description: Every Hong Kong Temple is a time capsule of Chinese life that is as relevant today as it has been for centuries. Luck and fortune are so important to the psyche of Hong Kong people that gods and temples still provide a central focus point for the important decisions of life. In a Chinese temple a believer can communicate directly with the gods by asking simple yes or no questions or by means of fortune sticks. Life is a game of chance and the gods provide much peace of mind. Hong Kong Temples provides a visual insight into this fascinating aspect of Chinese culture. Many of the temples shown are some of the very few traditional Chinese buildings left in Hong Kong, a special element of a disappearing heritage. Hong Kong temples have avoided the huge upheavals that have affected mainland China and Taiwan. This continuity has provided them with an aura of traditional genuineness that has been lost in other regions. Hong Kong Temples offers a collection of amazing objects or references. Think of a temple that floats, the skin of a tiger shot on Hong Kong Island, four poster beds and dressing tables, a Fire Dragon made of joss sticks, a wishing tree and cars made of paper. Sixty-five temples are presented and shown throughout the territory on a map of Hong Kong. Each temple is given a double page spread providing informative coloured layouts identifying the main features of the temple, a brief description, and a picture collage including the temple s exterior and it s main deity. The more than 500 coloured pictures and an informative temple walkthrough introduction make this book appealing for anybody with a hint of interest in Chinese culture, Chinese Gods or Chinese temples. And by the way it is a very useful temple guidebook in a clear and simple format for visitors to Hong Kong.
language: English
title: Hong Kong Temples
titlecomplete: Hong Kong Temples
ratings_count: 3
publisher: Ken Raby