District Highlights

Forewords

Lion Rock

Wong Tai Sin District takes its name from the famous Wong Tai Sin Temple, a landmark of the District.

Geography and History

Wong Tai Sin District covers an area of 9.26 km2 lying to the east of the Kowloon Peninsula. It is bounded by the Lion Rock Mountain (Sze Chi Shan) and the Tate's Cairn (Tai Lo Shan) to the north; the Kowloon Peak (Fei Ngor Shan) to the east; New Clear Water Bay Road and Prince Edward Road East to the south; and Junction Road and the Lion Rock Tunnel to the west. The District is the only administrative district in Hong Kong without a coastline. The District used to be a predominately rural area sparsely populated by natives of Pun U and Hakka origin. It became part of New Kowloon in 1937. With the arrival of a large number of refugees from Mainland China to Hong Kong in the late 1940s, numerous squatter huts began to emerge in the District. Construction of public housing in the District started in 1957 with the first resettlement block of the Mark I type built at Lo Fu Ngam (later renamed as Lok Fu). Over the years, the District has undergone a facelift with the gradual clearance of its squatter areas and redevelopment of its public housing estates.

Population and Housing

Wong Tai Sin district has a population of 420,000. Wong Tai Sin District is characterized by extensive public housing. At present, 85% of the population in the District live in public rental housing, home ownership flats; while the remaining 15% live in various kinds of private housing.

Places of Interest - Wong Tai Sin Temple

Wong Tai Sin Temple is one of the most renowned temples in Hong Kong and also enjoys great reputation overseas. According to legend, Wong Tai Sin (also known as Deity of Red Pine Hill) is well-known for his capability in curing people and his benevolence. He is also able to satisfy all requests and his predictions always come true. Besides, the Temple is the only Taoist temple in Hong Kong authorized to hold Taoist wedding.

At the end of the Lunar year and on the first fifteen days of the Lunar New Year, the Temple is crowded with worshippers who come to give thanks to Wong Tai Sin for his blessing in the past year and pray for his blessing in the coming year. The 23rd day of the 8th Lunar month is the birthday of Wong Tai Sin. On that day, all his disciples will assemble at the Main Altar of the Temple at noon for a worshipping ceremony.

Wong Tai Sin Temple

Places of Interest - Chi Lin Nunnery

Chi Lin Nunnery

Chi Lin Nunnery is a scenic spot with increasing popularity and renowned both in Hong Kong and abroad. As a result of a redevelopment project in 1989, Chi Lin Nunnery has now become a grand Monastery Complex built in the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty. It had opened to the public since May 2000. On the 8th day of the 12th Lunar month and the 15th day of the 1st Lunar month, the Nunnery will hold ceremonies for thanksgiving for the past year and blessing for the coming year. Besides, on the 8th day of the 4th Lunar month, the Nunnery will hold a ceremony to celebrate the birthday of the Buddha.

Places of Interest - Nan Lian Garden

Nan Lian Garden is built in the classical style of the Tang Dynasty, has opened to the public since November 2006. It is currently managed by the Chi Lin Nunnery, entrusted by the Government.

Nan Lian Garden

Places of Interest - Nga Tsin Wai Village

Nga Tsin Wai Village

Nga Tsin Wai Village is a place of historic interest: the origin of the Villagers dated back to the end of the Nan Song Dynasty. The Village is among the oldest villages in Kowloon and is the only traditional Chinese fortified village in the urban area still remaining intact in terms of the village houses, the Clan Hall and the Tin Hau Temple.

According to hearsay, there were a watchtower, a moat and a drawbridge. The moat was filled up during the Japanese occupation period to facilitate the transportation of construction materials to build the airport. The drawbridge only existed during the days of the less peaceful times. Two cannons, which had been installed to defend the Village, were buried near the entrance.

Once every ten years (normally at the end of the 10th Lunar month), the Nga Tsin Wai Village will celebrate the remarkable Tai Ping Ching Chiu (Da Chiu) to provide the villagers with an opportunity to make thanksgiving to Tin Hau for pacifying and driving away spirits, thereby endowing the villagers with peace and blessing. The first Da Chiu ceremony started in 1726. The celebration usually lasts for a couple of days, with villagers paying homage to Tin Hau and participants enjoying episodes of puppet shows and Chinese opera performances. Vegetarian food is served during these few days.