Quick answer
Kau cim (求簽, also written kau chim) is the Hong Kong temple practice of shaking a bamboo cylinder until one numbered fortune stick falls, then reading that stick’s message — often with help from an on-site interpreter. The best-known place to try it is Wong Tai Sin Temple. This hub explains what it is, where visitors commonly do it, and the etiquette; step-by-step detail lives on our Wong Tai Sin kau cim guide.
Key facts
- What it is: Kau cim (求簽) — drawing a numbered fortune stick for one sincere question
- Best-known HK spot: Wong Tai Sin Temple, Kowloon (MTR Exit B2)
- Also called: Fortune sticks, kau chim, chim, draw lots
- Core rule: One clear question per draw; follow temple staff and signs
- Not the same as: General incense prayer — that is a separate step
- Deep dive: Wong Tai Sin kau cim guide + how to pray pages
Last updated:
Primary keyword intent: how to draw fortune sticks in Hong Kong / 如何求簽. For the full Wong Tai Sin ritual walkthrough, use Kau cim at Wong Tai Sin Temple. For incense prayer order (before or beside kau cim), see how to pray at Wong Tai Sin.
What is kau cim (求簽)?
Kau cim is a traditional Chinese fortune-stick rite. You hold a question in mind, shake a cup or cylinder of numbered bamboo sticks until one works free, then match that number to a written oracle slip. In Hong Kong temples the atmosphere is public and busy: expect queues, incense, and interpreters who can explain the verse in Cantonese, Mandarin or sometimes English.
It is a folk religious custom: a way to make a sincere wish and reflect on the verse you receive. Follow onsite signs and staff; never block altars for photos.
Where do people draw fortune sticks in Hong Kong?
Wong Tai Sin Temple is the place most visitors associate with kau cim. The worshipping platforms and nearby interpretation stalls make the process visible and relatively approachable for first-timers. Start with our dedicated Wong Tai Sin kau cim guide and the Wong Tai Sin visit guide.
Other temples may offer sticks or lots in different forms, but coverage and visitor facilities vary. If a temple is known mainly for another rite — for example Man Mo’s incense coils or Che Kung’s windmill — treat kau cim there as secondary and ask staff rather than assuming a Wong Tai Sin–style setup.
How do I draw fortune sticks at Wong Tai Sin?
- Choose one clear question (health, work, study, a decision) — not a laundry list.
- Join the queue on the worshipping platform; watch how locals hold and shake the cylinder.
- When a stick falls, note the number; take it to an interpretation stall if you want the verse explained.
- Keep voices low, give space to people praying, and put the cylinder back as directed.
Full etiquette, interpreter notes and common mistakes: kau cim guide. Hours and MTR: Wong Tai Sin hours & transport.
What do the sticks mean?
Each stick points to a numbered poem or oracle text. Categories are often framed as auspicious, middling or cautionary, but the wording is poetic and needs context — which is why interpreters sit beside the temple. A high-level reading is enough for most visitors; treat it as guidance to reflect on, not as medical, legal or financial advice.
Kau cim vs praying with incense
Praying with incense is offering respect and a wish at the altars. Kau cim is a separate optional step — drawing a stick for one question, often after (or as part of) the prayer route. Our how to pray page covers the incense route; use the kau cim guide when you are ready to draw.
Plan more temple visits
- Wong Tai Sin Temple visit guide
- Hong Kong temples for first-timers
- Explore Hong Kong temples · temples near MTR
- Incense atmosphere elsewhere: Man Mo Temple (coils — different rite)
Hong Kong temple gifts
If you want a small reminder of your temple day, Hong Kong Temple Gifts offers Hong Kong–packaged, temple accessories as a keepsake of your visit. Browse the Gift Shop when you are ready.
FAQ — how to draw fortune sticks in Hong Kong
What is kau cim?
Kau cim (求簽) is drawing a numbered bamboo fortune stick for one sincere question, then reading the matching oracle text — often with an interpreter’s help.
How do I draw fortune sticks at Wong Tai Sin?
Hold one clear question, shake the cylinder until one stick falls, note the number, and optionally visit an interpretation stall. Follow staff and our Wong Tai Sin kau cim guide.
What is kau chim / 如何求簽?
Kau chim is another spelling of kau cim — the same fortune-stick rite. In Chinese, people search 求簽 for this practice; Wong Tai Sin is Hong Kong’s best-known visitor spot.
Is kau cim the same as praying?
No. Praying is offering incense and a wish. Kau cim is the optional stick-drawing step for one question. See how to pray vs the kau cim guide.
Which Hong Kong temple is best for fortune sticks?
Wong Tai Sin Temple is the most famous and the best supported for first-time visitors. Start there unless you have a local reason to try elsewhere.
Do I need to pay to draw a stick?
Practices vary; cylinders and basic drawing are often accessible in the temple area, while detailed interpretation at stalls usually involves a separate fee. Ask on site.
What do the fortune sticks mean?
Each number maps to a poetic oracle. Readings are commonly framed as more or less favourable, but they are best read as gentle guidance for reflecting on your wish, not professional advice.
Where can I read the full Wong Tai Sin steps?
Use our Kau cim at Wong Tai Sin Temple guide for the step-by-step, plus how to pray for the incense route and hours & transport for opening times.
Related: Hong Kong temples itinerary