Lunar New Year at Wong Tai Sin Temple Draws Thousands in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple welcomed thousands of worshippers on Monday, February 16, 2026, as the city celebrated Lunar New Year’s Eve and the start of the Year of the Horse. The annual ritual of burning the first incense sticks of the Lunar New Year is a tradition deeply rooted in the hope for prosperity and health.

A Tradition of First Incense

The temple opened its doors at 9:00 PM on Monday, February 16th, with the first incense offered to the Great Immortal Wong at 11:00 PM. The Kowloon landmark remained open overnight and throughout the first day of the Lunar New Year, closing its gates at 9:00 PM on Tuesday, February 17th, to accommodate the large crowds expected to pray for solid fortune. South China Morning Post reported on the significant turnout.

Celebrity Sightings and Personal Prayers

Among the worshippers was veteran actress Lana Wong Ha-wai, 95, known for her elaborate annual outfits worn during the Lunar New Year celebrations. This year, she appeared dressed as Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. Wong shared that she was seeking “double protection” from the deities following a twelve-year legal battle concerning an inheritance.

Temple History and Significance

Wong Tai Sin Temple, dedicated to Wong Tai Sin, or the Great Immortal Wong, is a well-known shrine and tourist attraction in Hong Kong. It is famed for the belief that prayers are often answered – “What you request is what you get” – through a practice called kau chim. The temple’s history dates back to 1942, when guidance from Master Wong Tai Sin was first received through divine writing, leading to the decision to erect a new temple in the Chuk Yuen area of Kowloon City.

Crowd Control and Accessibility

Due to the large number of visitors, strict crowd control measures were enforced, including a one-way flow of worshippers to ensure safety and manage the crowds.