Hau Wong Temple Kowloon City Hong Kong
A historic temple in Kowloon City dedicated to a Song Dynasty prince, offering a glimpse into traditional Chinese worship and architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Hau Wong Temple Kowloon City Hong Kong
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic temple in Kowloon City dedicated to a Song Dynasty prince, offering a glimpse into traditional Chinese worship and architecture.
"A serene historical gem in Kowloon City, perfect for a quiet cultural immersion."
🚶♀️ Beat the Crowds
Visit on a weekday morning for the most peaceful experience. Weekends can get busy!
🙏 Dress Modestly
Show respect by wearing conservative clothing. Avoid shorts and tank tops.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Main Altar
Main Hall
Marvel at the ornate carvings and vibrant deity statues, the heart of the temple's spiritual significance.

Intricate Roof Decorations
Exterior
Admire the detailed ceramic figurines and colorful motifs adorning the temple's roof, a testament to traditional craftsmanship.
Historical Artifacts
Display Cases
Discover ancient artifacts and historical tablets that offer glimpses into the temple's long and storied past.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit
Respectful Attire and Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Beat the Crowds
Visit on a weekday morning for the most peaceful experience. Weekends can get busy!
🙏 Dress Modestly
Show respect by wearing conservative clothing. Avoid shorts and tank tops.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Be discreet when taking photos. Avoid flash photography directly at deities.
🕰️ Check Opening Hours
Hours can vary, especially on holidays. Confirm before your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Beat the Crowds
Visit on a weekday morning for the most peaceful experience. Weekends can get busy!
🙏 Dress Modestly
Show respect by wearing conservative clothing. Avoid shorts and tank tops.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Be discreet when taking photos. Avoid flash photography directly at deities.
🕰️ Check Opening Hours
Hours can vary, especially on holidays. Confirm before your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise Hau Wong Temple for its historical significance and intricate traditional architecture, offering a peaceful escape from the city's bustle. While some find it a bit small, its cultural value and the surrounding culinary scene in Kowloon City are consistently highlighted as major draws.
"If you are over in Kowloon City the Hau Wong temple is worth a visit.
Being the main temple in the area, it is also one of the very few in Hong Kong that has such a rich collection of artifacts.
Entry is free and just remember to respect your surroundings.
Worth a look."
C
"A temple dedicated to Hau Wong侯王, whose legend traced back to a courageous general during the Southern Song Dynasty named Yeung Leungjit 楊亮節
The temple was built around 1730 CE. It consists of a Main Hall, Lohan Hall, Buddha Hall, Lung Wah Hall, and a Garden"
Tiffany Ma
"There are several Hau Wong Temples to be found in Hong Kong but this one is probably the most famous. The Hau Wong Temple in Kowloon City was built in 1730 and rests on Junction Road half way between the Lok Yu MTR station and the Kowloon Walled City Park. It is a Grade 1 historical building and makes a nice quick stop for those planning to visit the Kowloon Walled City.
There is disagreement as to the origins of this temple. However, the prevailing belief is that the temple commemorates a Chinese general, 'Hau Wong' Yeung Leung-jit, who helped the last emperor of the Song Dynasty by providing him refuge in Kowloon, averting invading forces in search of him.
Hau Wong Temple has cultural artefacts including attractive wall reliefs and Chinese calligraphy. Also, the main hall contains images of Hau Wong as well as chambers which are well decorated. The temple is quite small and can be comfortably visited in 10-15 minutes, making it convenient to see before or after your visit to the nearby Kowloon Walled City Park.
Overall, this Hau Wong decent temple visit but there are better temple visits in the area. These include Wong Tai Sin (Wong Tai Sin - MTR) and the Chi Lin Nunnery (Diamond Hill - MTR). In the end, this Hau Wong Temple is a good stop on the way to the Kowloon Walled City Park."
Brad
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The temple is easily accessible by public transport. Take the MTR to Kai Tak Station (Tuen Ma Line) and it's a short walk. Alternatively, numerous bus routes serve the Kowloon City area. Taxis are also readily available.
Parking in Kowloon City can be challenging. Public parking lots are available nearby, but they can fill up quickly. It's generally recommended to use public transportation.
Kai Tak Station on the Tuen Ma Line is the closest MTR station. From there, it's about a 10-15 minute walk to the temple.
Several bus routes stop in the vicinity of Kowloon City Plaza and Hau Wong Road, which are close to the temple. Check local bus schedules for routes like 11, 11B, 14, 15, 17, 21, 24, 25, 27, 42, 45, 98D, etc.
While the main prayer hall is generally accessible, some older temple structures might have uneven surfaces. It's advisable to check with the temple management for specific accessibility details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to Hau Wong Temple is generally free. It is a functioning place of worship, and visitors are welcome to enter and observe respectfully.
The temple is typically open daily from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, hours can vary, especially on public holidays or during special ceremonies. It's best to confirm current hours before your visit.
Yes, donations are welcome and help with the temple's upkeep and preservation. Donation boxes are usually available near the entrance or main altar.
Yes, it's important to dress modestly out of respect for the religious site. Avoid revealing clothing such as shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless tops.
Photography is generally permitted, but it's crucial to be discreet and respectful. Avoid using flash photography, especially when it might disturb worshippers or damage artifacts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can admire the intricate architecture, observe the main altar with its deity statues, and explore the historical artifacts displayed. It's a place for quiet reflection and appreciating traditional Chinese temple culture.
A visit typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your interest in exploring the details and observing the atmosphere.
Official guided tours are not commonly advertised. However, you can often find local guides in the vicinity, or simply explore at your own pace and read informational plaques if available.
The temple is dedicated to Hau Wong, a Song Dynasty prince, and is a significant cultural and historical landmark in Kowloon City, reflecting local beliefs and heritage.
Weekends and public holidays can be quite busy with local worshippers and tourists. Weekday mornings and afternoons are generally much quieter.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Kowloon City is known for its vibrant food scene. You'll find numerous local eateries, dai pai dongs, and restaurants offering a variety of Hong Kong cuisine just a short walk from the temple.
Kowloon City offers a diverse culinary experience, from traditional Cantonese dim sum and roast meats to international flavors. It's a great area to explore for authentic local food.
While not directly at the temple, exploring Kowloon City's "food street" (Jieyang Street) or nearby areas for roast goose, wonton noodles, or dim sum is highly recommended.
You can find vegetarian and vegan options in Kowloon City, though it might require a bit more searching. Many restaurants can accommodate simple requests.
No, eating and drinking are not permitted inside the temple premises to maintain its sanctity and cleanliness.
📸 📸 Photography
The main altar with its vibrant deities and the intricately decorated roof are prime photo opportunities. The temple's facade and historical artifacts also make for great shots.
It's best to avoid flash photography inside the temple. The light can be disruptive to worshippers and potentially damage delicate artifacts over time.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, making for more atmospheric and less obstructed photos.
Drone photography is generally not permitted in urban areas like Kowloon City due to aviation regulations and privacy concerns. Always check local drone laws before flying.
A camera with good low-light performance and a versatile lens (e.g., a 24-70mm equivalent) would be ideal for capturing both the grand architecture and intricate details. A smartphone with a good camera can also capture excellent shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Combine your visit with exploring the nearby Kowloon City Park, which has playgrounds and open spaces for kids to run around. This makes for a more balanced outing for the whole family. Remember to explain the importance of respectful behavior in a temple setting to children beforehand.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Backpackers
Tip: Take your time to observe the details of the temple's architecture and the local worshippers. Consider exploring the surrounding Kowloon City area afterward for authentic local food experiences, which are often budget-friendly and offer a true taste of Hong Kong life.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Hau Wong Temple
Over time, the temple has evolved from a simple shrine to a complex structure that houses various deities and artifacts, serving not only as a place of worship but also as a repository of local history and folklore. It stands as a testament to the resilience of Chinese culture and the deep-rooted traditions that continue to thrive in Hong Kong. Visitors can often find historical tablets and inscriptions within the temple grounds that offer further insights into its past. The temple's enduring presence in the bustling urban landscape of Kowloon City makes it a unique window into Hong Kong's rich heritage.
Exploring Kowloon City's Culinary Delights
One of the most famous culinary hubs in Kowloon City is its 'food street' area, where you can find an incredible array of local delicacies. It's an experience that engages all the senses, with the aromas of stir-fried dishes and the lively chatter of diners filling the air. Exploring these food streets is an adventure in itself, offering a chance to discover hidden gems and savor authentic flavors that are characteristic of Hong Kong's diverse gastronomic landscape. Don't miss the opportunity to try some of the local specialties that have made Kowloon City a must-visit destination for food lovers.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit