Did the ninth dragon slumber beneath the waves? The Mountains of Kowloon rise before you, eight distinct peaks punctuating the Hong Kong skyline. They form a natural border, separating Kowloon from the New Territories, their presence a silent testament to a history as intricate as the city below. The Mountains of Kowloon weren’t always a passive backdrop. They played a crucial role in shaping the region, influencing everything from urban development to the very name “Kowloon.” The name, meaning “nine dragons,” refers to these eight peaks: Kowloon Peak, Tung Shan, Tate’s Cairn, Temple Hill, Unicorn Ridge, Lion Rock, Beacon Hill, and Crow’s Nest. But where is the ninth? Legend whispers it’s Emperor Bing of Song, who sought refuge in the area from Mongol invaders. In ancient China, emperors were revered as dragons. Emperor Bing, by joining the eight mountains, completed the mystical number nine. The Mountains of Kowloon have witnessed Kowloon’s transformation from a sparsely populated area, favored by the British for tiger-hunting expeditions, to the bustling metropolis it is today. Imagine the British venturing into these hills, chasing the elusive South China tiger. Years later, these same hills provided a backdrop for the refugee slums that sprung up after World War II, later replaced by public housing estates and a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial spaces. The mountains, ever-present, observed it all. The Mountains of Kowloon offer a tangible link to the past, a reminder that even amidst the frenetic pace of modern Hong Kong, ancient stories still resonate. Look closely at the contours of the peaks. Can you visualize the nine dragons, guarding their domain? Their watchful presence continues to shape the narrative of this dynamic city.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to