As seen with the Yau Ma Tei and Causeway Bay temples, Tin Hau temples are no longer exclusively located on the coastline. In fact, most of them are now located inland due to successive land reclamation. As a major world city and one of the four international financial hubs, and with its rapid urbanization (especially since the 1980's), Hong Kong has seen unparalleled development in the last few decades. Because of this, most of the villages in the New Territories have gradually been transformed into large scale developments with burgeoning infrastructures--this has left no room for tiny towns and their joss houses.

However, these sites have not been destroyed but carefully relocated. Most have even been declared Grade I, II or III historic buildings. This indicates that Hong Kong recognizes the cultural significance of its many Tin Hau Temples. Their importance as sites of worship have thereby persevered in spite of the city's modernization. Locals continue to visit Tin Hau temples, continue to pray and celebrate; meanwhile, tourists come to look upon these scattered pieces of Hong Kong's history.

Yet one can argue that this distance from the sea has distanced these sites, and TIn Hau herself, from their original purpose. The temple at Joss House Bay and that in the fishing village of Leung Shuen Wan, Sai Kung are rare exceptions. Both demonstrate distinctive rituals and festivities that cement connections to Tin Hau's original significance as an ocean deity. 

For example, every two years in Leung Shuen Wan, the image of Tin Hau is moved out from the temple on the eve of her birthday and carried onto a boat for parading at sea. Despite the declining population, the villagers of Leung Shuen Wan still manage to hold a complex, six-day religious ceremony every two years (even years).  Unlike many of today's temples, the "Sea Parade" has withstood the impact of modernity and remained relatively close to its original form. As Tin Hau is a sea goddess, it is imperative for her to have a view of the ocean so that she can come swiftly to the rescue of distressed fishermen. Thus, the orientation of temples is important because it not only symbolizes the goddess's relationship with the sea, but it is convenient for the purposes of celebration. 

Thus, with the relocation of many Tin Hau temples, there has been some disconnect from Tin Hau's original importance to sea-faring folk; likewise, with the decline of fishing as the major industry in Hong Kong, Tin Hau's presence has been transformed. With her houses of worship strewn throughout the city, Tin Hau herself has become a more universal protector. She is not only the goddess of fishing families, but a sort of patron deity who may be visited by all varieties of people.