Hung Shing Festival
|Hung Shing Festival (洪聖爺誕) is on the 13th day of the 2nd lunar month. Hung Shing Temples all over Hong Kong would hold a series of celebration activities around the festival. This year, the festival falls on 19 March 2019.
The Legend of Hung Shing
Hung Shing, “Saint Hung” literally, named Hung Hei, was the Governor of Panyu near Guangzhou in the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907). He was well-known for his integrity and erudition, and was knowledgeable on astronomy, geography and mathematics. An observatory was set up by him to forecast weather to benefit people especially fishermen and merchants at sea. He overworked and died early unfortunately. To honour his contributions, the imperial emperor awarded him the title “Nam Hoi Kwong Li Hung Shing Tai Wong”, which is “Saint Hung the Great King of Extensive Benefits of South Seas” in literal sense. It is said that he was immortal after his death and repeatedly save and guard the people against natural disasters. Many temples were built in the coastal areas or on the waterfront to worship him.
Hung Shing Festival Celebrations
There are over 20 Hung Shing Temples in Hong Kong, the liveliest celebrations can be found in Ap Lei Chau near Aberdeen fishing village, Tai Kok Tsui in Kowloon, Ho Sheung Heung in Sheung Shui, Kau Sai Chau in Sai Kung and Mui Wo on Lantau Island. Some villages and temples celebrate the festival on different dates, such as Po Toi O in Sai Kung which do so on 13th day of the 8th lunar month.
Hung Shing Temple Ap Lei Chau
Established in 1773 by local fishermen, this old temple is located on Hung Shing Street next to Ap Lei Chau Waterfront Promenade facing Aberdeen Harbour since the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912). It is listed as a declared monument in Hong Kong.
There are lots of celebrations. You can enjoy traditional processions, dragon and lion dances, Chinese opera performances held on temporary bamboo stages and more.
Ap Lei Chau Hung Shing Culture Festival 2019
- Date: 17-24 March 2019
- Venue: ALC Hung Shing Temple, Hung Shing Temple Square, Seaside Park, Main Street & Football Court
Celebration Parade
- Date: 17 March 2019 (Sunday)
- Launching Ceremony: 1:30 pm
- Time: 2-4 pm
- Starting Venue: Hung Shing Temple, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong Island
- Route: Hung Shing Street, Ap Lei Chau Main Street and Yuet Hoi Street
Dragon and Lion Dances
- Date: 17 March 2019 (Sunday)
- Time: 4-5 pm
- Venue: Ap Lei Chau Park Football Court/ Temporary Bamboo Stage
Chinese Opera Performances
- Date: 18-22 March 2019 (Monday to Friday)
- Time: Day Performances (1 pm) and Night Performances (7:30 pm, except 18 Mar at 7 pm)
- Performed by: Ming Chee Sing Chinese Opera Troupe
- Venue: Ap Lei Chau Park Temporary Bamboo Stages
Tai Kok Tsui Temple Fair 2019
Hung Shing Temple Tai Kok Tsui was built in the late 19th centurymand originally located in the Fuk Chuen Village. The temple was relocated to this nearby current site in 1930. It is now a Grade 3 historic building in Hong Kong. There was a century-old wishing tree in front of the temple.
Celebrations include parade, dragon and lion dances, booth games, fashion show and arts performances. The highlight is the 500-feet Luminous Night Dragon Dance.
- The 15th Tai Kok Tsui Temple Fair
- Date: 3 March 2019 (Sunday)
- Time: 10am to 9:30pm
- Venue: Fuk Tsun Street, Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon
Hung Shing Temple Ho Sheung Heung
This temple is located on Pai Fung Road of the 800-year-old village. It is believed that the Hau Clan, one of the Great Five Clans of Hong Kong, have settled in Ho Sheung Heung since the Song Dynasty and later constructed this temple. This Hong Kong’s Grade 3 historic building was refurbished in 2013.
It is a great opportunity to experience Hong Kong little known rustic culture. Although the Poon Choi Feast or Big Bowl Feast held in the evening of the festive day mainly serve the clansmen, you can still enjoy traditional procession, Cantonese opera and the most exciting firecrackers scrambling which you cannot find in any other village in the territories.
- Date: 19 March 2019 (Tuesday)
- Time: whole day celebrations; around 1pm for firecrackers scrambling
- Venue: Ho Sheung Heung, Sheung Shui, New Territories
How to get there to celebrate Hung Shing Festival
Hung Shing Temple Ap Lei Chau
- MTR Lei Tung Station Exit A1. Walk along Ap Lei Chau Main Street and turn left on Hung Shing Street.
Hung Shing Temple Tai Kok Tsui
- MTR Mong Kok Station Exit A2. Turn right, walk along Portland Street to reach Mong Kok Road. Then turn left and walk for about 5 mins to Fuk Tsun Street. It takes another 5 mins to get to the temple.
- You can also walk there from MTR Olympic Station Exit B or Prince Edward Station Exit C (map)
Hung Shing Temple Ho Sheung Heung
- MTR Sheung Shui Station Exit D1 and take minibus 51K
Which temple are you going to visit to celebrate Hung Shing Festival? Please feel free to leave us comments or contact us if you have any questions.
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