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Hung Shing Temple Wikipedia

Image:DSCN1984.JPG|thumb|250px|Hung Shing Temple

Constructed before 1847, Hung Shing Temple on Queen's Road East, in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, used to overlook the sea front.

Purely designed, this tile-roofed temple was built on large boulders against a craggy terrain. Succeeding to a number of land reclamation|reclamations, it now bears an arresting appearance in the middle of modern commercial and residential buildings.

Few people know much about the life of Hung Shing (or respectfully known as Hung Shing Ye). Even those who claim to know tell different stories. According to legend, the original name of Hung Shing was Hung Hei, the Governor of Kwong Lee in the Tang dynasty (A.D. 618-907). Hung Hei was a righteous government official who won approbation from the people. During his tenure in office, he encouraged the study of astronomy, geography and mathematics. He even set up an astronomical observatory and his precise weather forecasting proved to be of enormous value to traders and fishermen. After Hung Shing's death, the reigning emperor disseminated his virtues to the whole country and bestowed upon him the Chinese name|posthumous title of "Kwong Lee Hung Shing Tai Wong". It is said that Hung Shing still blessed the villagers after his death and had showed his presence to save many people during tempests.

Worshippers of Hung Shing go to pray in the temple on the 1st and the 15th day of every lunar calendar|lunar month, likewise on the birthday of Kwun Yum, the Goddess of Mercy.

category:Wan Chai
category:Places of worship in Hong Kong

Last Modified:   2005-11-04