Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees and Tin Hau Temple – where wishes will be granted and blessings will be invoked

In the Lam Tsuen region of Tai Po District sits the Tin Hau Temple flanked by two lofty banyan trees, more popularly known as the Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees. It is a sacred site frequented by both locals and tourists, especially during the Chinese New Year.

The Tin Hau Temple in Lam Tsuen is one of the many Tin Hau Temples scattered across the country, dedicated to the Tin Hau, Goddess of the sea who is also known as Mazu. This goddess is believed to be the one protecting seafarers and fishermen, and is widely venerated in Southeast Asian countries. Tin Hau Temple was built during the Qing Dynasty, in 1736 AD, in the scenic Lam Tsuen, encircled by verdant hills and crystal rivulets.

Tin Hau Temple is also located next to the Tang Clan Ancestral Hall. The temple has 2 halls, where its main hall is dedicated to the Tin Hau while its side hall is dedicated to the Goddess of Childbirth. The temple features many inscriptions written in black on crimson slabs and plaques adorning either sides as well as the top of the entrances. The external brick walls portray a thick band of elegant paintings, right beneath the cornice

. The popular Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees are nestled in close proximity to the Tin Hau Temple. These two banyan trees are presently under conservation, and its massive branches are held by strong supports. In the vicinity of these trees rests a wooden rack teeming with rolled up joss papers tied all over. These are called the wish papers, tied by the locals after writing down their wishes. It is a common belief that these wishing trees will grant the wishes written on these papers.

In the olden times people used to tie an orange to these wish papers and throw them at the banyan trees. It was believed that if the wish paper successfully lands on a bough then their wish will be granted. However since February 2005 this practice ceased following a mishap, and currently both banyan trees are under conservation. Instead of this throwing custom, the wooden rack has taken over the safekeeping of their wish papers. Joss sticks are also burnt at the site to invoke blessings from the deities.

Travellers to Hong Kong will Kowloon to be ideal for spending their vacation. A Kowloon hotel such as Langham Hotel Hong Kong is favourably located providing convenient links to tourist hotspots of the city. Hotels in Hong Kong offer excellent services and sophisticated convenience to suit the needs and tastes of the travellers. From the bustling Kowloon teeming with high rises, visitors can take an excursion towards the serene Lam Tsuen, and even make a wish at the Wishing Trees.