The Fascinating Architecture of Hong Kong’s Cemetery
Hong Kong Cemetery, also known as the Happy Valley Cemetery, is a historic cemetery located in the Happy Valley area of Hong Kong Island.
Established in 1845, it is one of the oldest and largest cemeteries in Hong Kong and serves as the final resting place for a diverse range of people from various cultures and backgrounds.
The cemetery price hong kong covers an area of over 30 acres and is divided into several sections, each dedicated to a different group of people.
The Chinese section, located at the back of the cemetery, is the largest and is divided into several subsections based on the dialect and province of the deceased.
The Christian section, located at the front of the cemetery, is home to many notable figures from Hong Kong’s colonial past, including governors, soldiers, and other officials.
One of the most famous graves in the cemetery belongs to Sir Henry May, who served as the governor of Hong Kong from 1866 to 1872. His grave, located in the Christian section, features an impressive marble statue of May, which was sculpted by his wife after his death.
Other notable figures buried in the cemetery include Sir Catchick Paul Chater, a prominent businessman and philanthropist who helped to build many of Hong Kong’s iconic landmarks, including the Hong Kong Club and the Peak Tramway.
Chater’s grave, located in the Christian section, is adorned with a large stone cross and a plaque that reads “Founder of the Hongkong Land Company”.
Another famous grave belongs to Ho Sin Hang, the founder of the Hang Seng Bank and one of the wealthiest men in Hong Kong during his lifetime. His grave, located in the Chinese section, features a large tombstone inscribed with his name and the names of his family members.
In addition to these famous figures, the cemetery is also home to the graves of many ordinary people, including local residents and immigrants from around the world.
The graves themselves range from simple stone markers to elaborate tombs and monuments and offer a glimpse into the diverse cultural and religious traditions of the people buried there.
One unique feature of the cemetery is the “Heroes’ Corner”, located in the Christian section, which is dedicated to those who died serving Hong Kong during World War I and II. The corner features several rows of simple white headstones, each inscribed with the name, rank, and regiment of the deceased.
The corner also includes a memorial wall, which lists the names of over 2,000 Hong Kong residents who died during the wars.
The cemetery has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, and today it is a peaceful and well-maintained oasis in the midst of Hong Kong’s bustling urban landscape. Visitors to the cemetery can take a self-guided tour or join a guided tour, which is offered by several local organizations.
While the cemetery is primarily a place of mourning and remembrance, it also serves as an important historical and cultural landmark in Hong Kong. Through the stories and lives of those buried there, it offers a glimpse into the city’s rich and complex past and provides a space for reflection and contemplation in the midst of the city’s hectic pace.
Overall, Hong Kong Cemetery is a fascinating and unique destination that offers a glimpse into the rich and diverse cultural history of Hong Kong.
Whether you are interested in the lives of famous figures from Hong Kong’s past or simply looking for a peaceful place to reflect and remember, the cemetery is well worth a visit.
