Tin Hau Temple, Grade III historic temple in Kat O, Hong Kong.

Tin Hau Temple stands in Xiwu Village on Kat O Island, built against the hillside. Its main hall holds a statue of Tin Hau flanked by the guardian figures Shunfeng'er and Qianliyan. The temple door is painted with a pair of foreign-looking door gods, and a yellow inner door shows the God of Wealth holding vegetables.

The temple's construction date is unknown. Its oldest surviving object is a bronze bell inscribed with the Qianlong 28th year, equivalent to 1763, which gives the earliest firm evidence of the temple's existence. The building was renovated in the Guangxu 1st year (1880) and again in 1968.

The temple serves as a focal point for worshipping Mazu, the Chinese goddess of the sea. You can observe local devotees offering incense and prayers here, seeking protection for maritime journeys.

Kat O Island is accessible only by boat, so plan ahead by checking ferry schedules before your visit. Wear appropriate clothing and remain flexible with your timing during bad weather, as boat services may not operate.

The temple door is painted with a pair of foreign-looking door gods: Gurkha soldiers renovating the temple spilled paint over the originals and repainted them from memory and imagination. A yellow inner door shows the God of Wealth holding vegetables, because the soldiers mistook the character for "wealth" (財) for that for "vegetables" (菜).