Meredith on the Move: November 2016

So in a discussion with my local colleagues about the 7 Wonders of the World, they suggested I create a list of the 7 Wonders of Hong Kong since I have visited so many places. They are jealous that I have seen so much of Hong Kong that they haven't.

So I started my list... all references from Wikipedia.

1) Tian Tan Buddha (aka Big Buddha) on Lantau Island

The statue is named Tian Tan Buddha because its base is a model of the Altar of Heaven or Earthly Mount of Tian Tan, the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. One of the five large Buddha statues in China, it is enthroned on a lotus on top of a three-platform altar.^[2] Surrounding it are six smaller bronze statues known as "The Offering of the Six Devas" that are posed offering flowers, incense, lamp, ointment, fruit, and music to the Buddha. These symbolise the Six Perfections of generosity, morality, patience, zeal, meditation, and wisdom, all of which are necessary for enlightenment.^[3]

2) Chi Lin Nunnery at Nan Lian Gardens

The Chi Lin Nunnery uses the traditional Tang Dynasty architecture with a design based on a Sukhavati drawing in the Mogao Caves.^[1] It is constructed entirely with cypress wood, without the use of any nails, and is currently the world's largest hand-made wooden building. This construction is based on traditional Chinese architectural techniques that uses special interlocking systems cut into the wood to hold them in place. The complex with 16 halls, a library, a school, a pagoda, a bell tower and a drum tower, covers an area of more than 33,000 square metres (360,000 sq ft).^[2] The Chi Lin Nunnery buildings are the only buildings to be built in this style in modern-day Hong Kong.

3) Hong Kong Global GeoPark

The Hong Kong Global Geopark consists of two geological regions: the widely distributed hexagonal rock columns in Sai Kung, which are of international geological significance, and the northeast New Territories region, which comprises sedimentary rocks formed in different geologic periods, showcasing the complete geological history of Hong Kong.
The Geopark is made up of eight Geo-Areas distributed across the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region and Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region.^[4]

I specifically visited the Ninepin Group (Chinese: 果洲群島) is located on the eastern side of Hong Kong, forms a series of offshore islands. Numerous inclined columnar jointed volcanic rocks create fascinating cliffs and coastal scenery around the Ninepin Group.

4) Tsz Shan Monastery (aka Big White Lady)

Tsz Shan Monastery is a large Buddhist temple located in, Tai Po District. As a Chinese Buddhist monastery established for the inheritance of the teaching of the Buddha, Tsz Shan Monastery is a sanctuary for the purpose of spiritual purification, and endeavours to open the door to compassion and wisdom for the public through various activities. Much of the monastery building funds were donated by local business magnate Li Ka-shing.

Within the Tsz Shan Monastery, an outdoor bronze Guanyin statue, 76 meters in height, is the second highest in the world. Tsz Temple completed its construction and opened to public visitors in April 2015, led by the Venerable Kok Kwong HHCKLA. The general public is required to make an appointment through phone or internet beforehand for a visit the Tsz Shan Monastery. The daily quota for visitors is limited to 400 at initial stage. During the test run only visitation requests from local non-profit organizations, registered charities, and funded welfare agencies will be accepted.

5) Won Tai Sin Temple

Wong Tai Sin Temple is the largest Taoist temple in Hong Kong and is visited annually by more than 3 million worshipers. No other temple presents visitors with such insight into Chinese religious beliefs and practices.

6) Dragon's Back

Dragon's Back is a ridge in southeastern Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong, between Wan Cham Shan and Shek O Peak. It lies within the Shek O Country Park. In 2004 the Dragon's Back Trail was selected by TIME Asia as the best urban hiking trail.