The Big Cross of Tao Fong Shan
You may have noticed a big white cross on top of the mountain as you drive through Tai Wai into Shatin. The cross is part of the Tao Fong Shan Christian Center on Tao Fong Shan.
History
In its name, Tao Fong Shan may sound like it is a Taoist establishment. While it is a Christian institution, its history is relevant to the Taoist believers of Hong Kong. This following is a brief introduction on the website:
Tao Fong Shan Christian Centre was founded in 1930 by the Norwegian missionary Karl Ludvig Reichelt (1877-1952). Reichelt was sent to Hunan Province in China in 1904. There he gradually developed an idea to share the gospel with Buddhists. In 1922, he established Ching Fong Shan in Nanjing. In 1930, due to the chaos of the Chinese civil war, Reichelt moved his work to Shatin, Hong Kong, and asked a Danish architect, Johannes Prip-Moller (1889-1943) to design the buildings. On 13 March 1952, Reichelt died and was buried at the Tao Fong Shan cemetery..[i]
When I was young, the church circle would always organize retreats in Tao Fong Shan. Yet this would be my first time visiting the site and learning its Christian meanings. “Tao” refers to the logos, or “the way” in Christian theology (John 14:6). It is the fundamental tenet in Christianity, whereby salvation only comes through a true belief in Jesus Christ. “Fong,” the word for wind in Chinese, is a reference to “pneuma,” the Greek word for wind as well, and generally used to denote the Holy Spirit. “Shan” refers to the site being on a mountain.
The Tour
My friend and I were amazed as we toured the main structures on Tao Fong Shan. They were unmistakably Chinese in their architecture. The Christ Temple, being the most prominent structure, was beautiful and every way more a “temple” than it is a “chapel.” Its primary appeal is to the believers of Asian religions. This certainly is a unique idea in Hong Kong. For churches and chapels of the colonial times, almost all others came with western architecture.
We made our way to the standing cross. We had to pass through a distinctively narrow opening. It refers to Jesus telling followers to enter Heavens through the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14). I thought this was a very thoughtful setting. It was a physical manifestation of Jesus’ teaching. And as we passed through, I explained to my friend the Biblical meaning intended in this narrow path.
Finally, we went back to the Christ Temple. We went around and found a spot facing the mountain. We enjoyed the sunshine in this very tranquil spot. A leisurely walk around this area takes about an hour. Be sure to admire the beautiful aerial views of Shatin and Tai Wai as well.
Tao Fong Shan still provides accommodation for group and personal retreat today. I think this is the perfect place for one to quiet down, to practice meditation, and to write. Perhaps I should rent a room there for my writing projects.
How to get there
From the Shatin MTR station, exit toward Pai Tau Village, then descend on the ramp. Once you reach the ground level, make a left (almost a u-turn) and enter the way to the village. You will see the signs pointing you to Tao Fong Shan there. Take the upward steps to your right when you see the crossroad. After about ten, fifteen minutes, you will come across the end of the steps. There are signs pointing you to the way up To Fong Shan Road. It is about another ten minutes up to reach the Tao Fong Shan Christian Center. The whole walk takes only a little over 20 minutes on a steady incline.
Photos: U Turn onto this path right along the ramp, and photo on the right shows the signs at the ramp.
Photo: The long stairs up is the path going toward Tao Fong Shan Road. This is the view on the ramp / footbridge.