Route 15 - Repulse Bay－Repulse Bay Road－Stanley Gap Road－Stanley Beach Road－Stanley Flashcards
(6 cards)
Route 15 - Points to Mention
(Repulse Bay－Repulse Bay Road－Stanley Gap Road－Stanley Beach Road－Stanley)
(this section ends when the coach parks at Stanley)
4 subjects - 12-19 minutes
- Religions and cultures
- Religions related festivals
- Stanley (front)
- Stanley Main Beach
- Information of walking tour
First section is longer, need to prepare more information, provide walking tour information before departing bus
Religion and Culture
1. People and Culture: (4)
2. Introduction - A Mosaic of Faiths (5)
3. Religious Demographics (5)
4. Chinese Folk Religion (5)
5. Buddhism (5)
6. Taoism (4)
7. Confucianism (4)
8. Christianity (3)
9. Islam (4)
10. Hinduism (4)
11. Sikhism (4)
12. Judaism (4)
13. Wrap-up (3)
8:30 minutes (if completely presented)
1. People and Culture: (4)
* As we pass through this beautiful Repulse Bay neighborhood, with its villas and luxury apartments overlooking the sea, it’s a great moment to reflect on the people and culture that make up Hong Kong.
* In 2023, Hong Kong had a population of approximately 7.4 million people, with Chinese residents accounting for about 91%.
* The remaining 9% are non-Chinese, including large communities of Filipinos, Indonesians, and Indians, many of whom work in Hong Kong’s service and domestic sectors.
* According to recent figures, there are over 180,000 Filipinos, and 150,000 Indonesians living in the city.
2. A Mosaic of Faiths: (5)
* Despite this density—more than 6,700 people per square kilometer—Hong Kong is known for its remarkable religious harmony.
* Residents are free to practice their faiths openly and peacefully, a freedom protected by the Basic Law.
* The major religions practiced here include Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Judaism.
* Each faith contributes uniquely to the city’s cultural fabric.
* Many religious groups not only promote their doctrines but also operate schools, healthcare, and welfare facilities, serving the broader community.
3. Religious Demographics: (5)
* Approximately 61% of the population are non-religious or practice Chinese Folk Religion, which includes the worship of local gods and ancestors.
* Around 28% practice organized Buddhism or Taoism.
* About 12% identify as Christians.
* Approximately 4% are Muslims.
* Hinduism and Sikhism are practiced by less than 2%, and…
* Judaism accounts for only 0.1% of the population.
4. Chinese Folk Religion: (5)
* Chinese Folk Religion is a traditional belief system blending ancestor worship, Taoism, Buddhism, and local deities.
* It focuses on the worship of gods representing the generative powers of nature, ancestors, and divine heroes significant in Chinese history.
* Practices involve offerings, fortune-telling, and rituals for protection and prosperity.
* Major festivals include the Lunar New Year, Hungry Ghost Festival, and Tin Hau Festival.
* This belief system is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, influencing customs, festivals, and daily life.
5. Buddhism: (5)
* Buddhism has a significant presence in Hong Kong, with over 1 million followers and hundreds of Buddhist organizations.
* Prominent temples include the Chi Lin Nunnery in Diamond Hill and the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island, home to the Big Buddha.
* The main festival is Buddha’s Birthday, celebrated on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, and it is also a public holiday.
* Buddhist organizations are actively involved in social welfare and education, operating schools, elderly homes, and youth centers.
* These institutions also play a vital role in promoting Buddhist teachings and community service.
6. Taoism: (4)
* Taoism is a religious philosophy and ritual tradition, emphasizing living in harmony with the Tao, or the principle of nature.
* About 14% of Hong Kong’s population practices Taoism.
* Notable Taoist temples include Wong Tai Sin Temple in Kowloon, famous for granting every wish upon request.
* Taoist temples are open to the public and contribute significantly to Hong Kong’s cultural heritage.
7. Confucianism: (4)
* Confucianism, based on the teachings of Confucius, emphasizes ethics, filial piety, respect for elders, and social harmony.
* Confucian thought has deeply influenced Chinese academic, political, and social systems.
* The Confucian Academy, founded in 1930 in Hong Kong, promotes Confucian education and social values.
* Confucius’s birthday is celebrated on the third Sunday of September.
8. Christianity: (3)
* Christianity is followed by around 900,000 people, mostly protestants and catholics, or approximately 12% of the population.
* Christianity has been present since 1841, shortly after the British arrived in Hong Kong.
* Christian organizations have established many schools, kindergartens, and universities, significantly shaping the city’s education system.
9. Islam: (4)
* Islam is practiced by over 300,000 people, including Chinese, Indonesians, Pakistanis, and others.
* Hong Kong has five major mosques, with the Jamia Mosque in Central being the oldest.
* The Islamic Community Fund manages mosques, cemeteries, and Halal certification.
* Major festivals like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are celebrated with prayers and community events.
10. Hinduism: (3)
* Hinduism is practiced by approximately 100,000 people, mainly immigrants from India, Nepal, Thailand, and Singapore.
* The Hindu Temple in Happy Valley serves as a hub for worship, meditation, yoga, and festival celebrations.
* Major festivals include Diwali and Holi, celebrated with community gatherings and traditional rituals.
11. Sikhism: (4)
* There are about 12,000 Sikhs living in Hong Kong.
* The Sikh temple in Wan Chai, a Grade II historic building, provides free meals and lodging to all travelers regardless of faith.
* Worship services are held daily, with larger gatherings on Sundays and for major festivals like Vaisakhi.
* The temple also commemorates Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh’s birthdays.
12. Judaism: (4)
* Hong Kong’s Jewish community dates back to the 1840s and remains active today.
* There are three synagogues, the most prominent being the Ohel Leah Synagogue on Robinson Road.
* Adjacent is the Jewish Community Centre, offering kosher dining, a supermarket, classes, and cultural programs.
* This center serves over 400 families, becoming a vibrant hub of Jewish life in the city.
13. Wrap-up Sentence: (3)
* As you can see, Hong Kong is not just a global financial center—it’s a true crossroads of faiths, where temples, mosques, churches, and synagogues coexist in harmony.
* This cultural richness also extends to language: Hongkongers are proudly biliterate and trilingual.
* They read and write in Chinese and English, and speak Cantonese, English, and increasingly Mandarin.
Religion-related Festivals
- Lunar New Year / Chinese New Year: (4)
- Ching Ming Festival / Tomb-Sweeping Day: (2)
- Dragon Boat Festival: (3)
- Mid-Autumn Festival: (4)
- Chung Yeung Festival / Double Ninth Festival: (3)
- Religious Holidays: (1)
2:50 minutes
1. Lunar New Year / Chinese New Year: (4)
* Hong Kong Chinese generally observe five major lunar calendar festivals, with…
* Chinese New Year being one of Hong Kong’s biggest and most important festivals.
* It is a three-day public holiday, but celebrations typically last 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival.
* During the New Year, people exchange greetings and gifts, and children receive “lai see” (red money envelopes)*
2. Ching Ming Festival / Tomb-Sweeping Day: (2)
* During Ching Ming Festival or Tomb-Sweeping Day, people pay respect to their ancestors, marked by grave-sweeping rituals and offerings.
* It is held 15 days after the spring equinox, usually between April 4–6.
3. Dragon Boat Festival: (3)
* Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, usually in late May or early June.
* It is a public holiday in Hong Kong.
* The day is marked by dragon boat races and the eating of zongzi, or sticky rice dumplings.
4. Mid-Autumn Festival: (4)
* The Mid-Autum Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, typically in September or early October.
* It is a public holiday in Hong Kong.
* The festival is about family reunion and moon appreciation, as the full moon symbolizes togetherness.
* Mooncakes are a traditional treat, available in many variations—lotus seed paste, salted egg yolk, snow skin, or savory options.
5. Chung Yeung Festival / Double Ninth Festival: (3)
* Chung Yeung Festival or Double Ninth Festival is observed on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month, usually in October.
* It’s a time for hiking, as climbing high places is believed to ward off misfortune.
* People also visit their ancestors’ graves, offering incense, food, and prayers.
6. Religious Holidays: (1)
* Besides traditional festivals, several major religious holidays, including Good Friday, Easter, Buddha’s Birthday and Christmas, are public holidays, when believers hold celebratory or commemorative activities.
Stanley
1. Introduction (1)
2. Origin of Name (3)
3. Early History (4)
4. From Storm to Renewal (5)
3 minutes (if completely presented)
(Start talking about Stanley, once the bus passed by Chung Hom Kok Road to Stanley Plaza on your right)
1. Introduction: (1)
* As we wind our way along the coastline, we’re now approaching Stanley, one of the most scenic and culturally rich areas on Hong Kong Island.
2. Origin of the Name: (3)
* The Chinese name for Stanley is Chek Chue (赤柱), which translates to “Red Pillar.” According to local legend, this area was once filled with cotton trees whose bright red blossoms resembled flaming pillars—hence the poetic name.
* But there’s also a more practical theory. This village was once a pirate haven, and the Hakka-speaking locals referred to it as “a place where thieves lived.”
* The English name “Stanley” is believed to honor Lord Stanley, who was the British Colonial Secretary at the time Hong Kong was ceded to Britain in 1842.
3. Early History: (4)
* Stanley’s story begins as a quiet fishing village, but it nearly became the first administrative center for British Hong Kong.
* The British government considered it ideal due to its large population and active trade.
* But fate had other plans—dysentery outbreaks and the threat of piracy drove the British north to settle in present-day Central instead.
* Despite being passed over as the capital, Stanley has preserved its colonial past through landmarks like the Old Stanley Police Station, Stanley Post Office, and the solemn Stanley Military Cemetery, which holds the stories of World War II soldiers and civilians.
4. From Storm to Renewal: (5)
* In 1960, Typhoon Mary slammed into Stanley, destroying many of the area’s wooden houses.
* In response, the government developed Mary Village to resettle affected residents.
* From there, Stanley began its transformation.
* Thanks to its peaceful atmosphere, seaside charm, and cool breezes, it became a magnet for expatriates and artists, slowly evolving into one of the most beloved residential and tourist areas in Hong Kong.
* Music fans might also know that Stanley was once the home of legendary Taiwanese singer Teresa Teng. Her elegant green villa here remains a quiet pilgrimage spot for admirers.
Stanley Main Beach
1. Introduction (2)
2. Activities (2)
3. Facilities (3)
4. Accessibility (1)
5. Wrap-up (1)
2:00 minutes
(Start talking about Stanley Beach, once the bus moves around the turn-around)
1. Overview: (2)
* We’re almost at Stanley Main Beach, one of Hong Kong’s most popular public beaches.
* It is known for its golden sands, calm blue waters, and a relaxing atmosphere that draws both locals and tourists year-round.
2. Activities: (2)
* Stanley Main Beach is nearly 200 meters long, and it’s a favorite spot for water sports—especially windsurfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
* It’s also famous for the Dragon Boat Festival, when the beach becomes the vibrant stage for one of Hong Kong’s largest and most exciting dragon boat races, attracting over 6,000 athletes from around the world.
3. Facilities: (3)
* The beach is well maintained by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
* You’ll find lifeguard services during the swimming season, along with changing rooms, showers, and BBQ pits for casual seaside meals.
* In 2006, the Stanley Main Beach Water Sports Centre opened, giving easy access to windsurfing gear and lessons—perfect if you’re feeling adventurous!
4. Accessibility: (1)
* Stanley Main Beach is easy to reach. Once we get off the bus near Stanley Market, it’s just a 5-minute walk along Stanley Beach Road.
5. Wrap-up: (1)
* Many visitors enjoy combining a visit to the beach with shopping and dining at Stanley Market and Plaza—it’s the perfect way to experience the best of this laid-back seaside neighborhood.
Information on Walking Tour
1. Introduction (2)
2. Duration of the Tour (1)
3. Itinerary (4)
4. Reminder (3)
1:20 minutes
1. Introduction: (2)
* After sharing so much about Stanley, I know everyone is excited to experience it firsthand.
* We’ll get off the bus shortly to walk around Stanley, and later you’ll have some free time to explore.
2. Duration of the Tour: (1)
* It’s now X o’clock, and we’ll stay here for approximately 1 hour.
3. Itinerary: (4)
* After getting off the bus, please don’t get separated and follow me closely.
* I will take you to the municipal government building to give a brief introduction and to show you the meeting location and restrooms.
* Then, we’ll continue to Stanley Street, where I’ll introduce Stanley Square and nearby facilities.
* After the walking tour, there will be free time for restrooms, shopping, and taking photos.
4. Reminder: (3)
* Please remember my phone number: XXXX XXXX and our bus number: TB5477.
* Be sure to take all your belongings with you when we leave the bus.
* And most importantly, please watch out for traffic when crossing the roads.
