Che Kung is one of Hong Kong's most interesting temples to visit. It is located along Che Kung Miu Road in Sha Tin and is open from 7am to 6pm daily.
Dedicated to Song Dynasty general Che Kung, this temple was originally built around 300 years ago. It was reconstructed and enlarged in 1994 in order to handle the large number of visitors during the Che Kung Festival on the second day of Chinese New Year (CNY).
The present temple incorporates Japanese temple architecture and includes a large courtyard with multiple gate entrance where you'll see deity sculptures and joss sticker burners in front of the large open entrance into the main hall,
Within the large hall, there is a giant golden statue of Che Kung flanked by large drum and bell. There is also a fan-bladed wheel of fortune which worshippers believe will provide good luck if you spin it three times.
An interesting time to visit the temple is during the annal CNY holiday, when large crowds flock to the temple to burn incense, pray and spin the fan-blade wheel for good luck. You'll also see pinwheel stalls in the temple courtyard. While crowds are heavy, visits are manageable for those with patience.
In the end, I find Che Kung to be one of the most interesting and memorable temple visits you can make in Hong Kong. If interested in seeing other great temples in the city, make sure to combine your visit here with that of Man Fat Sze (10,000 Buddha Monastery) also in Sha Tin.