Small, but well loved neighborhood temple with unique coiled incense hanging and wafting through…read morethe air. There's a small public outside courtyard, smaller inner courtyard with incense shop and reception, and three different altars. Two other people were doing devotion while I was there, a lady was washing the floor, and a man was attending the reception/shop. I almost missed it because the pedestrian street has so many things that could easily distract you and make you miss it if you aren't looking for the simple white arch along the alley.

Temples can often be overkill to those of us from the Western world, because it is simply unknown…read moreand abundant in this area of the world. But I believe with three "Man Mo" temples around Hong Kong and the SAR, this one is a worthy stop if you find yourself in the area. Because it is in Tai Po, it is void of tourists and quaint. It feels very local and peaceful. It was built in 1891 and was declared a historical monument in 1984. More so than other temples I have seen, this place is very well taken care of. The small courtyard was so exceptionally clean and manicured. The temple is also small and dedicated to the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo). We were the only two people there, other than the one man who was attending the temple reception desk. This temple is located about mid way down Fu Shin Street, which is a small market street for shopping (less tourist trinkets and more designed for locals) and also around the corner from the Railroad Museum.

This particular review is a bit difficult to start with; that's because the place itself has an…read moreofficial capacity whilst everyone goes there for another reason. Wun Chuen Sin Koon is actually a Taoist Monastery with practicing monks and the whole set up of temples inside; so strictly this is a religious location. However, most people come here to have vegetarian food. The surrounding lotus gardens are also a popular location for people to practice photography so it does become quite busy at the weekends. This is the reason why this place seems to be "bi-polar" in nature- a serious religious place of worship and a family day out for everybody else. I'm not too familiar with the Taoist religion but you will find that there are a couple of buildings with practicing Taoist masters reciting the religious chants. Its an interesting sight as they are dressed in full ceremonial gear and if you are from abroad I am almost certain that you would not have see anything like it before. As for the food, there is a wide range of items on offer and everyone would try their "Chai Lo Mei"- which is imitation Siu Mei (in the form of molded bean curd) and various other dishes that mimics their meat counterparts. Its very tasty and you will find that you can fill up with as much rice and congee as you want free of charge. Arrangement wise you will have to pay upfront before the food comes to you and you will have to find your way to the building opposite and fight for a table yourself. This does become quite difficult at the weekends with the car and busloads of people coming in and its just confusing at best. This place is certainly worth a visit from two perspective: The food is not bad and those monks look badass.