Famed for being a metropolitan financial centre and one of Asia's most highly developed states, it is easy to forget that Hong Kong with its rich history of both Chinese and Colonial settlers also offers visitors a chance to delve into the remarkable culture, traditions and heritage of an extremely diverse community.
When directed to Hong Kong's Hollywood Road in the Western District, even the most discerning traveler would be guilty of anticipating contemporary glamour and an Eastern shrine to the cinematic splendors of the West. It is no little surprise therefore, that incongruously located on Hollywood Road, is the Man Mo Temple. Dedicated to two exceedingly different Gods, Man Cheong the God of Literature and Kwan Yue or Mo, the God of War, the magnificent monument is one of Asia's oldest and most famous religious sites.
The original Taoist 1848 structure remains intact for the most part, and the tranquil interior of the temple is adorned with images of many significant Buddhist deities including the God of Justice Pau Kung, Shing Wong the God of the City and the central effigies of Man Cheong clad in green brandishing a writing tool and Mo, complete with sword and red robes.
Visitors will be enchanted by the ethereal splendor of the temple and the fascinating Chinese lore that goes with it. Story has it that impatient with the constraints of British law of the 20th century, natives often turned to the legal system revolving around the religious customs of the Qing Dynasty in order to resolve rows and disagreements. Both parties would have to make a vow within the walls of the temple and commit it to a scrap of yellow paper together with a curse. A chicken would then be decapitated with its blood made to spill on the paper which was burned right after. Belief had it that if the promise was broken, the culprit would suffer the wrath of the gods in front of whom the promise was made, in the form of what they wrote on the paper.
Albeit not being used as a courthouse in modern Hong Kong, locals still cling to other traditions such as burning enormous spirals of incense that hang from the ceiling of the temple in the hope of feeding spirits with their sweet perfume. The temple also attracts tourists in droves to the fortune teller stalls that pave the road outside, eager to chance a brief glimpse into the future.
Enjoying an exclusive location close to several of the country's many attractions, Hotel Jen, a popular hotel in Hong Kong also situated in the Western District, is at a walking distance away from Man Mo Temple. Resplendent with expansive harbor views and an elegant interior, this boutique hotel Hong Kong offers several business and leisure facilities.
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