The Hong Kong government today (Oct. 20) gazetted a notice announcing that the Antiquities Authority (i.e. the Secretary for Development) has declared the Tin Hau Temple at Joss House Bay (the Temple) in Sai Kung and the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong in Sheung Wan as monuments under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance.
The Temple, commonly known as "Tai Miu", is located on the northern shore of Joss House Bay, Sai Kung. It is one of the oldest and largest Tin Hau temples in Hong Kong and among the few existing Tin Hau temples which are close to the seashore. The inscriptions on the rock at the back of the Temple suggest that the Temple is linked to the Southern Song dynasty.
The Temple retains many historic architectural and decorative elements, including granite columns, murals at the incense pavilion, screen doors, timber cornice boards and floor tiles. The Temple is of significant historical and social value, as it represents the traditional religious practices of fishermen and other members of the seafaring community, and exemplifies the significance of Tin Hau belief in Hong Kong.
The Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong at Bridges Street, Sheung Wan, currently known as the Bridges Street Centre, was built in 1918. It was the first headquarters building of the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong until the association moved its headquarters to Waterloo Road, Kowloon in 1966.
The building retains the indoor heated swimming pool and the elevated wok-shaped timber running track supported by a cantilever structure, which are the first of its kind in Hong Kong.
Since the opening of the building, the association has been providing a wide range of social services there, witnessing the development of social services in Hong Kong. At present, rehabilitation services for the mentally disabled and other social services are provided in the building.
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