Tai Po Man Mo Temple and Tai Po Market

Tai Po Man Mo Temple

History of Tai Po Man Mo Temple

Man Mo Temple is a temple for the worship of the civil or literature god Man Tai (文帝) and the martial god Mo Tai (武帝). The two gods were popularly patronized by scholars and students seeking progress in their study or ranking in the civil examinations in the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Tai Po Man Mo Temple located in Fu Shin Street, was built in 1893 by a group of seven village communities of Tai Po – called Tsat Yeuk. This traditional Chinese architecture erected in commemoration of the new market - Tai Wo Shi - founding (now commonly known as Tai Po Market). The establishment of the market – and subsequent building of Kwong Fuk Bridge linking both sides of the Lam Tsuen river – was the reason for the decline in influence of the Tangs.

In the past, the temple was an administrative office of  Tsat Yeuk and there was the court of arbitration to maintain the fair business. Simple accommodations were provided for worshipers and merchant s. In 1954, the temple completely became a place for religious purpose.   Nowadays, Tai Po Man Mo Temple maintains its typical New Territories architecture with blue-brick and granite entrance and two old steles are kept. This is the earlier historical resource for studying about the history of Tai Po. In 1984, the temple has been listed as a declared monument of Hong Kong which is the first protected heritage building in the New Territories. Full restoration of the temple was undertaken by the Tai Po Tsat Yeuk Rural Committee in 1985 with technical advice and a subsidy from the Government. Today, there is still one of the more famous temples in the New Territories. 

What can you do there?

The front courtyard, planted with palms, provides shade for those taking a rest on the benches. Inside the temple, there is usually a crowd in the midst of lively conversation. It is a good way to approach and understand the local traditional culture. Of course, you may burn some joss sticks under large incense coils and make a wish to Man Mo hoping he will give you all success. Don't forget to give some tips to support the maintenance of this heritage!

Tai Po Market

From the Hang Dynasty in AD 963, the indigenous inhabitants of Tai Po lived by clamming and making pearls. The pearl making business reached its peak in the Song Dynasty and started to decline gradually in the midst of the Ming Dynasty. Tai Po had been developed as a fishing port around the late Ming Dynasty and the Qing Dynasty.

The 11^th year of Kangxi Reign(1693), the dominant Tang’s clan applied for land to the Chinese Government to build the market. Because of the good location of the market where laid between the Kowloon, Shenzhen and fishing port, it became a transportation hub connecting China and nearby islands so it developed very fast. According to the history, the powerful tang’s clan who dominated the Tai Po market based on the northern shore of Lam Tsuen River banned other people to open a market in their area. The marketers, in order to continue their business, needed to find a new place to establish the market. Another rising power, Man’s clan allied with other seven non-Tang villages to form Tai Po Tsat Yeuk to combat with against Tang. Thus, in 1893, the Tai Wo New Market was established in Fu Shin Street, opposite to Tai Po Market.

The establishment of the market – and subsequent building of Kwong Fuk Bridge linking both sides of the Lam Tsuen River contributed to Tai Po’s land transport so much. After that, Tai Po Tsat Yeuk dominated the transportation going to Tai Po and made Tai Wo Market overwhelm Tai Po Market. Finally, Tai Wo Market is renamed as Tai Po Market, and originally one renamed as Tai Po Old market.

Today, Tai Po Market refers to an open area with Man Mo Temple and Fu Shin Street

at its centre. Fu Shin Street, 150 meters long, was the biggest market in the New Territories and now is one of the traditional markets in Hong Kong. Nowadays, Fu Shin Street is not as important as before although there are many shops selling the daily stuff and fresh products. It is worth visiting as there is still significantly reflecting the daily life of local people and Tai Po history.

What can you do there?

This is an interesting experience to wander in the street. The hawkers bawl their fresh marine products and vegetable. The street is just outside the Man Mo Temple.