Weatherman Extraordinaire
Hung Shing Temple, Kau Sai Chau
The God of the South Seas, Hung Shing, is revered throughout southern China. A Tang Dynasty government official serving the Guangdong area, Hung Shing (a.k.a. Hung Hei) promoted the study of astronomy, geography and mathematics during his tenure and even set up an observatory. His accurate weather predictions endeared him to local fishermen, farmers and traders.
The stone tablet at this Taoist temple on Kau Sai Chau proclaims it was constructed sometime before 1899 as a shrine to Hung Shing, recognizing his past achievements and allowing the villagers to pray to him for continued blessings. Couplets inside the temple state that Hung Shing's virtues provide peace and safety and that such virtues come to people who do good deeds.
This typical two-hall, three-bay temple would have been a popular community gathering place in its heyday as well as a place of worship. Inside, Hung Shing sits on the altar of the main hall with images of two other deities, Choi Pak Shing Kwan (God of Fortune) and Shui Sin Yueh (Water Fairy) alongside. One of the two side halls was previously used as a school and the other as quarters for the temple-keeper.
Every deity has an official birthday or day of celebration. Annually, the revered Hung Shing is fêted in a grand way, on the 13th day of the 2nd lunar month (March 12 this year).
A grant from the Hong Kong Jockey Club gave the Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO) the opportunity to organize a large-scale restoration project in 1999, with the participation of local villagers. Following this, its fourth restoration since construction, the temple was declared an "Outstanding Project" by the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage 2000 Awards. It was also declared a monument by AMO in 2002.
Getting There
Kau Sai Chau is the largest island within Sai Kung's Port Shelter. At the Sai Kung waterfront, you'll need to negotiate the fee for a boat to take you to Kau Sai Village and back. Alternatively, you could take the Jockey Club's boat to the public golf course and hike along the Water Services supply line from the golf courses (an approximately 40 minute walk with moderate hills). You are advised, however, not to walk onto the golf courses for safety reasons. There will most probably be a friendly boatperson at the village to transport you back to Sai Kung (but no guarantees).Further Information:
The Antiquities & Monuments Office (LCSD) website of "Declared Monuments" lists the Kau Sai Chau Hung Shing Temple as well as the Rock Carving nearby.
City University of HK produced an excellent video of the celebrations for the Birthday of Hung Shing Kung in Kau Sai 2004.