Religious tolerance is high in Hong Kong, this is no small part due to the fact that the three main religions Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism are largely intermingled in the city, and many residents worship a combination of all three, along with ancestor worship.
Temples will often house a collection of deities from all three religions, although they are generally dominated and dedicated to one or two particular deities.
- Temples are open to all at any time of the day. Generally 8am – 7pm.
- Unlike Western churches, temples have no services, nor do they have proscribed clerics, aside from formally Buddhist monasteries
- Worship inside temples is in the form of one-to-one prayer and offerings.
- It is generally accepted etiquette to cover both your legs and arms before temples, in practice the sweltering heat means many Hong Kongers ignore this guideline.
- Temples are much livelier than churches and you can expect a fair amount of noisy chatter, and on special occasion’s drums and bells.
- Do bring fruit to lay at the feet of one of the many deities – these are used as an offering.
- Don’t take pictures unless you have gained permission, particularly of worshippers.
