Wan Chai Yuk Hui Temple: A Historical and Cultural Landmark

Yuk Hui Temple, also known as Pak Tai Temple, is located on Lung On Street in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Built in the first year of the Tongzhi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1862) and completed in 1863, this temple has a history of over 160 years. It is just a 5-minute walk from Exit A3 of Wan Chai MTR Station. The temple is dedicated to Pak Tai (the True Warrior Emperor), symbolizing the northern water deity who protects against disasters and ensures peace. Constructed in the architectural style of Qing Dynasty folk buildings, the temple features a two-hall, three-bay structure made of gray bricks and granite. The plaque above the main entrance, inscribed with "Yuk Hui Temple," was written by Qing Dynasty Deputy General Zhang Yutang. The main hall houses a bronze statue of Pak Tai, cast in the 31st year of the Wanli reign during the Ming Dynasty (1603). Adjacent halls include the Dragon Mother Hall and the Three Treasures Hall, which enshrine deities such as Bao Gong and Lü Zu. The temple's Shiwan ceramic decorations add artistic value. Every year on the third day of the third lunar month, the birthday of Pak Tai, the temple is bustling with worshippers. Yuk Hui Temple is not only a religious center but also an early community landmark in Wan Chai. It once hosted a charity school and public office, and during the 1920s-30s, the Confucian Society held classes here. The temple's ancient exterior and the couplet at its entrance, "The profound palace spreads its divine power across the land for eternity," exude grandeur, making it a perfect spot for vintage-style photography. The atmosphere is especially captivating during Mid-Autumn Festival or Pak Tai's birthday celebrations. Nearby attractions include the Blue House and Lee Tung Street, offering a deeper experience of Wan Chai's culture.