Kwun Yam Shrine

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Coordinates: 22°14′3.66″N 114°11′54.12″E / 22.23435°N 114.1983667°E / 22.23435; 114.1983667

Statues of Tin Hau and Kwun Yam

Eastern portion of shrine with Longevity Bridge (on left)

Mosaic statue of the East Sea Dragon King at Kwun Yam Shrine

Mosaic statue of Tin Hau at Kwun Yam Shrine

Kwum Yam Shrine is a Buddhist shrine located at the southeastern end of Repulse Bay, in the southern part of Hong Kong Island. It is dotted with mosaic statues of goldfish, rams, gods, the money god (财神), southern Chinese icons, and sculptures of Tin Hau and Guan Yin, goddesses of mercy believed to protect fishermen when they are at sea ^[1]. Most of the statues were funded by local personalities and businesspeople during the 1970s. ^[2]

For many of the statues at Kwum Yam, a certain action taken by a visitor is believed to bring about a positive change. For instance, if a visitor touches the statue of the money god from head to toe and then puts his hands in his pockets, it is believed he will accumulate wealth. If a visitor can throw a coin into the open mouth of a fish statue, he will receive good fortune. In front of the shrine on the eastern side is the Longevity Bridge: crossing the bridge is believed to add three days to your life.