The Tin Hau Temple Complex is a temple in Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, Hong Kong; it has been deemed a Grade I historical site. It is comprised of several adjacent buildings including a Shing Wong temple. Shea Tan, a study hall and a Tin Hau temple. In particular, this temple stands out as a historic site in a metropolitan setting. Although Tin Hau temples are traditionally constructed on the coastline, there is no body of water in sight. In the midst of Hong Kong's urbanization, and due to land reclamation, the temple was moved from the harbor-front to its current location (it is now 3 km away) ("Tin Hau Temple at Yau Ma Tei").

Temple adaptation

Originally, Yau Ma Tei was a shallow bay sheltered by a sand bank and was used as a home base for boat people. The area's Tin Hau temple dates back to around 1800, and when the area was further developed in 1864, the temple was enlarged and beautified. In 1876, the town was rebuilt and the temple was moved to a new square and surrounded by public facilities. The temple was extended in the 1890's and taken over by the Tung Wah Group of hospitals in 1929 (Yau Ma Tei). An altar to Tin Hau, hung with gold-embroidered red cloth and piled with offerings, lies at the heart of the temple. Additionally, the side halls include additional altars and shrines, including important shrines to the local earth gods. The temple attracts many worshippers to seek blessings during the annual Kwun Yum Treasury Festival ("Tin Hau Temple, Yaumatei").