Man Mo Temple
Man Mo Temple
4
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
The Man Mo Temple Compound on Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan comprising three blocks, namely Man Mo Temple, Lit Shing Kung and Kung Sor, was built approximately between 1847 and 1862 by wealthy Chinese merchants. Man Mo Temple was built mainly for the worship of Man Cheong (God of Literature) and Mo Tai (God of Martial Arts). Lit Shing Kung was built for the worship of all heavenly gods. Kung Sor was used as a meeting place and for resolving matters related to the Chinese community in the area. The three blocks are separated by two alleys. The Temple was officially entrusted to Tung Wah Hospital with the enactment of the Man Mo Temple Ordinance in 1908. Even nowadays, the Directors of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and community celebrities still congregate in the Temple every year at the Autumn Sacrificial Rites to pay homage to Man Cheong and Mo Tai as well as to invoke prosperity of Hong Kong. The Temple has imperative historical and social values to the territory, representing the traditional social organization and religious practices of the Chinese community in old Hong Kong. Man Mo Temple is a two-hall-three-bay structure fronted by two granite drum platforms. A pair of screen doors is placed in the front hall. Following the traditional Chinese architectural layout, the rear hall housing the altars of the deities is a few steps higher than the front hall. Between the two halls is a covered courtyard flanked by two side chambers with humpbacked roofs. The courtyard is covered with a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof supported by four granite columns at the corners of the courtyard. Lit Shing Kung, which is attached to the left of Man Mo Temple, was originally a three-hall-two-courtyard structure. The two courtyards were later covered by steel roofs. Kung Sor is a simple one-hall structure. The historic granite doorframe on which the year of construction of Kung Sor can be found is still well preserved. The magnificent Man Mo Temple Compound is a fine example of traditional Chinese vernacular architecture. It is exquisitely decorated with ceramic figurines, granite carvings, wood carvings, plaster mouldings and murals, reflecting superb traditional craftsmanship.
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Plan your visit
The area
Neighborhood: New Territories
How to get there
- Tai Wo • 7 min walk
- Tai Po Market • 9 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
92 within 3 miles
Attractions
102 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,107 reviews
Excellent
325
Very good
516
Average
228
Poor
31
Terrible
7
Shelliu
Hilton Head, SC4,113 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Quite small but worth a stop. On Hollywood road, this tiny temple built in the 1800s has hundreds of beautiful coil incense burning over your head. It’s quite different from the other temples in Hong Kong. There are often a lot of Chinese tourists but if you go earlier in the day, it will be less busy.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ACL3112
UK3,385 contributions
Jan 2020
The temple is wedged between high rise buildings which detract from the beauty of the building - but it is there as a reminder of Hongkong's past. It is home to the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo) - they were both worshipped and prayed to by students who were taking the tough (and prestigious) exams to become administrators in Imperial China. It was built in 1847 and it became part of the declared monuments in 2009. You are welcome to enter as a visitor, there is a heavy arome of incense which comes from large hanging coils and from incense sticks bouht by worshippers. The interior is impressive, a worthwhile visit. Hollywood Road is full of small antique shops, you are away from the Hongkong of giant shopping centres, perhaps a reminder of gentler times.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Remi
Thailand2,537 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
A must visit tourist spot in the Sheung Wan region. The temple built in 1847 pays tribute to the God of Literature and God of War. It's widely worshipped by ambitious students and locals for success in civil examinations and for good health, good luck and prosperity of the family respectively. It is a listed Grade 1 historical building and is preserved as a declared monument. The charisteristic incence coils demonstrates the divinity.
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Susan C
Melbourne, Australia682 contributions
Jan 2023
This is the easiest temple to visit in Hong Kong as it is on Hollywood Rd near the Mid-levels escalator. It dates from 1847 and consists of three green tiled rooms tucked away behind a courtyard with skyscrapers towering above it. The left room is for the worship of Man Mo, the middle room is for the heavenly gods (Lit Shing Temple) and the right room is for the local community to resolve issues (Kung So). It is full of carvings, statues and incense. It has a Grade 1 historic building rating. Visitors are not discouraged and photography without flash is allowed.
Written February 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mohd Oqba
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia89 contributions
Jan 2020
I felt those who come to see Hong Kong this is a place they should visit. Into the incense burning smoky prayer hall. I stepped into a time-capsule. Not only the peoples culture but also the beautiful ornery decorations and idols.
Written January 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
patrickperbkk
Perth, Australia1,220 contributions
Nov 2019
One of the most popular temples in Hong Kong. A short walk from Hollywood street.
Great atmosphere at the temple, though a bit smokey and crowded inside the temple. If anyone wants to visit a temple in HK, Man Mo is highly recommended.
Great atmosphere at the temple, though a bit smokey and crowded inside the temple. If anyone wants to visit a temple in HK, Man Mo is highly recommended.
Written April 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mairwen1
United Kingdom8,230 contributions
May 2021
If you are only going to visit one temple, this is a very easy one to get to. It’s on Hollywood Road (10 min walk from Mid-Levels escalator) and is close to other points of interest like the Cat St, antiques market. Built in 1847 it’s one of the oldest temples in the city.
From the outside, it looks humble and is dwarfed by tall residential blocks that hem it in. Don’t be put off because once you step inside, it’s a colourful array of reds and golds, with giant coils of incense hanging from the ceiling. You will see all the most typical features of a traditional temple here.
MAIN FEATURES:
* Statues of gods - the largest ones here are Mo, god of war and Man, god of literature. You’ll be able to easily tell them apart - not surprisingly Mo is the one holding a sword, with fiercely bulging eyes and a red face.
* Gold plated imperial sedan chairs which are used in processions to carry the statues of the gods (they are near the entry in this temple)
* The gong and bronze bell are classic artefacts inside a Chinese temple and are used to wake up the gods when prayers are about to be offered (these are near the entry on your right)
* Altars are decorated in typical fashion with with red and gold brocade embroidery and are covered in offerings of fruit and flowers
* Incense coils and joss sticks - you will see people bringing bouquets of the joss sticks to the altars to light them as offerings
NOTES:
Entry is free (there are several donations boxes) and the public are welcome. Photography is allowed inside.
There is a small gift shop in the room on the right.
Apart from an information panel on the footpath out the front, there’s no other information inside (which is understandable as it is very much a working temple and place of worship).
It is worth noting that in busy temples like this one, the incense smoke is very heavy which will be an issue for some people.
From the outside, it looks humble and is dwarfed by tall residential blocks that hem it in. Don’t be put off because once you step inside, it’s a colourful array of reds and golds, with giant coils of incense hanging from the ceiling. You will see all the most typical features of a traditional temple here.
MAIN FEATURES:
* Statues of gods - the largest ones here are Mo, god of war and Man, god of literature. You’ll be able to easily tell them apart - not surprisingly Mo is the one holding a sword, with fiercely bulging eyes and a red face.
* Gold plated imperial sedan chairs which are used in processions to carry the statues of the gods (they are near the entry in this temple)
* The gong and bronze bell are classic artefacts inside a Chinese temple and are used to wake up the gods when prayers are about to be offered (these are near the entry on your right)
* Altars are decorated in typical fashion with with red and gold brocade embroidery and are covered in offerings of fruit and flowers
* Incense coils and joss sticks - you will see people bringing bouquets of the joss sticks to the altars to light them as offerings
NOTES:
Entry is free (there are several donations boxes) and the public are welcome. Photography is allowed inside.
There is a small gift shop in the room on the right.
Apart from an information panel on the footpath out the front, there’s no other information inside (which is understandable as it is very much a working temple and place of worship).
It is worth noting that in busy temples like this one, the incense smoke is very heavy which will be an issue for some people.
Written November 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
butterflydiva7
Wexford, Ireland261 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
We nearly passed this by while looking for it
Had expected a much more elaborate place
It’s lovely and full of incense spirals
Many icons here and photos are allowed
Worth a visit
Had expected a much more elaborate place
It’s lovely and full of incense spirals
Many icons here and photos are allowed
Worth a visit
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
itd-be-rude-not-to
Sydney, Australia381 contributions
Aug 2018 • Friends
After walking past this temple many times i thought I should have a good inside. I now recommend to everyone to have a look, it'll take 5 minutes but it really is a nice temple and it would be a shame not to have a look whilst in the area.
Written June 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lisa F
Dubai, United Arab Emirates202 contributions
Jun 2015
Such an amazing temple in the heart of the city (Hong Kong Island).
Avoid during midday when the heat is too much as its quite stifling inside the temple.
The incense was amazing!
There is a fortune teller inside, worth spending 5 mins with him. he was 100% accurate!
Avoid during midday when the heat is too much as its quite stifling inside the temple.
The incense was amazing!
There is a fortune teller inside, worth spending 5 mins with him. he was 100% accurate!
Written August 12, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Beth
Hong Kong, China10 contributions
What kind of souvenirs?
Lou Ella's
Gladesville, Australia
There is a small shop to the right of the main door with postcards and Chinese horoscope, prayer & lucky charms. Quite well priced. Incense for prayers available inside temples.
snoweeowl2000
20 contributions
How do you get to man mo temple?
Peter H
London, UK108 contributions
We were pushed for time and jumped in a taxi
Man Mo Temple, Hong Kong
Frequently Asked Questions about Man Mo Temple
- Man Mo Temple is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- We recommend booking Man Mo Temple tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 33 Man Mo Temple tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Man Mo Temple:
- (7.08 mi) Crowne Plaza Hotel&Suites Landmark Shenzhen, an IHG hotel
- (6.93 mi) Shangri-La Shenzhen
- (6.46 mi) Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West
- (7.04 mi) Grand Hyatt Shenzhen
- (7.54 mi) The St. Regis Shenzhen
- Restaurants near Man Mo Temple:
- (0.09 mi) FREE HOUSE Bar and Cafe
- (0.09 mi) Ma Bi Ji
- (0.10 mi) Super Super Congee & Noodle (Tai Po)
- (0.06 mi) Yensam's Kitchen
- (0.13 mi) Laing Sushi
- Attractions near Man Mo Temple:
- (0.08 mi) Hong Kong Railway Museum
- (0.06 mi) Tai Po Man Mo Temple
- (0.13 mi) Tai Po Street
- (0.23 mi) Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel
- (0.32 mi) Green Hub