“Contemplate the ephemeral nature of existence,” a weathered inscription above the entrance seems to suggest as we approach Diamond Hill Urn Cemetery. Diamond Hill Urn Cemetery, also known as New Kowloon Cemetery No. 8, is more than a final resting place. It reflects the city’s complex relationship with tradition, modernity, and the cycle of life.
Diamond Hill Urn Cemetery occupies a landscape where grave pits meet native trees. It is located at Diamond Hill. Here, grave pits are planted on both flat burial ground and terraces. This design follows its natural landscape.
Let’s delve deeper into the workings of Diamond Hill Urn Cemetery. The Diamond Hill Crematorium was renovated in 2007. It spans 19,500 square meters. It houses four service halls that can each seat 100 people. The Sze Chen Hall is a nine-story columbarium block. There are also roadside open-air hallways. These structures store cremated ashes.
Niches for ashes create walls. Each niche is sealed with an epitaph-like tile. These walls divide the columbarium spaces in parallel. The morning sun casts a tranquil light between these walls of niches. The Yeung Nim Hall, built in late 2008, is an eight-story V-shaped building. Greenery decorates each level of this new columbarium block. Wide landscape staircases connect each level. They simulate the traditional grave sweeping experience. It reminds us of those heading to the hills for ‘Bai San’.
Interestingly, filming is allowed here, subject to certain conditions. To film at Diamond Hill Urn Cemetery, one must contact the Senior Health Inspector. Applications should be submitted 10 working days in advance. Details about the filming location, date, time, and purpose are required. A synopsis of the film and crew size are needed too. The basic charge for filming is $7,090 for the first four hours. Each subsequent four-hour block costs $1,990. A refundable deposit is also required.
There was a time when illegal graves posed a challenge here. In 2014, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department worked to remove illegal graves on the slope north of Diamond Hill Urn Cemetery. By January 2014, they had removed 210 illegal graves. The remains were moved to Sandy Ridge Cemetery.
Diamond Hill Urn Cemetery is a place of respect. It is where the past connects with the present. As you reflect on the lives commemorated here, consider how this space embodies Hong Kong’s unique blend of cultural heritage.