On the afternoon of October 5, 2025, at 5 p.m., a solemn “altar opening and incense offering” ceremony was held at the Chinatown Chee Kung Tong in San Francisco, along with a ceremony welcoming new members. The ceremony was presided over by President Mr. Leung Kwok Wai, Alliance Leader Zhao Bingxian, Director of Cultural Relics Zhao Shanlin, and other elders.
The atmosphere at the site on that day was solemn and dignified, with incense lingering in the air, drums beating in unison, symbolizing the passing on of the century-old Hung Mun tradition. Over ten new members officially joined the Chee Kung Tong during this ceremony. Before the ceremony began, everyone gathered in front of the main hall for a group photo, creating a warm and grand atmosphere.
What kind of common ideology would lead so many people to join the Hung Mun Chee Kung Tong? Xiong Yan, from Beijing, China, was one of the student leaders of the Tiananmen Democracy Movement in 1989, and after coming to the United States in 1992, he served in the U.S. Army for 27 years and is currently running for Congress in the United States.
Xiong Yan said, “Chee Kung Tong has undertaken important missions in different historical periods. From anti-Qing restoration of the Ming to assisting Mr. Sun Yat-sen in establishing the Republic of China, the contributions of the Hung Mun pioneers shine in history. Today, I am honored to be one of them. The Hung Mun brothers emphasize universal love, righteousness, and loyalty, closely connected with the Chinese community, which is the spirit I aspire to.”
New member and Deputy Minister of Propaganda of the China Democratic Party, Miao Qing, stated that she had just participated in the San Francisco celebration of the 114th anniversary of the Republic of China in the morning and formally joined the Chee Kung Tong in the afternoon with an excited heart. Miao Qing said, “Hung Mun is the seed of modern China’s revolution, from the anti-Qing restoration of the Ming to the 1911 Revolution, leaving behind the footprints of pioneers who embody a history of righteousness, benevolence, and commonwealth. The spirit of Hung Mun is not just a legacy of the past, but a belief – to fight for democracy and justice. Today, I solemnly join the Chee Kung Tong not for fame or profit, but with the hope to carry forward the aspirations of the martyrs; to wield the pen as a sword, the heart as a flame, guarding the land that still awaits dawn in darkness.”
Activist Yuan Qiang expressed that after numerous exchanges with Alliance Leader Zhao Bingxian, he was deeply moved by his promotion of democratic constitutional ideals in China, and thus decided to join the Chee Kung Tong. “From the anti-Qing restoration of the Ming, supporting Sun Yat-sen in overthrowing the dictatorship, and upholding beliefs in democracy and freedom today, this is a spirit of faith that transcends eras. I hope that the younger generation can continue the aspirations of our predecessors, contributing to the progress of democracy for the Chinese community and China.”
The San Francisco Chee Kung Tong is located in an ancient alley in San Francisco’s Chinatown, not only a hub of early Chinese activities but also an important residence for Dr. Sun Yat-sen during his stay in San Francisco. The Chee Kung Tong once raised funds for revolution and strongly supported actions to overthrow the Qing dynasty. Today, the East Asian Library at the University of California, Berkeley, houses a large number of historical artifacts donated by the San Francisco Chee Kung Tong, including correspondence between Dr. Sun Yat-sen and the Hung Mun, as well as communication files between figures such as Duan Qirui, Wu Peifu, Zhang Zuolin, Sun Chuanfang, and the Hung Mun during the Beiyang period.
The “altar opening and incense offering” is a traditional ceremony that has been continued by the Chee Kung Tong and Hung Mun system since the Qing dynasty. “Altar opening” means setting up an altar and offering incense to welcome the gods, symbolizing sacrifice and altar initiation.
The “incense offering ceremony” is a tribute to the ancestors and martyrs, a ceremony of oath and unity, expressing the spirit of loyalty and righteousness.