Route 15 - Repulse Bay－Repulse Bay Road－Stanley Gap Road－Stanley Beach Road－Stanley Flashcards
Route 15 - Points to Mention
(Repulse Bay－Repulse Bay Road－Stanley Gap Road－Stanley Beach Road－Stanley)
(this section ends when the coach parks at Stanley)
4 subjects - 12 minutes
- Religions and cultures
- Religions related festivals
- Stanley (front)
- Stanley Main Beach
- Information of walking tour
First section is longer, need to prepare more information, provide walking tour information before departing bus
Religion and Culture
1. Introduction:
* Hong Kong is a multicultural city where various religions coexist harmoniously.
* The major religions include Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Judaism.
* Each of these faiths has a significant number of followers and contributes to the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
* Religious freedom is a fundamental right protected by the Basic Law and relevant legislation in Hong Kong.
* Many major religious groups not only promote their doctrines but also operate schools and provide healthcare and welfare facilities.
2. Statistics: (2016)
* The great majority (54%) are non-religious or practise Chinese Folk Religion, which include the worship of local gods and ancestors.
* Around 28% practice organised Buddhism or Taoism.
* Around 12% are Christians, and
* Around 4% are Muslims.
* Hinduism and Shikism is practised by less than 2%
3. Chinese Folk Religion:
* Definition: A traditional belief system in China blending ancestor worship, Taoism, Buddhism, and local deities.
* Its focus is the worship of gods, that are the generative powers of nature, also including, in the human sphere, ancestors and progenitors of families or lineages, and divine heroes that made a significant imprinting in the history of the Chinese civilisation.
* Key Deities: Guan Yu (God of War), Mazu (Goddess of the Sea), and the Jade Emperor.
* Practices: Offerings, fortune-telling, and rituals for protection and prosperity.
* Festivals: Lunar New Year, Hungry Ghost Festival, and Tin Hau Festival.
* Significance: Deeply rooted in Chinese culture, influencing customs, festivals, and daily life.
4. Buddhism:
* Buddhism has a considerable number of adherents in Hong Kong.
* Among the most prominent Buddhist temples in the city there are the Chi Lin Nunnery in Diamond Hill, built in the Tang dynasty’s architectural style; and the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island, famous for the outdoor bronze statue, Tian Tan Buddha, which attracts a large number of visitors during the weekends and holidays.
* The main festival is Buddha’s Birthday on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, which is also a public holiday.
* Hong Kong has over 1 million Buddhist followers and hundreds of Buddhist organizations.
* Buddhist organisations and temples in Hong Kong have long been involved in social welfare and education. The Buddhist Association of Hong Kong operates a dozen primary and secondary schools, and elderly homes as well as centres for youth and children in Hong Kong.
5. Taoism:
* Taoism is a religious philosophy and ritual tradition that emphasises living in harmony and union with the Tao, the principle of nature.
* Notable Taoist temples in Hong Kong include the Wong Tai Sin Temple located in the Wong Tai Sin District in Kowloon.
* Approximately 14% of the population practises Taoism
6. Confucianism:
* Confucianism, based on the teachings of Confucius who lived in ancient China from 551 to 479 BC, is mainly a holistic moral code for human relations with emphasis on the importance of tradition and rites.
* Core Beliefs: Ethics, filial piety, respect for elders, and social harmony.
* Festivals: Confucius’ Birthday (third Sunday of September).
* Confucians in Hong Kong established the Confucian Academy in 1930 and have been deeply involved in education and promoting Confucianism to the public.
* They run a number of local schools with an objective of promoting the teachings of Confucius.
**7. Christianity: **
* As of 2022, there were about 1.3 million Christians in Hong Kong (16% of the total population), most of them are Protestant (around 900,000) and Catholic (around 401,000).
* Christianity has been in Hong Kong since 1841 when British Empire started to rule Hong Kong.
* Since the 19th century, Catholic and Protestant groups founded many of the city’s top schools and universities, emphasizing academic excellence, moral values, and bilingual education. * Institutions such as St. Paul’s College (founded in 1851), La Salle College, and Diocesan Boys’ School are examples of Christian influence.
* The University of Hong Kong, established in 1911, also had strong Christian involvement.
* Today, Christian organizations continue to operate numerous schools, kindergartens, and universities, shaping Hong Kong’s education landscape.
- Islam:
* There were over 300,000 Muslims in Hong Kong in 2016, most of them are domestic workers from Indonesia and also South Asian Muslims
* The history of Muslims in Hong Kong started since the British Hong Kong government period.
* The first Muslim settlers in Hong Kong were of Indian origin, in which some of them were soldiers.
* There are five main mosques, with the oldest being the Jamia Mosque in Central.
* The Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong manages Islamic activities, including mosques, cemeteries, and Halal certification.
* Islamic festivals like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are widely observed, with large gatherings for prayer and community events.
Stanley
1. Origin of the Name:
* The Chinese name Chek Chue (赤柱, meaning “Red Pillar”) comes from a legend that Stanley was once filled with cotton trees bearing bright red flowers.
* Another theory suggests that Hakka people called it “a place where thieves lived” due to pirate activity.
* The English name “Stanley” is believed to honor Lord Stanley, the Colonial Secretary when Hong Kong was ceded to Britain.
2. Early History:
* Originally a fishing village.
* Stanley became the British government’s first administrative center due to its large population and commerce.
* Threats from dysentery and pirates led the British to move to Victoria (modern-day Central and Sheung Wan) instead.
* The town retains historical landmarks such as Old Stanley Police Station, Stanley Post Office, and Stanley Military Cemetery.
3. Development:
* After Typhoon Mary in 1960 destroyed many wooden houses, the government built Mary Village to resettle disaster victims.
* Over time, Stanley transformed into a major tourist and residential area, attracting expatriates due to its scenic coastline and laid-back atmosphere.
4. Famous sites:
* Picturesque Seaside Destination: Today, Stanley is a vibrant area known for its beaches, market, and waterfront dining.
* Stanley Market (a popular shopping destination),
* Stanley Plaza,
* Murray House, and
* Stanley Prison.
* It was also home to Teresa Teng, the renowned singer, whose former residence remains a fan pilgrimage site.
5. Dragon Boat Festival:
Since the 1970s, Stanley Main Beach has hosted one of Hong Kong’s largest dragon boat races, drawing over 6,000 local and international athletes annually.
6. Tourist & Cultural Hub:
With expatriate residents, scenic views, and waterside restaurants, Stanley is a top tourist attraction.
Stanley Main Beach
1. Overview:
* Stanley Main Beach is one of Hong Kong’s most popular public beaches, located on the southeastern coast of Hong Kong Island.
* It offers golden sands, clear waters, and a relaxing atmosphere, attracting both locals and tourists.
2. Activities:
* The nearly 200m long beach is well-known for water sports, especially windsurfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
* It also hosts the annual Stanley Dragon Boat Races during the Dragon Boat Festival, one of Hong Kong’s largest and most exciting dragon boat competitions.
3. Facilities:
* The beach features public changing rooms, showers, and BBQ pits.
* A lifeguard service is available during designated seasons.
* In 2006, the Water Sports Centre officially opened, allowing windsurfing enthusiasts to enjoy the sport here.
4. Accessibility:
* Easily reached via public transport, Stanley Main Beach is just a short walk from Stanley Market and Stanley Plaza, making it a perfect spot for a beach day combined with shopping and dining.
* Walk along Stanley Beach Road to get to the beach in 5 minutes.
Information on Walking Tour
1. Introduction:
After sharing so much about Stanley, I know everyone wants to experience it firsthand. We’ll get off the bus shortly to walk around Stanley and have some free time.
2. Duration of the Tour:
It’s now X o’clock, and we’ll stay here for approximately X hours. Please remember my phone number XXXX XXXX and bus number XXXX. Make sure to take all your valuables when we get off
3. Instructions of walking tour:
Please follow me first for a brief tour and explanation, and I’ll show you the pick-up location, restrooms, and other facilities before your free time begins.
Religion-related Festivals
Hong Kong celebrates a variety of traditional and religious festivals, many of which are public holidays. These festivals reflect the city’s cultural diversity and provide insight into its rich heritage. Hong Kong’s major religion-related festivals are:
1. Lunar New Year / Chinese New Year:
* Chinese New Year is one of Hong Kong’s biggest and most important festivals.
* Chinese New Year is a three-day public holiday in Hong Kong, but celebrations typically last 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival. Many businesses close for at least the first two days, while some shops and markets resume on the third day.
* Zodiac related decoration starts right after the Chrismas decoration is gone.
* Starting a week before Chinese New Year, flower markets will open around town to pick up auspicious blooms and taste traditional treats. (Victoria Park, Prince Edward Flower Market)
* Red lanterns are a powerful symbol of good luck, prosperity, and warding off bad spirits during Chinese New Year. The color red represents happiness, success, and good fortune, while lanterns are believed to drive away misfortune and bring brightness for the coming year. Hanging red lanterns in homes, streets, and businesses creates a festive atmosphere and is thought to attract positive energy and prosperity.
* From a night parade in Tsim Sha Tsui on the first day of the festival to interactive installations and festive decorations, especially in Shopping centers, there are plenty of celebratory events throughout the city to start Chinese New Year with joy and prosperity.
* Lion and dragon dances during Chinese New Year in Hong Kong symbolize good luck, prosperity, and the driving away of evil spirits, with their lively movements and drum beats believed to bring blessings for the year ahead.
* Families hold reunion dinners with auspicious cuisines on New Year’s Eve, and it’s customary to give red packets (lai see) with money to children and unmarried adults.
* People also visit temples to pray for good fortune, especially at Wong Tai Sin Temple.
2. Ching Ming Festival:
* Also named Tomb-Sweeping Day.
* Highly revered public holiday that celebrates ancestors, with people paying respect to and worshipping them by sweeping their tombs and laying out sacrificial goods.
* Marks beginning of spring.
* 15 days after spring equinox, usually 4.-6. April
3. Buddha’s Birthday:
* Public holiday on 15th May
* This day marks the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Buddha.
* Buddhists visit temples to pay homage to Buddha.
4. Dragon Boat Festival:
* Takes place on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month each year (i.e. late May or early June).
* Public holiday in Hong Kong
* Celebrated with dragon boat races and eating glutinous rice dumplings.
* One popular origin story of the festival honors Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet who drowned himself in the Miluo River after exile and his state’s fall. Villagers tried to recover his body and threw zongzi (glutineous rice dumplings) into the river to prevent fish from eating it, leading to the traditions of eating zongzi and dragon boat racing.
* Dragon boat races have been around for more than a thousand years. The event is originated from the Lingnan region of China, where people believed the water that passed through the oars of dragon boats was auspicious.
* The boats are traditionally painted to resemble a dragon, with a dragon’s head at the front and a tail at the back, symbolizing strength and power.
* Look-out for some (without the head) on Stanley Main Beach.
5. Mid-Autumn Festival:
* The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, which usually occurs in September or early October.
* Public holiday in Hong Kong
* Hong Kong people celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with family gatherings, moon gazing, and various traditional activities.
* They enjoy mooncakes, a festive delicacy, which have evolved beyond the traditional lotus seed paste and salted egg yolk fillings. Hong Kong has given rise to countless varieties from the delicate snow skin mooncakes to indulgent egg custard renditions and even savoury flaky crusts with minced pork.
* Light colorful lanterns, which symbolize hope and reunion.
* Popular celebrations include the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, where a massive, glowing dragon winds through the streets, and the
* Victoria Park Lantern Display, showcasing stunning lantern art.
* Many also visit beaches, parks, or The Peak to admire the full moon, believing it to be the brightest of the year.
* The festival is a time for togetherness, celebrated with joy and cultural traditions.
6. Chung Yeung Festival:
* Celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month is also known as Double Ninth Festival
* Cherished autumn public holiday in Hong Kong that beautifully blends tradition with family bonding.
* In Hong Kong, the festival is primarily associated with the practice of hiking or ascending hills, which is believed to ward off bad luck and misfortune. (Lion Rock, The Peak)
* It’s also a time for paying respects to ancestors, often by visiting their graves or tombs to clean them and offer food and incense.
7. Christmas:
* Both Christmas Day (December 25) and Boxing Day (December 26) are recognized as public holidays, and most businesses, government offices, and schools are closed.
* Celebrated by Christians with religious services, and widely observed with festive decorations and events across the city.
* Christmas is a great time for shopping in Hong Kong, with many shopping malls offering special promotions, Christmas-themed sales, and events like Santa parades.
* Winter markets also pop up, and it’s common for people to buy gifts for family and friends.
* However, while Christmas is widely celebrated, it’s not as traditionally significant as other Chinese festivals, like the Lunar New Year.
