3 Floating Tin Hau Temple in Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter
The Floating Tin Hau Temple is the only one in Hong Kong that exists on a boat. Alternatively, it is also known as the Triangular Island Goddess of Tin Hau Shrine. Its peculiar name is related to its colourful history, as it was originally located asea at the heart of the Pearl River Delta. Its mobility is convenient for its worshippers, who are mostly fishermen. Since 1955, the Floating Tin Hau Temple is anchored in the Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter.
Unlike other Tin Hau temples, the Floating Tin Hau Temple celebrates the birth of Tin Hau on every twenty-third day of the fifth lunar month, during which the boat would relocate to the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter because of lack of space in Causeway Bay. The festival is a feast for the eyes, as flags fly exuberantly on the sampans that surround the temple. Fishermen would toss food into the water to satisfy the hungry spirits and lost souls of the sea so that they would not interfere with their voyages. Naturally, many would take advantage of this joyous occasion to gather and dine together.
The Floating Tin Hau Temple is located on a small wooden ship and is decorated mainly in red—the colour of luck in Chinese culture. Aside from the goddess Tin Hau, it also hosts the Monkey King, Sun Wukong. Visitors are required to cleanse their hands in a water basin with leaves before entering. Due to its compact size, only nine visitors are allowed on board to worship at any given time. Also, visitors must charter a sampan in order to access the ship.
Despite its long-standing history at sea, the Floating Tin Hau Temple will soon lose its unique reputation amongst places of worship in Hong Kong. Its relocation to solid land has long been requested by numerous believers, as well as the managing organisation itself for increased convenience. In 2015, it finally received permission from the government to relocate to a plot beside Causeway Bay Fire Station. Fundraising efforts were made to provide financial support for the move and long-time worshippers feel gratified, because “Ah Ma” (meaning “mum” in Cantonese, referring to the aged temple) can finally settle into a permanent home.
It is estimated that before the year-end of 2020, the temple will complete its relocation and no longer stay afloat. If there were ever a time to visit the Floating Tin Hau Temple before it becomes anchored permanently, it is now.
Floating Tin Hau Temple, Typhoon Shelter, Causeway Bay | (+852) 2887 9663