Birthday of Che Kung

The city of Hong Kong pulsates with a vivid range of dazzling and astounding festivities. Each of them reveals a rich culture and an authentic custom of the Chinese. Birthday of Che Kung, Hong Kong is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Che Kung who was a prominent general of the Sung Dynasty. After saving the people of Sha Tin he achieved Buddhist immortality.

On the auspicious occasion of the Birthday of Che Kung the Hong Kong people and the devotees from abroad gather in this temple to offer prayers. Located near the Hong Kong Jockey Club's Sha Tin Racecourse (horse race is a legal form of gambling in Hong Kong), this temple is thronged by a huge number of people especially on this day. It dates back to some 300 years to the conclusion of the Ming Dynasty. At present it is housed in a modern building. The temple features a main altar, the upper limit of which consists of a drum and a bell. The main worship hall comprises of a stupendous and marvelous statue of Che Kung. Adjacent to it is the Wheel of Fortune. Many of them head towards the temple in order to receive Che Kung's good luck. Devotees spin the Wheel of Fortune thrice to ascertain good fortune in the new year. They also seek advices from the fortune-tellers seated in the corridor of this temple.

On Birthday of Che Kung, Hong Kong his followers pay him homage by burning joss sticks and spinning the Wheel of Fortune which is said to usher in good fortune. Though the temple is renovated recently, the heavy rush at times makes it difficult for the people to spin the Wheel properly. One can pay donations if one wishes to.

The nearest station to the temple is Tai Wai which is served by the Kowloon Canton Railway. It is a 15 minute walk along the Che Kung Temple Road from the station.