Crowds flock to Hong Kong’s Che Kung Temple in search of luck and good fortune

Thousands of worshippers light incense sticks and turn the ‘wheel of fortune’ on third day of the Lunar New Year

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Worshippers visit Che Kung Temple in Sha Tin to pray for good luck and prosperity in the Year of the Dog on the third day of the Lunar New Year. Photo: Felix Wong

Published: 5:29pm, 18 Feb 2018Updated: 12:00pm, 21 Feb 2018

Throngs of revellers piled into the famed Che Kung Temple in Sha Tin on the third day of the Lunar New Year to find out – or in many cases, change – their fortunes for the coming year.

Pungent incense smoke billowing from its courtyard and the sound of beating drums blaring, the Taoist temple had been open since 11pm on Saturday and by 5.30pm on Sunday 60,219 visitors had passed through its doors.

Mixed messages for Year of the Dog, including switch of fortune sticks at Hong Kong Che Kung Temple

Crowds, many of them families, began to form around noon. Most worshippers offered incense sticks – only three a time per person were allowed this year – before the statue of Che Kung, in the main hall, with the hope of changing their fortunes.

Why the fuss over pulling Hong Kong’s fortune stick at Che Kung Temple for Lunar New Year?

Others hoped to improve their prospects by turning the iconic fan-shaped brass “wheel of fortune”, which if spun three times, is said to bring luck.

Many wished the new year would bring good health and prosperity to the people of Hong Kong while others wished for fewer divisions in the community. “I came early to try to beat the crowds,” said one man, who arrived early in the morning. “I wish good health for all of Hong Kong.”

In pictures: a day at Che Kung Temple celebrating the Lunar New Year in Hong Kong

Another woman wished for “peace and prosperity for the nation”.