Tin Hau Temple, Mazu temple in Joss House Bay, Hong Kong.
Tin Hau Temple is a house of worship in Joss House Bay featuring red walls, curved tile roofs, and stone lions positioned at the entrance. The structure contains multiple interconnected halls arranged around courtyards and sits close to the waterfront of Clear Water Bay.
The temple was established in 1266 during the Southern Song Dynasty, making it one of the oldest in the region. Iron incense burners and bronze bells installed centuries later remain inside and document the continuity of worship over generations.
The temple serves as a gathering place for local boat operators and fishing communities who seek blessings for safe voyages. Red lanterns and incense sticks fill the interior daily, reflecting how residents and visitors honor the goddess through simple daily rituals.
The temple is accessible by boat from the water or via walking trails from the land, offering different approaches to reach the site. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since pathways can be uneven or rocky, and the terrain around the location is hilly.
Near the temple stands a rock bearing inscriptions from the 13th century, representing the oldest dated carved stone in Hong Kong. Many visitors overlook this modest artifact, even though it provides crucial evidence of the site's early history.
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