Wong Tai Sin's Facelift

If you're planning a trip to Hong Kong, you can skip a visit to Wong Tai Sin's famous Taoist temple.

Until October 2010 that is.

The main temple, built in 1921, is undergoing a facelift and expansion to become the largest Taoist hall in China, complete with a new underground space dubbed "Lord of the Year and Age Hall", which will feature "60 Taoist deities and an overhead glass dome with Chinese astrology maps lit up by LED systems".

In addition, oversized joss sticks and candles will be banned for safety and a better environment. At the moment the temple is overwhelmed with smoke from burnt offerings (the temple attracts 5 million people each year), which stings the eyes and makes clothing reek. The smell even permeates the nearby MTR station.

But Wong Tai Sin won't be a jobless deity during the renovations: his portrait has been relocated to Fung Ming Hall, where worhsippers may continue to ask for his blessings (he is believed to have healing powers and will always grant wishes).

You'd think this would be a good time for a vacation.

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