LIN FA KUNG(蓮花宮)
- a secret place laid out on a small grid surrounded by towering apartment blocks 

Lin Fa Kung in Tai Hang was probably constructed in 1863 (Qing Dynasty) for the worship of Kwun Yum (Goddess of Mercy) and was reconstructed in 1986 and 1999. Since its architecture is unique in Hong Kong, it is classified as a GRADE 1 HISTORICAL BUILDING by the Antiquities and Monuments Advisory Committee.

Lin Fa Kung is a vernacular building with 2 halls. The front hall is in half-octagonal shape with a veranda with western-style balustrades while the rear hall, built on Lotus rock, is rectangular-shaped and consist of two levels.  Tai Sui, Kwun Yum and Wai tor can be found on the upper levels of the back hall.

Why is it special?

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The dragon fresco on the ceiling is one of the special features of the Temple.
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Unlike other traditional temples, the entrance is through the two staircases on the left and right side of the front hall.
 Around every window there is one or two pairs of Dui Lian which are expressions of praising nature and worshipping Kwun Yum.

ORigin of the temple

It was said that Kwun Yum was seen appearing on a huge rock and the villagers then built a temple near the rock to worship her, the rock is now commonly called "Lotus Rock". 
Another saying was due to Taiping Rebellion, many refugees fled to Hong Kong and settled down in Tai Hang. The village elders built the temple in order to pacify the place. The temple was originally facing the sea. At high tide when sea water ran underneath the arches of the temple, it resembled a lotus in the water. However, due to reclamation, it is now located in the maze of buildings. 

IMPORTANce of this Temple

It is the oldest Kwun Yum Temple in HK Island

    - witnesses the change and development of Hong Kong from a fishing village to a financial center. As it is now a traditional temple in a modern district, we can treat it as  
synthesis of culture. 
  
  - reflects values and the way of life cherished under Buddhism. It links man and deities. "Live in peace ad work happily" and "Get rid of disasters" are the most important for the villagers. 

It also provides places for traditional festivals for more than 150 years, as a way to united the Tai Hang villagers in the past     

  1. Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance  

  •      - closely connected
  •      - On the 14th night of the eighth lunar month, the officiating guests perform rituals inside Tai Hang Lin Fa Kung to bring the dragon alive for the dance      
    - The commander of the dragon dance also worships and prays to the deity in the temple

    2. Kwun Yum Festival    


     - It provides place for Kwun Yum's followers to celebrate           the 4 Kwun Yum Festivals:  
       - The birthday of Kwum Yum  
       - The deification day of Kwun Yum   
       - The day she was ordained   
       - The day she became the sea-goddess (every 19th of the 2nd,6th,9th,11th lunar month) 

   3. Kwun Yum Open Treasury 
    
     - On the 26th of the lunar new year, people will go to the temple to "borrow prosperity" 

Further Readings

How to get there?

Address： Lin Fa Kung Street West ,  Causeway Bay。

Transportation：
By MTR -  5 minute walk from Exit A1 of Tin Hau MTR station. Walk straight along Causeway road and then turn to Lin Fa Kung West Street
By Bus - Route 2, 2A,5,8, 102, 619, 962, 968

Opening hours :  07:30 - 17:00 

Contact：2578 2552
SCMP-Tai Hang dragon dance marks colourful start to Chinese holiday:

http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1050484/tai-hang-dragon-dance-marks-colourful-start-chinese-holiday

LEGCO - Antiquities and Monuments (Declaration of Historical Buildings) Notice 2014  

http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr14-15/english/subleg/brief/130_brf.pdf