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Last floating temple goes on land

The Young Reporter (2001, October), 34(01), pp. 3.
Author: Yusuki Suen. Editor: Chandra Wong.
Permanent URL - https://sys01.lib.hkbu.edu.hk/bujspa/purl.php?&did=bujspa0014907

Yusuki Suen yusuki@tyronline.com

HONG Kong’s only floating temple will be moved on land under government’s reclamation project for tourist attractions.

Under the Central-Wanchai reclamation project by the Territory Development Department, the wooden boat will move onto the reclaimed land by 2010. Replaced with a simulated concrete boat, original exteriors and memorable items include the three Tin Hau statues will be kept in the new concrete temple.

The Tin Hau Temple, now located at Causeway Bay typhoon shelter, has been the guardian of the floating villagers and fishermen for apporximately [i.e. approximately] 60 years. Removal of the temple is due to the Wanchai reclamation Phase II which will commence in 2005. Extension of the waterfront along the shore of Hong Kong Island, from Sheung Wan to Causeway Bay, aims to produce land for constructing strategic transport links and a world class waterfront promenade 20 metres wide to attract tourists.

The temple’s committee board members have yet to decide its ownership, so the fate of the original boat temple is left unknown. A legislator and the temple custodian, however, welcomed the settlement as it brings convenience to tourists and worshippers.

“Our sole hope is that the boat temple can finally go on land because this will provide a great convenience to worshippers,” said legislator Jennifer Chow Kit-bing for the Eastern District, who has been craving for this settlement for six years.

Leung Yau, the temple custodian for the third generation, agreed due to the former location of the temple.

“It’s really inconvenient for on-land people to worship in the boat temple which is located in the middle of the Typhoon Shelter. You need to take a boat ride,” said Mr Leung.

The floating temple, first located at Zhu Jiang Delta, was made before the Second World War during the Japanese invasion of China. It moved to the typhoon shelter in the 1940s. Tin Hau, the goddess of the Sea, allegedly brings safety, secures fine weather and good catches during the year.

Edited by Chandra Wong

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