Etiquette Tips for Visiting Temples in Hong Kong

The temples in Hong Kong blend Chinese traditional culture with local characteristics, making them important places to experience local beliefs and architectural art. Below are the etiquette details to note when visiting, ensuring respect for religious culture and a smooth tour.

1. Dress Code Etiquette

1. Modest and Simple: Avoid wearing shorts, short skirts, off-the-shoulder tops, or sleeveless shirts. It’s recommended to wear long pants or skirts that go below the knee, with tops that cover the shoulders.
2. Color Selection: Traditionally, solid or plain colors appear more solemn; avoid overly flashy or revealing styles.
3. Shoes: Some temples require shoes to be removed before entering (such as indoor Buddha halls), so it's advisable to wear easily removable shoes.

2. Behavioral Norms

1. Maintain Quietness: Temples are places for spiritual practice, so please avoid loud talking or running around.
2. No Touching: Do not touch Buddha statues, ritual objects, or offerings casually.
3. Photography Rules:
4. Outdoor public areas usually allow photography, but flash should be turned off.
5. Indoor Buddha halls or during ceremonies prohibit photography. Pay attention to signs or ask staff if unsure.
6. No Eating: No eating or drinking within the temple premises, and do not bring meat or alcohol.

3. Religious Etiquette

1. Incense Offering Process:
2. Free Incense: Most temples provide free incense sticks (like at Wong Tai Sin Temple), with each person typically taking 3 sticks.
3. Holding Incense: Hold the incense with your left hand (Buddhism considers the left hand as the clean hand). Light the incense and gently fan out the flame instead of blowing it out with your mouth.
4. Worship Method: Face the main hall, bow three times, insert the incense into the incense burner, make a wish, then fold your hands in prayer as a sign of gratitude.
5. Offering Guidelines:
6. You can bring flowers or fruits (like apples, oranges), avoiding pears (which sound like "li," meaning separation, considered unlucky).
7. Offerings must be fresh and intact, and cannot be taken back.
8. Kneeling Etiquette:
9. If kneeling is required, kneel on the cushion with your palms facing up touching the ground, lightly touch your forehead to the mat, repeating this three times.

4. Special Taboos

1. Threshold Taboo: When entering the hall, step over the threshold without stepping on it (symbolizing crossing the boundary between the secular world and sacred land).
2. Circulation Direction: Walk clockwise around Buddha statues or stupas to show respect.
3. Pregnancy and Menstruation: Some temples suggest pregnant women or those menstruating avoid entering core areas; check regulations beforehand.

5. Practical Suggestions

1. Opening Hours:
2. Most temples open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours on special occasions like Buddha's Birthday.
3. Avoid Peak Times:
4. The first day of the lunar month, the 15th, and holidays see large crowds; visit early in the morning or on weekdays if possible.
5. Donations and Incense Money:
6. Voluntary donations can be placed in the offering box; the amount is unrestricted, but paper bills are preferred over coins for greater respect.
7. Language Communication:
8. Staff at Hong Kong temples often speak Cantonese and English, so basic English or gestures can facilitate communication.

6. Recommended Temples and Precautions

1. Wong Tai Sin Temple:
2. Feature: Fortune-telling through divination sticks is available for a fee (approximately HKD 50-100).
3. Note: If the divination stick falls while shaking, restart the process.
4. Po Lin Monastery (Big Buddha):
5. Climb 268 steps to reach the Big Buddha, so wear comfortable shoes.
6. The base of the Buddha houses a memorial hall that requires a ticket (approximately HKD 50) to enter.
7. Man Mo Temple:
8. Very busy with incense, watch out for large hanging tower incense to avoid burns.

7. Emergency and Safety

1. Property Care: Keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded areas, as temples generally do not offer storage facilities.
2. Emergency Contact: Call Hong Kong police at 999 if needed. In case of issues inside the temple, contact the staff.