Name(English): Golden Bauhinia Square
Name(Chinese): 金紫荆廣場
Category: Major Attraction
Address(English): 1 Expo Dr., Wan Chai
Address(Chinese): 灣仔博覽道1號
Address Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/YT1BdLbS4LF9QgYJ9
Address longitude and latitude: 22.284435139234727, 114.17390014465403
Nearest MTR Station: Wan Chai MTR Station Exit A1
Nearest MTR Station Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/Q12gZEvNBP3JqJsXA
Nearest MTR Station longitude and latitude: 22.278108722075746, 114.17323732926454
How far from the nearest MTR Station: 16 mins walk from Wan Chai MTR Station Exit A1
Opening Hours:
Mon 00:00 – 23:59
Tue 00:00 – 23:59
Wed 00:00 – 23:59
Thurs 00:00 – 23:59
Fri 00:00 – 23:59
Sat 00:00 – 23:59
Sun 00:00 – 23:59
Recommended Time to Visit: Any opening hours
Accessibility Note: Easy access
Painted in gold, a giant sculpture of a blooming Bauhinia is overlooking the Victoria Harbor outside the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, where the Handover of Hong Kong in 1997 – the most historical moment of the city took place. A tourist attraction the golden statue has become maybe because of its sumptuous appearance and unusual size, but to the majority of Hong Kong citizens, it indeed evokes a complex set of feelings towards the city’s future.
How has Bauhinia Blakeana become the emblem of Hong Kong ever since 1965? Despite its origin still being unknown, the crimson-purple flower was first discovered by a French Missionary at Pokfulam during the early colonial era and named after Sir Henry Blake who was the Governor of the city at the time. Everyone thought the flower was native to the city, but it is in fact a hybrid of two floral species, which indeed reflects the way in which Hong Kong itself originated – the city where East meets West. No wonder it was selected to be the flower emblem and even featured in the Hong Kong flag.
But to the surprise of many, the Bauhinia is actually sterile, meaning it cannot self-fertilize and can only be reproduced through artificial means. The flower cannot blossom without proper care – doesn’t it bring a contrasting idea though to the symbolism of the Golden Bauhinia: maintaining the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong? It somehow foreshadows the city’s current instability due to the growing tensions with China. Hong Kong had everything the citizens were proud of but they were viewing the city with mixed feelings, especially when the red Bauhinia flag was rising whilst the blue ensign flag lowering on the stormy night of June 30, 1997.
On the night, every household had their television on trying to witness the emotional ceremony of the Handover through live broadcasting. Hearing the British National Anthem for the last time, seeing Chinese army vehicles entering the territory, watching Prince Charles and Chris Patten, the last Governor of Hong Kong sail away from the city – these iconic moments, marked the end of the 156-year British ruling, only left the citizens with a great deal of uncertainties.
Many moved to the countries they desired but many decided to stay as they still have great hopes for the city. 50 Year Unchanged granted from One Country, Two Systems is just in its midway but the city is already facing constant political interference from the Mainland, with its core values being shaken. Can the Golden Bauhinia still cast its spell on the future of Hong Kong?
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