Birthday of Che Kung 2025 in Hong Kong
Ask the military commander of the Southern Song Dynasty for wealth and prosperity on his birthday
Dates: January 30, 2025
The Che Kung Festival is a major highlight of the Chinese New Year celebrations in Hong Kong, held on the second day of the lunar new year to honor the birthday of Che Kung, a respected military commander from the Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279). Each year, crowds of worshippers gather at Che Kung Temple to pay their respects and offer incense in his honor.
Celebration Highlights
According to legend, the Che Kung Temple was originally built by villagers in Sha Tin during an epidemic outbreak in the late Ming dynasty, seeking the commander’s powerful protection against plagues. Today, visitors encounter a grand statue of Che Kung in the main hall and a distinctive fan-bladed fortune wheel. Turning this wheel clockwise is believed to bring luck and ensure a smooth year ahead. Many people seek to improve their luck at the start of the year, especially with the proximity of Che Kung Temple to the Shatin Horse Racecourse. The temple draws many gamblers who come to worship, hoping for good fortune in the races and their lives.
Dates
Che Kung’s birthday celebration takes place on the second day of the Chinese New Year, an event that attracts large crowds, so it’s a good idea to book your hotel early. In 2025, with Chinese New Year falling on January 29, the festival will be held on January 30. To make the most of your visit, consider staying a few extra days to enjoy the nationwide festivals and cultural events happening throughout the city.
Location
Hong Kong is home to two primary temples dedicated to Che Kung: one in Sha Tin and another in Ho Chung, with several other temples honoring him to varying degrees. The most notable of these is Che Kung Temple, located in Tai Wai, Sha Tin District. Approximately 300 years ago, the local community in Sha Tin built the temple in response to a devastating epidemic, with legend claiming that the disease disappeared the very day the temple was completed.
Follow this link to read about New Year's Eve in Hong Kong. How Hong Kong celebrates Chinese New Year, you can find here.
