Painted in fiery red and decorated with giant incense spirals hanging from the ceiling, the Kwong Fuk (廣褔) Ancestral Hall on the slope of Tai Ping Shan (太平山) Street in Sheung Wan is the locals’ go-to place to get their prayers answered. But the temple comes with a saddening story on its establishment dating back to the 1850s.

The History

During the period of British colonial rule in Hong Kong, a wave of Chinese immigrants sought refuge in the city, hoping for improved living conditions. The tradition of being buried in their homeland remained steadfast, leading to the construction of the Kwong Fuk Ancestral Hall. This memorial temple served dual purposes, honouring the deceased and offering a temporary resting place for bodies awaiting transportation back to their hometowns.

Furthermore, cultural beliefs prohibited individuals from dying at home, causing many terminally ill persons to be ousted by their landlords. These unfortunate souls often spent their final days at the temple. This blending of the dead and dying presented considerable sanitation concerns.

These health issues eventually catalyzed the establishment of the first hospital to offer Chinese medicine services in the 1870s, Tung Wah Hospital (東華醫院). Its mission was to provide medical aid to the destitute local populace. Remarkably, the hospital continues its services at the original location, situated next to the temple.

The Deities

Calling all singles! If you ever wonder when you will meet your true love, the Kwong Fuk Ancestral Hall, perched on the slope of Tai Ping Shan Street in Sheung Wan might provide you with an answer. With its entrance painted in fiery red and decorated with giant incense spirals hanging from the ceiling, the temple is known for getting love prayers answered, which even attracts local celebrities to bow their head to seek good fortune. 

This Chinese folk religion temple houses a few local deities, ranging from the legendary Buddhist “Mad Monk” – Ji Gong (濟公), who was deemed to be helping the vulnerable with his supernatural power, to the most important Two Gods of Love – HeHe Erxian (和合二仙), bestowing blessings on marriages. The real question is - how to ask for fateful encounters? Apart from making incense offerings, you can request prayers from the temple monks who will then offer you a red bracelet string that might bring you true love in the future!