(Research/translation/photos: Edwin Hou 2002/3/7)

The Shui Shin (or Shui Tsein) Temple is not very conspicuous. Many may not even notice its existence. It was constructed on a rock on the edge of the sea at the southern end of Stanley Main Street, on the western side of the peninsula, near Pat Kan (Eight-unit Housing). As its name implies, it is dedicated to a water deity, Father Shui Tsein. Shui means water, Tsein is the ancient form of the word Shin, meaning 'the immortals'. (Unconfirmed stories say that the immortal may be "He Bai" [Mandarin Chinese meaning the governing father of the rivers].)

It is said that this temple is even older than the Tin Hau Temple in Stanley (possibly 18th century) yet the Tin Hau Temple always overshadows it. Even the HK Tourism Boards "Key Attractions" maps of Stanley do not mention it. The temple is just 2.5m high and deep, and only three metres wide with glazed green tiles on its roof. Inside there are two plaques side by side on the altar, one for the water deity (who grants navigators safe passage), one for the deity of wealth (who grants bountiful fishing). On the altar there is an incense pot with three small cups for wine.

It is said that in ancient times before light houses were common, the temple served the function not only as a place close to the sea for the fishermen to pray, but it was their navigation landmark by day and guiding light after dusk.

Nowadays, at the two ends of the altar there are also two small statues of Kwan Di [an ancient general who became a deity for his righteousness] and a framed handwritten plaque for Bodhidharma the First Patriarch [Chinese Zen Buddhism]. They seem to be introduced here at a much later time.

Looking out from the reef, visitors may wonder that the two temples of Shui Tsein and Pak Tai (on the opposite side of the bay) seem to form an entryway or give the impression of being guardians for Chek Chue Wan (Stanley Bay). As Tin Hau Temple was built later than the Shui Tsein Temple, it is possible that Pak Tai Temple was intentionally placed just at this point as an offering to the Goddess and with some consideration for the fung shui symmetry of the temples.

Footnote Referece:

"... to the east end of the Main Street, with some difficulties you'll find the Shui Tsein Temple next to a household on the rock stretching out from the seafront.

The old word TSEIN, meaning "the immortals", is most popular during the "Six Dynasties" Period several hundred years ago. Besides, it is only this temple in the Island worshipping solely this Water God. ...There is only a tablet, no statue inside ..."