Origin of the Temple |
| Tin Hau (Queen of Heaven) is a patron deity of seafaring folks in Guangdong and Fujian provinces. Since Aberdeen was originally a fishing centre, local fishermen built this temple to pray for protection from Tin Hau. |
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Tin Hau |
Tin Hau ( ) who is also called Matsu (Mother-Ancestor) was a native of Fujian Province. She met a Taoist priest at the age of 13 who taught her how to predict the future and help those who were sick and weak. It was said that she travelled about the sea on a mattress made of reed to save the people who were being drowned. People therefore looked upon her as the goddess for safety on the sea. |
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Architectural Setting |
| Apart from the main hall, there are side halls on both sides. One is the management office while the other is the bedroom of Tin Hau. The temple roof is supported by three pairs of golden pillars. |
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Historical & Cultural objects |
| The temple has preserved many historical relics of the Qing Dynasty. The most notable one is a copper bell cast in the 4th year of the Reign of Yong Zheng (1726). It was found by a fisherman in the sea and was later sent to this temple as a gift. This is also one of the two temples on Hong Kong Island where the roof of the temple is decorated with pottery figurines of females along its ridge. |
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Other Deities |
| Apart from the main deity of Tin Hau, the temple also houses Choi Bak Sing Gwan (God of Wealth), Kwun Yum, Wong Tai Sin and Wah Tor (one of the Gods of Medicine). |
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Tin Hau Festival |
| Tin Hau Festival falls on the 23rd day of the third lunar month. |
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Major Renovations |
| The temple had undergone renovations in 1873 and 1898. In 1999, the Chinese Temples Committee rebuilt the temple, preserving the undamaged temple ridge and stone columns. |
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Opening Hours |
| 8:00am to 5:00pm daily |
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Public Transport |
Walk for 5 minutes along Aberdeen Main Road from Aberdeen bus terminus |
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No. 182, Aberdeen Main Road, Hong Kong |
Tin Hau Temple, Aberdeen
