The weathered stone whispers tales of emperors. Sung Wong Toi Garden stands before you. A simple yet profound place.
This garden holds a piece of Hong Kong’s history. It commemorates two young emperors. Emperor Zhao Shi and Emperor Zhao Bing. They fled the Mongol invasion in the 13th century. They sought refuge in Kowloon City.
Legend says the elder brother named the area Kowloon. It means Nine Dragons. He saw eight peaks surrounding Kowloon City. He considered himself the ninth dragon. After his death locals created a monument. A huge boulder was inscribed with the words Sung Wong Toi. This means Terrace of the Song Kings.
This boulder originally sat atop Sacred Hill. Sacred Hill was a prominent landmark. It stood near the shore. It offered breathtaking views. Sadly Sacred Hill was destroyed. The Japanese leveled it during the occupation. They needed rocks and land to expand Kai Tak Airport.
Locals saved the Sung Wong Toi boulder. It survived the destruction of Sacred Hill. It was moved to its current location. The government built Sung Wong Toi Garden around it in 1960.
The boulder was cut into a rectangular shape. It remains a focal point of the garden. It stands as a testament to the emperors’ story. It also serves as a reminder of Kowloon’s rich history.
The garden itself is tranquil. It’s filled with lush greenery. It offers a peaceful escape. The story of the Sung Wong Toi is a captivating one. It is a story of survival resilience and remembrance. Take a moment to appreciate this special place. It embodies the spirit of Hong Kong’s past and present.