SPD3159 Heritage Hong Kong : Ghost story

On 6th March, 1953. There was a news happened. It was published on newspaper. There were 4 people playing Mahjong. During the game, they suddenly saw two hands on the table. A special voice said"pay me the money". They were scared extremely since there are only 4 people in the room. While they were frightening, there were another six hands appeared and continued to play the Mahjong they were playing. This news aroused 1000 people went to that apartment to look for the ghost.

As time goes by, it becomes a legend.

There was a boy working in an restaurant. The boss received a call and ask the boy delivered the food to an apartment. After the boy collected the money and returned to the restaurant, the money become "Ghost notes". The boss was very angry because he thought the boy intended to treat him. However, the boy swore he hadn't did that.

On the next day, same call were make by that apartment. This time, the boy had look at the changes carefully to see whether it is "Ghost notes" or not. He confirmed the changes is real. However, when he came back to the restaurant, he took out the money, the money became "Ghost notes" again. 

Afterward, the same request is made again. At this time, the boss didn't trust the boy and finally went to that apartment himself. When he took the changes, he also saw that it is real notes. When he returned, the notes had become "Ghost notes". He was very angry because he thought the people in that apartment making fun of him. He rushed to that apartment and crushed the door. When he broke into the apartment, he saw there were 4 corpses laying on a Mahjong table without head. Then, he fainted. 


Source: 摩星嶺4號 1/8/2009

by Reed

SPD3159 Heritage Hong Kong :Ancient tramway in Hong Kong

I believe that all of you have the experience of travelling by tram in Hong Kong. However, do you know how long does it operate for?

The tramway has been running over one hundred years that stretches from the west to east of Hong Kong Island (Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan). Therefore, it is one of the earliest and cheapest modes of public transportation in Hong Kong especially for the people who living in Hong Kong Island. Nowadays, most of the local people always call it as 'Ding Ding' because of the sound rang out by the tram.

Besides, it is the world's largest fleet of double-deck tramcars that providing comfortable, reliable and economical services. The tram not only acted as a form of transportation, but also became one theme of the tourist attraction. The important things are you only pay for two dollars; meanwhile, you can explore more about the characteristic and uniqueness of the Hong Kong culture & heritage and the busiest view of city life. On the other hand, travelling by the tram provide you an opportunity to taste the fine dining and shopping along the tramway. As a result, it is a better way for you to travel along the tramway.

Thank you for reading my new sharing and I hereby suggest you to take a trip experiencing the local lifestyle in Hong Kong if you never done it before.

Reference:
http://www.discoverhongkong.com/tramguide/eng/index.jsp

by Peral

SPD3159 Heritage Hong Kong : food - Moon Cakes

Hi everyone, I am Franky @_@. Today I would like to introduce the heritage food call Moon Cakes. It is a Chinese bakery products traditionally eaten during the Mid – Autumn Festival.

Moonquakes are offered between friends or on family gatherings while celebrating the festival. The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the four most important Chinese festivals.

Most mooncakes consist of a thin tender skin enveloping a sweet, dense filling. The mooncake may contain one or more whole salted egg yolks in its centre to symbolise the full moon. Very rarely, mooncakes are also served steamed or fried.

Nowadays, Peoples will like eat ice- skin moon cakes, because it will low fat, less calorie than tradition Moon Cakes and health, also which have different taste provided.

by Franky

SPD3159 Heritage Hong Kong : Building - Government House

Construction of Government House did not start until October 1851, eight years after Hong Kong became a British colony. The building plans, with construction estimated to cost £14,940, were prepared by the second Surveyor General, Charles St George Cleverly. Construction progressed slowly, however, and took four years to complete. In October 1855, Sir John Bowring (1854-1859), the fourth Governor, became the mansion's first tenant.

Government House was declared a monument under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance in 1995. This magnificent mansion, combining neo-classical elegance with tropical ambience, was the official residence and office of 25 of Hong Kong's 28 colonial Governors. The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Mr Donald Tsang, is the latest host of this impressive building. He is the first Chief Executive to live and work in Government House, marking the beginning of a new era in its 150-year history

The main building of Government House was constructed in 1855 in neo-classical style, incorporating rich colonial characteristics. Over the years, major renovation and alteration works were carried out by various Governors to suit their personal style and needs.The two biggest changes took place in 1889-1891 and during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong in 1942-1945. In 1889, during the governorship of Sir William Des Voeux (1887-1891), an annex was built on the eastern side of the House to provide more space for social functions. The annex, almost as large as the House proper and linked by a covered stairway, was composed of a ballroom on the upper floor and a supper room below. The project proceeded quickly and was completed in 1891.

Government House continues to be accessible to the public by means of an Open Day, instituted in 1968. The ever-popular Open Day gives the public an opportunity to view the blossoming azaleas in the garden and admire the ambience of the dignified building, with its unique blend of Eastern and Western design.

by Carmen

SPD3159 Heritage Hong Kong : Culture

 

What is the culture in your mind?
I find out some definition of culture to share with you. Culture is a set of attitudes, values, beliefs and behaviors shared by a group of people, but different for each individual, communicated from one generation to the next generation. (David Matsumoto, 1996) Culture helps to reinforce, promulgate and strengthen the behavioral similarities and differences that produced in the first place. Cultures also produce a cycle of reciprocity between actual behavior and our theoretical understanding of them as culture.

Besides, there are three approaches in tourism in dealing with the cultural elements. Firstly, the product approach-Cultural elements treated as products such as Arts, Music, Folklore, Artifacts and Literature. Secondly, the behavioral approach- Cultural elements treated as behaviors such as Food, Habits, Customs, Leisure and Lifestyles. Thirdly, the conceptual and religious approach- Cultural elements treated as ideas such as Beliefs, Values and Customs.

With regard to the Hong Kong Culture and heritage

Culture and heritage are what sets Hong Kong apart from the rest of Asia – indeed the world. With over 100 years of colonial history and a largely Chinese population, Hong Kong is a unique fusion of Western and Eastern cultures where the old and the new live side by side. Its incense-filled temples, colonial buildings and glass-and-steel skyscrapers, along with its ancient traditions and lively festivals, have made Hong Kong a living culture experience.
(Sources: http://www.carla.umn.edu/culture/definitions.html)by Iris

SPD3159 Heritage Hong Kong : Qi Pao (旗袍)

Qi pao (旗袍) is Chinese traditional costome, it also called " cheongsam " (長衫), qi pao was introduced in qing dynasty (清朝). It mainly for women to wear, the design of qi pao can show the women's stream line body by the narrow cutting design. Qi pao can represent the Chinese culture, foreigners always very interested in Chinese culture.

Nowadays, there are still some women will wearing qi pao during speacial event or occasions, including the participants of " Miss Hong Kong " competition or wedding. Also, many chinese restaurant may use the qi pao as their staff uniform.

On the other hand, there are something change in the design, the designer may add some western element into the qi pao, which look like more fashionable and morden, that is the fusion of Chinese and western culture.

reference: http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/History/b5/ex_special_qp_mar10.php

by Wendy

SPD3159 Heritage Hong Kong : Urban Legend

Urban Legend is a fascinating topic. The legend has been spreading for a long period. But it will appear in different format, content and people involved.

Today, we want to share a Urban legend spreads in Hong Kong currently. It relates to some kids were abducted by strangers. For example, http://forum.edu-kingdom.com/viewthread.php?tid=2184375
http://hkg.westkit.net/?p=v&id=2108921. This kind of legend has been spreading for also 20 years nowhere in England or American. The story of those legend has similar features.

(1) Some kids were abducted
(2) The kid will be found finally
(3) The abductor was spotted by some people
(4) The abductor finally escaped
(5) The legend is claimed by some witnesses with some relations, like my friend's friend, my relative's friend, or my fellow colleague

Finally, police claims there are no abductions happened in Hong Kong within 18 months. Those spreads are not real. This can refer to this web page. http://www.hkwei.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=65664

Urban Legend maybe an interesting heritage of Hong Kong people. It is a collective common memory to many people which arouse their anxiety.

Source of information: 903 摩星嶺4號2010-03-20 01:00AM to 03:00AM

SPD3159 Heritage Hong Kong : Ping Shan Heritage Trail

As we all know, there are several heritage trails in Hong Kong. Now I would like to introduce one of the heritage trails to all of you which are called Ping Shan Heritage Trail.

The trail is located in Yuen Long and was the first heritage trail in Hong Kong. It is about one kilometer long and along the way you can see numerous building of traditional Chinese design such as Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda, Tang Ancestral Hall. Both of them were declared as a monument in 2001.

Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda is the only ancient pagoda in Hong Kong. The three-storey pagoda has the history over 600 years. It is a hexagonal shaped pagoda that constructed of green brick. Due to the reason of feng shui, it was believed that there is deity in charge of success or failure in Imperial Civil Service Examinations and you can also see those auspicious sayings on each floor.

Tang Ancestral Hall was built by Tang Fung-shun, the fifth generation ancestor of Tang Clan about 700 years ago. The building is the main ancestral hall of the Tang clan of Ping Shan which designed in a three-hall structure with two internal courtyards.

It provides you an opportunity to perceive more about the traditional lifestyle in New Territories. Moreover, this an interesting and valuable heritage trail for you to visit.

 

  

http://www.amo.gov.hk/en/monuments_73.php

http://www.amo.gov.hk/en/monuments_75.php

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/uk/attractions/nt-pingshan-heritage-trail.html

by Peral

Reference:

SPD3159 Heritage Hong Kong : 1881 Heritage

Hello everyone again! Today, I would like to share a beautiful building in Hong Kong to all of you. This is 1881 Heritage.

1881 Heritage is located in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui. It is the former Marine Police Headquarters have been rejuvenated and re-integrated into the urban fabric of the surrounding area. The 120 year-old historical development has been revitalized and transformed into a new cultural and shopping landmark in Hong kong. It is only steps away from Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Hong Kong Space Museum, Hong Kong Museum of Art, and Kowloon Park. It can be conveniently reached by various modes of public transport, including by MTR, ferry and bus.

Let me tell you some history abour 1881. The Former Marine Police Headquarters were occupied by the Hong Kong Marine Police from 1880s to 1996, except for the period during second woeld war. The site comprises the Main Building, Stable Block, Time Ball Tower, Old Kowloon Fire Station and Fire Station Accommodation Block.

The rich colonial characteristic of the Former Marine Police Headquarters is reflected in the Victorian architecture of the buildings on site. In recognition of such historical significance, all the buildings – except for Main Block of the Old Kowloon Fire Station – were declared monuments under the Antiquities an Monuments Ordinance in 1994.

1881 Heritage is really a good place to visit. It is full of the memory of Hong Kong history and also the environment is very romentic now. You are strongly recommended to go to this place take some wonderful photos!!=]

by Carmen

SPD3159 Heritage Hong Kong : Poon Choi (盤菜)

Hi everyone, I am Franky @_@. Today I would like to introduce the heritage food call Poon Choi, which also known as pun choi or Big Bowl Feast, is a traditional type of food originated from Hakka cuisine.

Poon Choi was invented during the late Song Dynasty of China. When Mongol troops invaded Song China, the young Emperor fled to the area around Guangdong Province and Hong Kong. To serve the Emperor as well as his army, the locals collected all their best food available, cooked it, and because there were not enough dishes, put the resulting dish in wooden washing basins. By doing so Poon Choi was invented

It is includes ingredients such as pork, beef, lamb, chicken, duck, abalone, ginseng, shark fin, fish maw, prawn, crab, dried mushroom, fishballs, squid, dried eel, dried , pigskin and Chinese radish.

Poon Choi also is cultural aspect in Chinese; it is often served during religious rituals, festivals such as in Chinese New Year, special occasions and wedding banquets in open area of villages. Nowadays in Hong Kong is very easy to find it in restaurant. If have the opportunity in future, I will share some restaurant, which are make the better taste of Poon Choi.

by Franky

SPD3159 Heritage Hong Kong : Cantonese Opera Costumes

SPD3159 Heritage Hong Kong : Cantonese Opera Costumes


Have you even been watched the Cantonese opera? In the past, Chinese Opera is one of the most popular entertainment activities in Hong Kong. Today I would like to introduce the Cantonese Opera Costumes to all of you, which play an important role in the Chinese opera. 

For both of the male and female costume, there are different types of costume for different role. The Costumes are corresponding to the theme of the play and indicate the status and character of each role. The costume is made in soft material with some accessories. The higher rank the character own, the more decorative costumes they wear.

The character including Mun(文)plays and Mo(武)plays, the Mun plays costumes usually got water sleeves in while the Mo costumes are far more elaborate than Mun plays. Meanwhile, make up also belong to one part of the costumes, the most common style is that the artists will be made up with white and red face.

Nowadays, the cantonese opera industry has decline because of the generation changing, but this is the traditional culture in Hong Kong, which is unique and represent Hong Kong, therefore, I hope this can be retained and people will treasure this culture.

The below show some pictures of the Cantonese Opera costumes...               

                   

                      Mun plays costume (female)

                         Mun plays costume (male)
                  









                                                                 Mo plays costumes  (female)

   

                                                                  Mo plays costumes  (male)

                                 

Reference: http://www.pearlmagik.com/bayareacantoneseopera/operacostumes.htm

by Wendy

SPD3159 Heritage Hong Kong : Ghost story of Nam Koo Terrace in Hong Kong

There are several topics of heritage we are going to share with all of you.

First of all, let's talk about a special topics to arouse your interest towards Hong Kong's heritage.

The first one we want to introduce is the one of the building in Ship Street, Wan Chai.  

The front of Nam Koo Terrace

(Source:http://www.hiking.com.hk/discus/messages/256/5346.html?1247698153)

Inside of the Nam Koo Terrace 

(Source:http://www.hiking.com.hk/discus/messages/256/5346.html?1247698153)

What's special of Nam Koo Terrace? It is one of the place famous of Ghost.


Nam Koo Terrace had been a place for comfort woman during Japanese colonial period. Many of females are forced to do some pornographic business. They suffered from tortures and finally died. Being with this terrified history, Nam Koo Terrace rumors with ghost. 


People believe in ghost like to doing some dangerous activities inside ghost buildings. They want to recall ghost through "Ouiji board" -  an activity to ask things by the power of Ghost. In 2003, three girls wanted to take adventure in Nam Koo Terrace and play Ouiji Board inside. Finally, one girls seem "attached" by ghost. Her friends feared and call Police to help. However, the attached girl came with unbelievable power while three policeman can't suppress her.


After this incident, the other two girls reported that they heard a male's voice in the Terrace to call them go upwards the 2nd floor. The attached girl said the ghost had followed her.


(Source:http://cnet.hk/bbs/redirect.php?tid=59340&goto=lastpost)


Heritage with ghost is the first thing we want to share with you all. Hope you all like to visit our blog again.

by Reed