‘Storyteller’ hopes yarns of old Hong Kong can inspire discovery of city’s cultural heritage
- George Wan, who runs guided tours in the city, says each district has its unique features worth exploring
- His efforts to inspire others have earned him a nomination in Spirit of Culture category from Ground Culture
The Tin Hau Temple in Yau Ma Tei used to fulfil multiple functions, apart from being a place of worship.
Built in the 1860s to honour the eponymous Chinese sea goddess, the complex was a community hub that served as a venue for local council meetings, according to George Wan, who organises guided tours in Hong Kong.
“It also ran traditional Chinese private schools,” he said.
The history buff said the Tin Hau Temple structure and its surroundings could be studied from various perspectives, such as their architectural styles, worship practices and the compound’s social functions.
The temple is situated in a bustling old neighbourhood and is significant in the history of the Yau Ma Tei district, which still bears traces of the old Hong Kong, according to Wan. As an example, he pointed to a nearby traditional cutlery shop, an iconic store that generations of local residents had grown up with.
