Hung Shing

The most popular tale states that in his lifetime he was a government official in the Tang dynasty (AD 618–907)[1][2] named Hung Hei (洪熙) serving Pun Yue in present-day Guangdong, China.

During his tenure in office, he promoted the study and application of astronomy, geography and mathematics,[2] and established an observatory to observe the meteorological changes,[1] thus contributing to the well-being of people under his governance, especially fishermen and sea traders.

[1] After his death, an Emperor of the Tang dynasty disseminated his virtues to the whole country and bestowed upon him the posthumous title of Nam Hoi Kwong Li Hung Shing Tai Wong (南海廣利洪聖大王),[1] lit.

[1] Hung Shing temples have been widely built in southern China, especially Guangdong province[2] and in Hong Kong.

Modern scholars however believe that Hung Shing is derived from the worship of Zhurong, the fire deity and god of the southern seas.