Name(English): Tao Fung Shan Christian Centre
Name(Chinese): 道風山基督教叢林
Category: Culture & History
Phone Number: +852 2694 4041
Address(English): 33 Tao Fung Shan Road, Shatin
Address(Chinese): 香港新界沙田道風山道33號
Address Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/U3dwMj7tqphXqidC9
Address longitude and latitude: 22.384316654563367, 114.1820673117864
Nearest MTR Station: Sha Tin MTR Station Exit B
Nearest MTR Station Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/LCRskxzFUjZDyS4dA
Nearest MTR Station longitude and latitude: 22.383023939510778, 114.18770531713784
How far from the nearest MTR Station: 10 mins from Sha Tin MTR Station
Opening hours:
MON 9:00 – 12:30; 13:30 – 17:00
TUE 9:00 – 12:30; 13:30 – 17:00;
WED 9:00 – 12:30; 13:30 – 17:00;
THU 9:00 – 12:30; 13:30 – 17:00;
FRI 9:00 – 12:30; 13:30 – 17:00;
SAT 9:00 – 12:30; 13:30 – 17:00;
SUN CLOSED
* Closed on public holidays
Recommended Time to Visit: morning around 10:00 or afternoon around 3pm
Accessibility Note: need to walk up staircases
Not too far out from the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, the Tao Fung Shan Christian Centre has another set of religious vibes to offer – a mixed feeling of Christianity embedded in Chinese Renaissance architectural settings. You may get a bit overwhelmed by its design but the buildings capture Hong Kong at its best, a city where East meets West.
Founded by the Norwegian missionary Karl Ludvig Reichelt in 1930, who was not too welcomed by the Christians at the time but was passionate about sharing gospels with the Buddhists, the complex, filled with peace and tranquillity, is mainly comprised of the Chapel, a library and a gallery, but there are pathways leading to other sections, including the 12-meter-high cross, lotus pond, and a labyrinth.
The signature architecture has to be the Chapel, built in rich Chinese colors, is octagonal in shape with some Buddhist monks on eight sides of the eaves and a golden cross sticking out on top. If you are interested in knowing how the interior looks like, you can join the regular worship services that happen every day except Saturday.
Other than the huge cross that tells you that you are in a Christian facility, there are many small Chinese decorations infused with Christian elements:
Firstly, you can see there are crosses at the top of the roof or on the beam on the building, whereas it would typically be dragons and orbs in a Chinese temple.
Secondly, the paintings are all about Bible stories. We even found the story of “Five Loaves and Two Fishes”!
Give special attention to the couplet at the front door. The Chinese poem written comes from the “Gospel of Matthew” and it was written by Sun Yat Sen, the founding father of modern China.
There are many more of these cultural details at the place. Take your time and enjoy the tranquility when you are there.
Being a culturally diverse city herself, Hong Kong is home to numerous religious centers. It doesn’t matter what you believe in, Tao Fung Shan is truly an artistic representation of this multicultural city that is worth appreciating.
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