The Hungry Ghost Festival, also known as Yu Lan Festival, is a time when the gates of the afterlife are believed to open, allowing spirits to roam freely among the living.

Kyle_HKFP_20230828w-1
Devotees build a 5-metre tall figure called “Dashiye” by bamboo and paper, representing “the king of ghosts” who stands guard during the Hungry Ghost Festival. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

Devotees believe that the 15th day of the seventh lunar month holds great significance for the people of Hong Kong. Marked by rituals rooted in Chinese folklore, the festival is a time when families come together to honour their ancestors and pay respects to wandering spirits – often through elaborate feasts placed on makeshift tables on the streets.

Kyle_HKFP_20230828w-2
The elder leaders of the villager prays to god, offer food and items to appease the wandering spirits. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

It is believed that these offerings will satisfy the hungry ghosts and bring good fortune to the living.

Kyle_HKFP_20230828w-4
Villagers rest in the booth while waiting for the next observance event. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

In the Yuen Long village of Tai Kong Po, villagers of all ages gather for three days to celebrate the Hungry Ghost Festival, burning effigies and paying tribute to the gods.

Kyle_HKFP_20230828w-3
Villagers burn incense to comfort wandering spirits. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Kyle_HKFP_20230828w-5
Villagers walk past “Dashiye.” Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Kyle_HKFP_20230828w-6
Devotees pray and wish for good fortune. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Kyle_HKFP_20230828w-7
Food offerings placed on the ground. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Kyle_HKFP_20230828w-8
Elaborate feasts for honouring ancestors. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Kyle_HKFP_20230828w-9
People move “Dashiye” out from the village. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Kyle_HKFP_20230828w-10
Devotees pray and wish for good fortune. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Kyle_HKFP_20230828w-11
Villagers gather and wait for the priests’ blessing. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Kyle_HKFP_20230828w-12
Villagers burn paper money and offerings. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Kyle_HKFP_20230828w-13
“Dashiye” was set on fire, representing farewell to the king of ghosts. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Kyle_HKFP_20230828w-14
A villager takes a rest between the observances. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
members promo splash

Support HKFP  |  Policies & Ethics  |  Error/typo?  |  Contact Us  |  Newsletter  | Transparency & Annual Report | Apps

Safeguard press freedom; keep HKFP free for all readers by supporting our team

HK$
HK$

Members of HK$150/month unlock 8 benefits: An HKFP deer keyring or tote; exclusive Tim Hamlett columns; feature previews; merch drops/discounts; "behind the scenes" insights; a chance to join newsroom Q&As, early access to our Annual/Transparency Report & all third-party banner ads disabled.

The Trust Project HKFP
Journalist Trust Initiative HKFP
Society of Publishers in Asia
International Press Institute
Oxfam Living Wage Employer
Google Play hkfp
hkfp app Apple
hkfp payment methods
YouTube video
YouTube video

Kyle Lam is a Hong Kong Baptist University graduate who has worked as a photojournalist and reporter since 2013. His work has been published by HK01, the European Pressphoto Agency, Bloomberg and Ming Pao. Lam is the recipient of several prizes from the Hong Kong Press Photographers Association and Human Rights Press Awards.