Tin Hau, Hong Kong's only floating temple, has been "anchored" in Causeway Bay for the past 68 years and is considered a sacred destination by locals. On October 3, the temple was moved to a shipyard in Victoria Park Road. After more than six decades at sea, the temple has finally "settled" on land. Many Hong Kong leaders were present at the opening day of the new temple.

Originally built on a fishing boat, the floating temple was dedicated to Tin Hau (Heavenly Queen), a sea goddess who protects fishermen and keeps them safe, according to Chinese folklore. This belief is widespread not only in coastal areas of China but also among Chinese communities throughout Southeast Asia.

The Tin Hau Temple is considered a fishing heritage site in Hong Kong. It is unclear when it was built, but the authorities first recorded its existence in 1955 in a typhoon shelter in Causeway Bay. The temple houses an elaborate altar to the goddess of the sea.

The cost of building the new temple was up to 1.28 million USD. The new temple still retains the layout and features of the old temple with green floors.

Local officials said the floating temple would be transformed into a museum to showcase Hong Kong’s fishing heritage to international visitors. Jennifer Chow Kit-bing, who is in charge of the relocation, said the move “means a lot to the worshippers.” Previously, people had to travel by boat to pray at the temple, which was prone to accidents during bad weather.

Jennifer hopes the new and old temples will become landmarks in Causeway Bay, helping to attract tourists.

Anh Minh (According to SCMP )