. The Seven Saints Ancient Temple was originally designated as a Grade II historic building, but due to reconstruction that erased its original appearance, it was officially declared unrated on February 4, 2010.

　　   Legend

　　   It is said that during the Qianlong reign of the Qing dynasty, fishermen working in the nearby areas of Fanshapai, Tingzhou, and Baishatou once cast their nets one night at Fanshapai and caught only a pile of stones. Among them were seven peculiar stone eggs. When the fishermen threw these seven stone eggs toward the shore, seven small sparks rose and drifted all the way to the foothills of Ma On Shan. The fishermen prayed to the heavens, vowing that if they had a bountiful catch, they would build a temple on the mountainside to repay the divine grace. From then on, the fishermen enjoyed smooth sailing and their wishes came true. They thus built a small house named “Golden Temple” on the mountainside near Chenjiao Zui to worship the deities. However, it was later burned down. Seven small sparks, resembling meteors, flew from behind the temple mountain to Guankeng before disappearing. Villagers believed this to be a sign from the divine spirits indicating the temple’s location, prompting them to initiate the rebuilding of a new temple.

　　   Deities Worshipped

　　   The main hall of the Seven Saints Ancient Temple houses eight statues. The front row features a single statue of Mazu, though some say it is the Queen Mother. The back row displays the Seven Fairies, with the largest central figure believed to be the eldest sister—according to villagers, she is Zhinü (the Weaving Maid). It is one of only two “Seven Sisters Temples” in Hong Kong, the other being the “Fairy Sister Temple” on Peng Chau. A side hall is dedicated to Guan Di (God of War). Every year on Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine’s Day), many couples visit hand-in-hand to pray for smooth and happy love lives.

　　   Transportation Guide

　　   Location: Shisanzhen, Tai Po District, Hong Kong

　　   How to get there: Take KMB bus routes 299 or 99, or New Territories minibuses 807B or 807K, alight at Sai O Station, and walk to the temple