Ying Yang, or Yin and Yang, lie at the heart of Chinese philosophy and science. They rest on the principle of opposing forces complementing each other to create a whole, constantly changing and interacting. Ying Yang is about achieving inner balance between different energies and in the streets and temples of Hong Kong, help is always at hand with Chinese horoscopes and fortune tellers.
Feng Shui applies similar principles to the man made environment, encouraging good energy flow to bring luck and prosperity. The ‘art of placement’ dates back 6000 years and from the HSBC building to Disneyland, Hong Kong is a showcase of ultra modern developments and ancient wisdom
Feng Shui in Hong Kong, HSBC Top of the List
The HSBC headquarters are on Statue Square in the central district of Hong Kong Island. Rising to 180 metres, the building was designed by Norman Foster, in line with recommendations from Feng Shui masters. There are auspicious lions guarding the entrance, stroked by passers by for good luck, and uninterrupted views of Victoria harbour. Sea, pond or fish tank, water is part of all good Feng Shui.
Repulse Bay claims a building with a hole in the middle to allow the legendary dragon to see the sea, and from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon, most businesses and hotels continue to seek advice from Feng Shui experts.
A notable exception is the angular Bank of China, which failed to open on the predicted auspicious day.
Hong Kong Disneyland, Feng Shui for Good Luck
Hoping for prosperity as well as good luck, the architects of Hong Kong Disneyland left nothing to chance. Lantau Island was a convenient location but also meant sea views framed by auspicious hills.
The curving walkway on the approach allows energy to flow to the sea, the main gate is on an auspicious north-south axis and all essential elements, wood, fire, earth, metal and water, have been included. Large rocks around the compound attract stability and good fortune and there are fountains, streams and ponds
Red, the lucky colour, is much in evidence, the main ballroom measures an auspicious 888 m², while buildings discreetly leave out the unlucky 4th floor.
Ying Yang, Chinese Horoscopes and Fortune Telling in Hong Kong Temples
Chinese horoscopes are an intricate science and many in Hong Kong put their trust in fortune tellers offering their services around busy temples. Horoscopes are based on the position of major planets at birth and in the 60 year cycle linking the five basic elements, both Ying and Yang, to the 12 animal signs.
Every evening, near the Jade Market, fortune tellers set up their stalls around Tin Hau Temple, each one professing his own skill, palm reading, face reading, cards, sometimes picked by ‘birds of fortune’.
Wong Tai Sin is another popular venue with lively shrines, scores of fortune tellers and colourful stalls offering incense and lucky bamboo sticks to devotees.
