Hong Kong - Within Glass Canyons

One of the most interesting aspects of Hong Kong is how they manage to blend in the old and the new, the traditional and the modern, all compacted into a very, awfully tiny square mile that is almost a joy to wander around.

From right: Mandarin Oriental, HSBC Main, Bank of China Building, Cheung  Kong Centre, Bank of China Tower

Wandering around Central, you’ll see the remnants of old colonial Victoria, back when she was an outpost of Empire. Back then, she was a major trading center. More than a century later, she still is a major trading centre, and a financial centre to boot.

And it is little wonder if you walk around the city and notice the close relationship the colonial structures have in defining the city. A city built with trading at its heart, with order maintained, with a rule of law, and with the goodwill of Providence guiding the way.

Former Supreme Court, now Legislative Council Building

Thetis, goddess of Justice

Corridors fronting Statue Square

The Legislative Council Building, the former Supreme Court of Hong Kong is a beautiful structure, in the heart of Central. Symbolic, perhaps, an indication that yes, order and the rule of law reigns supreme. The structure is beautiful, with an almost London-feel to it. The corridors still exude the grandeur of the place, the attention to detail a nod to the time, effort and expense paid in keeping such a structure, and Themis, the goddess of justice look out from her perch on to Statue Square.

Cenotapth, Hong Kong

Across the square is the Cenotaph, a monument to the Glorious Dead, and an homage to the Cenotaph found in Whitehall. Just as I was there, there was a memorial service, and I noticed the solemn procession and reverence the visitors paid to those who have sacrificed so that we may enjoy the benefits of the now.

Across the square is the HSBC Main Building, and within the public plaza of the HSBC Main Building are two bronze lions: Stephen and Stitt. Stephen sits on the left, half roaring. Stitt on the other hand, looks as if he wants you to pet him. Both have battle scars as a result of the Japanese attack on Hong Kong in WWII.

Stephen roaring

Stephen's shrapnel wounds

Stitt: wants pettings

Stitt's minor shrapnel wounds

Just around the corner is the Bank of China Building, not to be confused with the Bank of China Tower across the street. Likewise, it has a pair of lions: two traditional Chinese-style lions and another curious stylised lions.

Traditional Chinese lions

Not-so-traditional Chinese lions

Just behind the HSBC Main Building is the former French Mission, now the Final Court of Appeal, a beautiful red-bricked building sitting on top of a hill, reached via a beautiful staircase. Across the green, hidden amidst the greenery and lush trees of Central is St John’s Cathedral, the seat of the Anglican Diocese of Hong Kong.

Former French Mission, current Final Court of Appeal

Stairway to St John's Cathedral green

St John’s Cathedral Hong Kong is typical of your British-built churches in Southeast Asia, reminiscent of St Andrew’s in Singapore and Christ Church in Bangkok. She shares the same vaulted ceilings as in St Mary’s Kuala Lumpur and beautiful side chapels.

St John's Cathedral, Hong Kong

Like St Mary’s Kuala Lumpur and St Andrew’s in Singapore, she is a monument to the British Administration, with plaques commemorating the illustrious and the departed, and the visits of Queen Elizabeth.

Viewing liturgical East

Viewing liturgical West

One of many memorials

Towers of Providence and Wealth

Further up the hill is the Government House, the former residence of the British Governors of Hong Kong, and now the residence of the Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR. Sadly, the grounds were closed, but that didn’t quite stop me from sneaking in, ala Samwise and my sneaking in to the Red House, the residence of the Chief Executive of Macau SAR.

Government House, Hong Kong, Government Hill

Just around the corner, beyond the Botanical Gardens, in a rather secluded area with a hidden passageway is the Roman Catholic Archdiocese Compound and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Compared to St John’s, the Immaculate Conception is rather plain, with simple buttresses outside, and even simpler interiors.

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Hong Kong

Though not as richly ornamented with memorials and plaques, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is airy and wide, with the statues of saints looking sagely down, reminding the congregation of their duties while looking down with compassion.

High Altar, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Viewing liturgical West & grand organ

Lady Chapel & Relic of the Blessed John Paul II

Within the side chapels, at the lady chapel at the back though is a little surprise: a relic of the Blessed Pope John Paul II, contained in a beautiful reliquary, with a Byzantine-style icon next to it.

View from Hong Kong Botanical Gardens

Hong Kong never ceases to surprise. Look within the glass canyons, and relics of the past, quite literally, lies within.