Man Mo Temple
Man Mo Temple
4
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
The Man Mo Temple Compound on Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan comprising three blocks, namely Man Mo Temple, Lit Shing Kung and Kung Sor, was built approximately between 1847 and 1862 by wealthy Chinese merchants. Man Mo Temple was built mainly for the worship of Man Cheong (God of Literature) and Mo Tai (God of Martial Arts). Lit Shing Kung was built for the worship of all heavenly gods. Kung Sor was used as a meeting place and for resolving matters related to the Chinese community in the area. The three blocks are separated by two alleys. The Temple was officially entrusted to Tung Wah Hospital with the enactment of the Man Mo Temple Ordinance in 1908. Even nowadays, the Directors of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and community celebrities still congregate in the Temple every year at the Autumn Sacrificial Rites to pay homage to Man Cheong and Mo Tai as well as to invoke prosperity of Hong Kong. The Temple has imperative historical and social values to the territory, representing the traditional social organization and religious practices of the Chinese community in old Hong Kong. Man Mo Temple is a two-hall-three-bay structure fronted by two granite drum platforms. A pair of screen doors is placed in the front hall. Following the traditional Chinese architectural layout, the rear hall housing the altars of the deities is a few steps higher than the front hall. Between the two halls is a covered courtyard flanked by two side chambers with humpbacked roofs. The courtyard is covered with a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof supported by four granite columns at the corners of the courtyard. Lit Shing Kung, which is attached to the left of Man Mo Temple, was originally a three-hall-two-courtyard structure. The two courtyards were later covered by steel roofs. Kung Sor is a simple one-hall structure. The historic granite doorframe on which the year of construction of Kung Sor can be found is still well preserved. The magnificent Man Mo Temple Compound is a fine example of traditional Chinese vernacular architecture. It is exquisitely decorated with ceramic figurines, granite carvings, wood carvings, plaster mouldings and murals, reflecting superb traditional craftsmanship.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Plan your visit
The area
Neighbourhood: New Territories
How to get there
- Sheung Wan • 4 min walk
- Sai Ying Pun • 10 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
6,263 within 5 kms
Attractions
706 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Sue SKingston, Canada381 contributionsInteresting templeThis ancient temple located on Hollywood Street was an easy walk from the central mid-level escalators. Surrounded by skyscrapers, it was a refuge from hectic Hong Kong. The interior was very smoky, although the open roof top provided some ventilation but likely not enough for anyone with respiratory problems. The interior was less ornate than other larger temples in Hong Kong like Po Lin Monastery but still very beautiful and moving. Tourists were allowed to take photos without flash but there was very little signage to guide the newbie on the history and religious rituals. Best to read up on the temple prior to visiting. Tips-You will spend less than 30 minutes here and it's free, but donation boxes were available and you can purchase intense.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 November 2023
- Fredric JohnDubai, United Arab Emirates947 contributionsBe respectful at the templeOne of our stops during the walking tour. Man Mo Temple is such a significant landmark for the religious people. The location was at the center so It was near the restaurants and shops. The place is also full of souvenirs to buy from the temple. There’s this one section of the temple where you can’t take a video as it was like for their family who passed away in order to respect their privacy. But you can explore the area as well.Visited November 2023Travelled soloWritten 23 November 2023
- julesten2016Melbourne, Australia3,298 contributionsMagical Man MoWith it's white walls and green tiled roof Man Mo is located on the busy Hollywood Road nestled between the high rises. Built in 1847 Man Mo is considered one of the oldest temples on the city. Famous for dozen of red & gold incense infused spirals overhead. This temple worships both gods Man - God of Literature Mo - God of War. Popular amongst students believing that those who want to progress in their studies should attain the blessings of the two Gods. The smell of incense will take you on a journey - must visit it's freeVisited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 January 2024
- Kelsey PSan Rafael, California117 contributionsNice but smallThis is a beautiful temple and it's cool to see the spiral incense lit. Considering it's listed as one of the top sites in Hong Kong, I expected it to be bigger, but it's a pretty small temple and we were only there for 10 minutes. It is still worth a visit though, and it's easy to combine with other sights in the area.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 February 2024
- RoaryVancouver, Canada3,667 contributionsQuick visitThere are a lot of small local temples throughout Hong Kong, but this one seems to get named more often in guides and vlogs. It’s a quick and easy immersion in local culture with some incredible photo opportunities. You can buy incense based on donations inside, as part of the experience. Your clothes will likely smell like incense afterwardsVisited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 31 March 2024
- mfilcol2014Lisbon, Portugal1,842 contributionsPeacefulSmall temple located in the middle of Hong Kong's cement jungle. A very popular place for prayers. Dedicated to the Gods of Literature and War. A sanctuary of peace in the middle of the confusion of HK. Its interior is not very rich but it is moving to see so much devotion and prayerVisited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 April 2024
- BoBoPumyLondon, United Kingdom211 contributionsBeautiful small templeSituated 10 minutes walk away from Sheung Wan Station on Hollywood Road, Man Mo Temple is relatively small but very pretty. Locals come to worship for good academic results for children. You could purchase incense on the spot if you decide to make a wish. There are local antique shops close by too, lovely to wonder around.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 24 April 2024
- Ben KingLondon, United Kingdom342 contributionsA smaller templeIf you want a more secluded, perhaps more individualised temple, this is the one for you! Located off of Hollywood Street, Man Mo Temple is an authentic Hong Kong temple with unique features. I particularly like the decor and welcome notes hanging from the ceiling. It’s always interesting watching locals burn incense and praying, as long as you make sure to be respectfulVisited September 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 21 September 2024
- RijardsLondon, United Kingdom1,000 contributionsMan Mo Temple is the oldest religious and spiritual temple in China.Man Mo Temple (文武廟) Man Mo Temple is one of the HK attractions that allow you to get to know a little more about the religious and spiritual side of the Chinese. It was built in 1847 in tribute to the gods of literature (Man) and war (Mo) and is the largest temple of its kind in the city. While not massive, it stands out because it contrasts with the hustle and bustle of the downtown financial district and tall buildings. The highlight of the temple is a hall that has dozens of giant spiral incense sticks hanging from the ceiling! There are three different rooms on site, so be sure to check out all three, especially the one with the huge incense sticks. Tip: Take advantage of your time in the area to walk along Hollywood Road, visit the shops and markets around the temple.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 25 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,127 reviews
Excellent
334
Very good
525
Average
229
Poor
31
Terrible
8
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Remi
Thailand2,571 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
A must visit tourist spot in the Sheung Wan region. The temple built in 1847 pays tribute to the God of Literature and God of War. It's widely worshipped by ambitious students and locals for success in civil examinations and for good health, good luck and prosperity of the family respectively. It is a listed Grade 1 historical building and is preserved as a declared monument. The charisteristic incence coils demonstrates the divinity.
Written 21 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kormensandiego
Manila, Philippines764 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
Interesting place, medium size temple, great for photography but make sure you respect that this is a religious place. I went before lunchtime and it was not busy at all, a few locals gone to pray and a few tourists walking around solo.
The giant incense hang from the ceiling looked really interesting. I love how the light shines into the temple at certain times of the day. So wait a while for the sun rays to shine especially on the leftmost room, if you're coming before lunchtime. the temple is also very colorful, hues of gold and red combined.
Also great to observe the locals and see what they do, especially if you're not familiar with their religious practices. Read up a bit beforehand so you'll understand what they are doing.
The giant incense hang from the ceiling looked really interesting. I love how the light shines into the temple at certain times of the day. So wait a while for the sun rays to shine especially on the leftmost room, if you're coming before lunchtime. the temple is also very colorful, hues of gold and red combined.
Also great to observe the locals and see what they do, especially if you're not familiar with their religious practices. Read up a bit beforehand so you'll understand what they are doing.
Written 28 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
julesten2016
Melbourne, Australia3,298 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
With it's white walls and green tiled roof Man Mo is located on the busy Hollywood Road nestled between the high rises.
Built in 1847 Man Mo is considered one of the oldest temples on the city. Famous for dozen of red & gold incense infused spirals overhead.
This temple worships both gods
Man - God of Literature
Mo - God of War.
Popular amongst students believing that those who want to progress in their studies should attain the blessings of the two Gods.
The smell of incense will take you on a journey - must visit it's free
Built in 1847 Man Mo is considered one of the oldest temples on the city. Famous for dozen of red & gold incense infused spirals overhead.
This temple worships both gods
Man - God of Literature
Mo - God of War.
Popular amongst students believing that those who want to progress in their studies should attain the blessings of the two Gods.
The smell of incense will take you on a journey - must visit it's free
Written 4 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roary
Vancouver, Canada3,667 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
There are a lot of small local temples throughout Hong Kong, but this one seems to get named more often in guides and vlogs. It’s a quick and easy immersion in local culture with some incredible photo opportunities. You can buy incense based on donations inside, as part of the experience. Your clothes will likely smell like incense afterwards
Written 31 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mfilcol2014
Lisbon, Portugal1,842 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Small temple located in the middle of Hong Kong's cement jungle. A very popular place for prayers. Dedicated to the Gods of Literature and War. A sanctuary of peace in the middle of the confusion of HK. Its interior is not very rich but it is moving to see so much devotion and prayer
Written 16 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rijards
London, UK1,000 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Man Mo Temple (文武廟)
Man Mo Temple is one of the HK attractions that allow you to get to know a little more about the religious and spiritual side of the Chinese.
It was built in 1847 in tribute to the gods of literature (Man) and war (Mo) and is the largest temple of its kind in the city. While not massive, it stands out because it contrasts with the hustle and bustle of the downtown financial district and tall buildings. The highlight of the temple is a hall that has dozens of giant spiral incense sticks hanging from the ceiling! There are three different rooms on site, so be sure to check out all three, especially the one with the huge incense sticks.
Tip: Take advantage of your time in the area to walk along Hollywood Road, visit the shops and markets around the temple.
Man Mo Temple is one of the HK attractions that allow you to get to know a little more about the religious and spiritual side of the Chinese.
It was built in 1847 in tribute to the gods of literature (Man) and war (Mo) and is the largest temple of its kind in the city. While not massive, it stands out because it contrasts with the hustle and bustle of the downtown financial district and tall buildings. The highlight of the temple is a hall that has dozens of giant spiral incense sticks hanging from the ceiling! There are three different rooms on site, so be sure to check out all three, especially the one with the huge incense sticks.
Tip: Take advantage of your time in the area to walk along Hollywood Road, visit the shops and markets around the temple.
Written 25 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
olegkrylov
Ufa, Russia20,665 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
The popular Man Mo Temple sanctuary has a highly charged spiritual atmosphere, made even more memorable by the clouds of fragrant frankincense smoke. The temple is dedicated to the deities Man Chong and Quan Ti. The first is a defender of public officials (a statue with a brush) and the second is a warrior (a statue with a sabre). This temple is considered one of the oldest in Hong Kong (c. 1840). His furniture and statues all hail from mainland China.
Automatically translated
Written 29 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NOPPO185
Fujisawa, Japan1,380 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
A famous Taoist temple on Hong Kong Island. This temple is hidden in the valley of an apartment building.
It is a 10-minute walk along Hollywood Road in the direction of the Upper Ring from the bustling Central Ring. The gate is smaller than I thought. There are many high-rise apartments behind. It seems that time has stopped inside enshrining Bunjin (learning) and Bujin (martial arts). Swirled repellent, about three times the size of mosquito repellent, hangs and squirts. The gilded interior looks like it was built up 100 years ago. It was a place of silence and prayer.
It is a 10-minute walk along Hollywood Road in the direction of the Upper Ring from the bustling Central Ring. The gate is smaller than I thought. There are many high-rise apartments behind. It seems that time has stopped inside enshrining Bunjin (learning) and Bujin (martial arts). Swirled repellent, about three times the size of mosquito repellent, hangs and squirts. The gilded interior looks like it was built up 100 years ago. It was a place of silence and prayer.
Automatically translated
Written 22 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelsey P
San Rafael, CA117 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
This is a beautiful temple and it's cool to see the spiral incense lit. Considering it's listed as one of the top sites in Hong Kong, I expected it to be bigger, but it's a pretty small temple and we were only there for 10 minutes. It is still worth a visit though, and it's easy to combine with other sights in the area.
Written 22 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
coconutugly
Marbella, Spain2,154 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
What a place. I’m afraid i saw pics on instagram and had to visit. So glad i did, because it l’s like something I have never seen before. Dramatic, photo ops galore, not many people around except a few people offering prayers. What was wonderful was the area this temple was in…. For me, by far the best zone of Hong Kong. I lost myself in a maze of streets. The area was the place for antiques hunting. Never seen anything like it. One thing about the temple: we were breathing in so much smoke and incense that we all felt kinds strange when leaving it.
Written 22 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lou Ella's
Gladesville, Australia
There is a small shop to the right of the main door with postcards and Chinese horoscope, prayer & lucky charms. Quite well priced. Incense for prayers available inside temples.
Written 22 April 2019
We were pushed for time and jumped in a taxi
Written 21 March 2017
Showing results 1-2 of 2
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing