Thousands flock to Hong Kong temple for Lunar New Year incense stick ritual

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Oscar LiuFebruary 16, 2026 at 04:45 PM

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Thousands of worshippers flocked to Hong Kong's Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple on Lunar New Year's Eve for the annual ritual of burning incense sticks. The temple was open from 9pm on Monday until 9pm on Tuesday to accommodate the crowds, who gathered to pray for prosperity and health in the Year of the Horse. Veteran actress Lana Wong Ha-wai, 95, attended dressed as Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, seeking "double protection" after a long legal battle. The temple's doors were strictly controlled, with a one-way flow of worshippers to manage the crowds. The ritual marks the start of Lunar New Year and is an important tradition for Hong Kong's Taoist community. Thousands are expected to participate in the event, which is held annually at the temple.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Guanyin 40% Kowloon 50% Lana Wong Ha-wai 70% Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple ×280% Hong Kong ×290%

Keywords

lunar new year 100% incense sticks 90% wong tai sin temple 80% taoist temple 80% prayers 70% ritual 70% health 60% prosperity 60% year of the horse 50% hong kong 50%

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Positive

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South China Morning Post

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90%

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Hong Kong

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lunar new year incense sticks wong tai sin temple taoist temple prayers ritual health prosperity year of the horse hong kong

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