Tai Po Favorite Tips by vigi

Throwing the "bao die"

Favorite thing: Although I am Christian, I don't believe in the "Wishing Tree Spirits" but its fun to blend in the New Year Traditional.

After several throws, my "bao die" was fell under the tree trunk. Those who cannot hang the “bao die” on the tree are said to be too greedy writing their wishes. I wrote five, no wonder!!!

Paper Windmill

Favorite thing: A child running through a meadow with a paper windmill in hand is an idealized vision of innocence and bliss. There're lotsa colourful paper windmill sellers along the road side.

Let the wind blow-march forward into the heart of the gale.

Tin Hau Temple

Favorite thing: Tin Hau Temple located in Lam Tsuen was built around the time of Emperor Qian Long of the Qing Dynasty and is the largest temple of its kind in Tai Po. The temple's main hall is dedicated to Tin Hau, which believed to be the Goddess of Heaven, while on either side of the main hall stand, respectively, a Hall dedicated to both the God of Literature and the God of War (the Man Mo Hall) and the Temple for Justice, built in honour of 12 noble-hearted men who protected the Lam Tsuen villages in the past.

Wishes from my Dad

Favorite thing: There are actually two Wishing Trees, one big one small. The big one near to main road is called Spirit Tree. In the old days, people used the bigger Tree is for wishes on academic results, health and things life. While the smaller one beside the Temple is for wishes on marriage and fertility.

How people make wishes?

Favorite thing: First, buy a “bao die”. There're few pieces of yellow and red papers inside the package. Write wisher's name & wishes on the yellow paper, then wrap & tie the package to an orange. Now, time to throw the “bao die” up the Wishing Tree. If your “bao die” sit on tree branches, your wish will come true.

Up Close Wishing Tree

Favorite thing: Up close, you'll realize that the Wishing Tree is actually laden with wishes written on bright yellow & red paper called “bao die” which tied with an orange at the end. These superstitious people think that there are spirits who could bless them and help them to achieve their wishes.

Arriving Lam Tsuen

Favorite thing: Lam Tsuen is usually crowded during the Chinese New Year holidays, well, I didn't expect crwoded like this when I arrived. People are all stuck at the road sides. Everybody rushing here for the famous Wishing Tree, which located near the Tin Hou Temple. We can see the Wishing Tree from far when alighting the bus.