Pak Tai Temple, officially known as Yuk Hui Kung, is a temple dedicated to a Chinese folk religion deity of war. Founded in 1863, Pak Tai Temple is one of the biggest on Hong Kong Island and was built by residents of the Wan Chai district. Visit Pak Tai Temple to tour opulent halls, discover centuries-old statues and peruse artwork that portrays traditional Chinese culture.
At the entrance to the temple is a plaque inscribed with Chinese characters that spell Yuk Hui Kung. The characters were written by a military official during the mid 1800s era of the Qing dynasty. Pay attention to the carved dragons that decorate the entry to the temple. Dragons symbolize peace, fortune and wealth and serve as protectors of the temple.
Visit the main hall to see a 10-foot-tall (3-meter) copper statue of Pak Tai, the Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven. It dates back over 400 years toward the latter period of the Ming dynasty. Note how the deity stands in a triumphant pose and is dressed in the shining armor of a warrior.
Life-like statues of other deities from Chinese mythology, including the Three Pristine Ones, Lung Mo and Goddess of Wealth, add color to the side halls. Take time to admire adornments such as copper bells, hanging lanterns and wood-carved door panels. Don’t miss the detailed murals and roof-ridge statues, which depict daily activities and scenes from Cantonese operas.
The temple stands in the southern area of Wan Chai adjacent to the Stone Nullah Lane Garden. It forms part of the Wan Chai Heritage Trail, a tourist route that incorporates significant neighborhood landmarks. One such landmark is the Blue House, the home of the Hong Kong House of Stories. Travel by subway to Wan Chai and walk a few minutes to reach the temple.
Visit Pak Tai Temple any day. Admission is free. The temple is notably busy for the Pak Tai Festival, which takes place on the third day of the third month of the lunar calendar.
