Buddhists used to choose a quiet and elegant place to practice Buddhism, and therefore most Buddhist temples and Zen forests (襌林) locate in mountains. On the other hand, Christianity is more "worldly (入世)". To facilitate the believers to come and gather, most churches are built in urban areas. This gives an impression that Christianity integrates less with the natural world.
However, there are exceptions. Tao Fong Shan Christian Centre in rear hill of Shatin is well-known for its tranquil ambience. It is also called "Christian Jungle (基督教叢林)", where "Jungle" refers to the place of monasticism. Like the Buddhist temples on famous mountains, the Christian Jungle also has beautiful scenery.
Christian Jungle, located in rear hill of Shatin |
The entire architectural design of the Christian Jungle is in typical Chinese style. Strangely, it was founded not by a Chinese or Asian, but by a Norwegian missionary, called Dr. K. L. Reichelt (艾香德博士, 1877-1952). He founded Ching Fong Shan (景風山) in Nanjing in 1922 and Tao Fong Shan (道風山) in Hong Kong in 1930. Although it is called "Tao (道)", his target is "Buddha (佛)", to convert Buddhists to Christianity. Therefore, the emblem of the Tao Fong Shan is a lotus holding a cross.
Tomb of Dr. K. L. Reichelt, located in the Garden of Angels |
Garden of Angels, located in the centre of Tao Fong Shan Christian Cemetery |
The Christian Jungle shows three elements of architecture style, say, Buddha, Christ, and China. Nevertheless, they are highly harmonious. Below are some examples:
1. Buddha element - In addition to lotus flower, there is also bronze bell. Hanging in front of the Christ Temple (聖殿) is the big bronze bell symbolizing the Christian Jungle. Beneath the Christ Temple is a quiet room made of granite, called the "Lotus Crypt (蓮花洞)", wherein believers may confess their sins.
Bronze bell, casted in 1940 in Shanghai |
Quiet room made of granite |
Lotus Crypt, wherein believers may confess their sins |
2. Christ element - Entering the front hill area, there is a particularly narrow door. The doorway is inscribed with the title "Gate of Life (生命門)" and the couplet "Many that enter through the wide gate will not achieve true happiness (寬路行人多 並無眞樂)" and "Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it (窄門進者少 內有永生)". The words are from the Bible, reminding passers-by to think about their life of path. Near the cliff, a large wooden cross, called the "Big Cross (大十字架)", is erected, staring down at the bottom of the hill, i.e., the Shatin town crowed with people and tall buildings. The Big Cross was engraved with "It is finished (成了)", which reminds followers to carry on the Kingdom’s mission (天國使命).
Gate of Life |
Big Cross |
3. China element – The most eye-catching is the double eaves, octagonal and tented roof (重簷八角攢尖頂) design adopted by the church, explaining why it is called "Temple" but not "Chapel". Another unique thing is their Art Ministry, which paints and fires porcelain by itself. It is one of the very few places in Hong Kong that produces Canton porcelains to this day. Some hand-painted porcelains have even got worldwide recognition.
Christ Temple |
Designed by Johannes Prip-Møller, a Danish architect |
Art Shop, producing Christian art and spiritual products that integrates with Chinese folk art |
To visit the Christian Jungle, you may walk from Shatin MTR Station, taking some 30 minutes. Or you may take taxi at Tai Wai MTR Station. View the quaint buildings, stroll along the shady paths, and admire the unique coloured porcelain. A half-day tour is enjoyable even for non-Christians.
（參考：https://www.tfscc.org/map/）
