Our first destination of the day is Sha Tin Che Kung Temple (沙田车公庙).
This temple located in the Tai Wai area of Sha Tin honours Che Kung, a military commander of the Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279) whose advantageous power for suppressing uprisings and plagues made him a household name. In popular folklore, it’s said that Che Kung escorted the Song dynasty’s last emperor on his escape to Sai Kung in what is now called the New Territories. His achievements led to him eventually becoming revered as a god.
The original temple was built here around 300 years ago in a desperate move to stop an epidemic that was spreading across the Sha Tin area. According to legend, the epidemic began to subside on the day construction was completed. The structure you see today was erected in 1993 to accommodate the increasing number of worshippers during Che Kung’s festival, which happens on the second day of the Chinese New Year.
A giant statue of Che Kung can be found at the altar in the main worship hall, while the main altar is also flanked by a huge drum and bell. Next to this is a fan-bladed wheel of fortune, which, the faithful believe, will bring good luck when spun three times. Fortune tellers often gather to ply their trade at the left of the entrance.
Before leaving the temple, we bought Jerlene and Javier each a windmill for good luck.
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