Find solace in the heart of Hong Kong’s financial district at this landmark temple dedicated to the Taoist and Buddhist gods of literature and war.
Man Mo Temple is a Buddhist and Taoist temple nestled between the high-rises in Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan district. The smell of incense drifts down the hill from where the temple lies peeking out between buildings.
Man Mo Temple, with its white walls and green-tiled roof, is situated on Hollywood Road. The temple is sweetly scented with large incense spirals that can burn for up to three weeks, unlike the usual short joss sticks.
The name Man Mo comes from the two deities to which the temple is dedicated. Man is the god of literature and Mo is the god of war and martial strength. Walk through the tall red door to find large statues of the gods. Man, in green, holds a calligraphy pen and Mo, in red, has a sword.
The temple dates back to the mid-1800s and includes two more buildings in its complex. Lit Shing Kung is a temple to more gods and Kug Sor was historically used as a meeting place for townspeople looking to resolve issues through religious animal sacrifices. Parishioners would write a promise on paper, dip it in chicken blood and burn the document, making the promise more binding than decisions made in a British court of law. Animal sacrifices are no longer customary in Kung Sor, but couples often visit here to see if the spiritual energies will help resolve disputes.
Find Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road, a 15-minute walk from Sheung Wan train station. You can also take the tram to Victoria Peak and walk downhill for about 5 minutes.
The temple is open every day but closes to the public in the late afternoon. After your visit, wander down the stone stairs along Ladder Street towards Sheung Wan for souvenir shopping or southeast along Hollywood Road for more upscale shopping and dining.
