The Tin Hau Temple in Joss House Bay (佛堂門天后古廟, lit. "Fat Tong Mun Tin Hau Old Temple" or 大廟灣天后廟, lit. "Joss House Bay Tin Hau Temple"), sometimes referred to as Tai Miu (大廟; lit. "Great Temple")[1] is Hong Kong's oldest and largest Tin Hau Temple.[2] It is also said to be the most popular Tin Hau temple both for fishermen and for others in Hong Kong.[1]
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The sea-facing temple is located at Fat Tong Mun (佛堂門天), on the shore of Joss House Bay,[3] near the south end of Clear Water Bay Peninsula. Joss House Bay derives its name from the temple, or joss house. The Chinese name of Joss House Bay, Tai Miu Wan (大廟灣), literally means "the bay of the large temple".
The temple was built in 1266.
Once a year, on Tin Hau's birthday, the 23rd of the third moon on the Chinese calendar, upwards of 40,000 to 50,000 people attend celebrations at the temple.[4] Thousands of people hike their way, via the High Junk Peak Hiking Trail, to the Temple to pay their respects. Thousands of others sail into Joss House Bay in hundreds of vessels.[5]
The police have the launching ceremony of their new cruisers held at the temple.[1]
The temple has been managed by the Chinese Temples Committee since 1939.[1] It is a Grade I historic building.[6]
The temple is accessible via the High Junk Peak Hiking Trail.[7] A shorter walk combined with public transportation is possible from the Clear Water Bay Country Club.[8]
A ferry service to Joss House Bay is available annually from North Point Ferry Pier on the day of Tin Hau's birthday.[8][9] Joss House Bay Public Pier is located just in front of the temple.[10]