TEMPLE TIME

Every district of Hong Kong has a church, temple or shrine of some kind, many of which are visually stunning and culturally significant. They’re worth a look – especially with visiting family. Check out one of these on your next day trip.

HONG KONG ISLAND

St. John’s Cathedral

This isn’t just the oldest church in Hong Kong, it’s among the oldest Anglican churches in Asia. Opened in 1849, the Cathedral was converted to a Japanese clubhouse during the WWII. It remains a prominent city landmark, thanks to its distinct Gothic style.

4-8 Garden Road, Central

Man Mo Temple Sheung Wan

Hong Kong’s largest Man Mo Temple – “Man” is the God of Literature, and “Mo” the God of War – was built in 1847 and contrasts starkly to the busy CBD around it. Man Mo temples were traditionally patronised by students looking for divine assistance with civil exams in China’s Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Hollywood Road, Central

Jamia Mosque

The oldest centre of Islamic worship in Hong Kong, Jamia Mosque was built in 1890 to serve Muslim merchants, soldiers and “lascars” on European ships. It was classified as a Grade I building in 2010, a title given to historic structures that deserve great effort to help preserve.

30 Shelley Street, Mid-Levels

Ohel Leah Synagogue

Built at the start of the 20th century, and restored through a US$6 million project in 1998, Ohel Leah Synagogue sits at the core of Jewish life in Hong Kong. The cream-coloured synagogue is named after a member of the Sassoon family of Indian merchants. 70 Robinson Road, Mid-Levels

Happy Valley Hindu Temple

As many as 100,000 Hindus live in Hong Kong, and this temple is their main centre for religious and social activities. It’s a place for meditation, spiritual lectures, yoga classes and, of course, celebrating prominent Hindu festivals such as Diwali. 1B Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley

KOWLOON

St Andrew’s Church

In 1906, Hong Kong was hit by one of its worst-ever typhoons; the newly-built St Andrew’s Church was lucky to survive. The oldest English-speaking Protestant church in the city, it represents the Victorian Gothic architectural style. The original bronze tubular bells are from Harrington’s of Coventry, England. Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

NEW TERRITORIES

Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

Are there 10,000 Buddha statues here? Nope. The current count stands at around 13,000! Built in the 1950s, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is accessible by 431 steep steps. (Bring a water bottle.) But the climb is worth it; even the stairs are a feature, surrounded by golden statues. A nine-storey pagoda rises from the monastery grounds. 220 Pai Tau Village, Sha Tin

Tin Hau Temple, Joss House Bay

Built in 1266, the “Great Temple”, as it’s sometimes called, attracts around 50,000 people each year during the Tin Hau Festival. There are thought to be over 100 Tin Hau temples in Hong Kong, dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu. Clear Water Bay

Po Lin Monastery & Tian Tan Buddha

The monastery is worth a visit for its religious significance, though young ones will enjoy just getting there via the fun cable car ride. Founded in 1906 by three monks from Jiangsu Province, it was originally known as “The Big Hut”. Next door is the “Big Buddha” (Tian Tan Buddha), built in 1993 and a popular tourist attraction today. Ngong Ping, Lantau Island