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Photo of the Day Jun 2021
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 Reflection Reflection at Statue Square in Central after the rain including HSBC Building, Cheung Kong Centre and Bank of China Building. Central . Hong Kong | 2021 25 Jun 2021  Exploring Deserted Detention Centre An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted detention centre. With an area of 1,573 sq m, the compound of 4 two-storey buildings was originally built in the early 1950s as a clubhouse for army engineers. Beginning in the late '50s, the premises were taken over by the disciplined forces and turned into a detention centre for political dissidents , underground communists, separatists, leftist activists and spies working for either the Kuomintang or the Chinese Communist Party. From the late '50s until the early '70s, hundreds of thousands of political prisoners were detained in there without proper trial, many of whom were interrogated repeatedly and tortured. It has been abandoned since 1995. In 2018, a large part of the compound was converted into a business school and only a 2-storey building remained. Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture, leave no trace and not revealing the location. Hong Kong | 2021 24 Jun 2021  Barrack Block of Tai Kwun The Barrack Block is the oldest police building in Tai Kwun. Located beside the Parade Ground, it was constructed in 1862-64. The building was expanded to a 4-storey structure after 1905. . The former Central Police Station compound, with over 170 years of history, opened in May 2018 as Tai Kwun - Centre for Heritage and Arts. It is a declared monument. SOHO . Hong Kong | 2021 23 Jun 2021  Exploring Deserted Church in the Hills An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted church in the hills. The location is quite remote and could be a retreat. The 2-storey building appears to be a villa which is later used as a church. Traces of a cross which had been removed from the wall in the main hall can be found. A swimming pool and a basketball court are on site. It has been deserted for over 10 years and the compound is overgrown with bushes. Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture, leave no trace and not revealing the location. Hong Kong | 2021 22 Jun 2021  Aqueous - Interactive Art Tech Installation Aqueous, by American artist Jen Lewin, is an interactive landscape of meandering pathways of light. During the day, the sculpture shifts in colour and reflection, mirroring the sky. At night, Aqueous glows in full illuminated interactivity, engaging groups in an ever-changing landscape that promotes community interaction and discovery. Inspired by the symmetry in natural systems, Aqueous, composed of hundreds of interactive modular platforms, is one of the first pattern-based sculptures created on this scale. Each platform is controlled by code written by the artist, allowing them to sense human interaction individually, but also to link to each other to create interconnected pathways of light effects. Tai Kwun Parade Ground | 12-20 June 2021 SOHO . Hong Kong | 2021 21 Jun 2021  Emma Explores Deserted English-style Villa Emma, an avid photographer and urban explorer from Seattle, ventures into a deserted English-style villa. Built in 1927 in Classical Revival architecture with symmetrical plan. An imposing entrance gives access to a large central reception hall with rooms on either side in the Palladian style. The side rooms extend to the rear as wings to form a three-sided courtyard. A staircase gives access to the upper floor. A classical red-brick facade featuring white painted columns, balustrades, and window surrounds, is a style popular in Edwardian times. A segmental pediment surrounds the projecting central bay over the entrance porch, and a domed cupola is situated on the flat roof behind the pediment. The first floor has shuttered windows. A European- style fountain stands in front. The mansion was owned by a rich Choi family. After the death of the owner in 1944, the family members moved away and the house was deserted, falling into disrepair. It is said that 7 people were drowned there and it is haunted. Rumours have it that during the night, people heard women screaming and crying. In 2007, it was listed as a Grade I historical building and downgraded to Grade II in 2010. Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture, leave no trace and not revealing the location. Hong Kong | 2021 20 Jun 2021  Exploring Deserted Haunted School An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted haunted school. The 3-storey school started operation from 1950s with classrooms around a courtyard design. By the 1980s, enrolling students had become more difficult and ended around 1989. It was a private English-language secondary school. It has been abandoned for many years with graffiti all over the building. It is said that during the Japanese occupation, the school building was used as a comfort women station, and women were tortured and killed. In 2003, a newspaper headline story reported that 8 students entered the school and the neighboring mansion at night. 3 of them were suspected to have been possessed and the police was called for help. Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture, leave no trace and not revealing the location. Hong Kong | 2021 19 Jun 2021  "Brazen Attack on Hong Kong Press Freedom" as 500 Police Raided Apple Daily, 5 Arrested 500 police officers descended on the headquarters of prominent Hong Kong media Apple Daily and arrested 5 senior Editors and directors on Thursday, June 17. Computers and documents, including some containing journalistic materials, were taken away. "Today’s raids and arrests at Apple Daily in Hong Kong demonstrate Beijing is using the National Security Law to target dissenting voices and silence media," British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said. "National security law is being used to stifle media freedom and freedom of expression in Hong Kong," said an European Union spokesperson. Yamini Mishra, Amnesty International’s Asia-Pacific Regional Director said: 'With this latest brazen attack on one of its fiercest media critics, the Hong Kong authorities are ramping up their crackdown on press freedom and using the pretext of "national security" to justify it.' 8 Hong Kong press unions and associations issued a joint statement, expressing shock and dismay by the National Security Department's arrest of the Apple Daily management and the search of the newspaper headquarters. The media and the public worry that the National Security Law was "weaponized" to target news reports and arrest media management and journalists, posing a serious threat to press freedom. The co-signatories include the Hong Kong Journalists Association, Hong Kong Press Photographers Association, Independent Commentators Association, the Union of Next Media, and Journalism Educators for Press Freedom. Tseung Kwan O . Hong Kong | 2021 18 Jun 2021  Exploring Deserted Haunted Cinema An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted haunted cinema. The cinema opened in 1978, and added a billiard room in the 1980s. Since the nearby public housing estates began to be rebuilt in the 1990s, the cinema closed in the 1990s due to its inconvenient location and poor operating conditions. There have been many haunted rumours in the cinema over the past few decades, and many people felt that the cinema looked spooky when they passed by. After the cinema became deserted, it became a popular urban exploration site in the area. There were rumours that the empty appeared "fully occupied" and accidents occurred during the demolition. It was described by the neighbourhood as a "haunted cinema." The landlord revealed that they plan to create shared value for the community by giving back in different ways, and reiterated its intention to revitalize the cinema in order to provide the community with an art venue for promoting the development of the local movie industry. Relevant preparatory work is currently underway but the details are yet to be announced. Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture, leave no trace and not revealing the location. Hong Kong | 2021 17 Jun 2021  Entrance to Silver Village in Mui Wo Mui Wo is located on the eastern shore of Lantau Island. Historical records show that there were people living in villages there during the Southern Sung Dynasty. The ancient name was "Mui Duk", "Mui Wai" or "Mui Wei". According to the "Sun On County Chronicles", Emperor King Yim (Sung Shui Chung) of Sung Dynasty once took a boat to Mui Wei and built a transient palace (temporary residence). Some scholars pointed out that Mui Wei Mountain was Mui Wo and was where one of the residences of Sung Dynasty emperor was located at that time. Mui Wo was one of several salt-producing sites on Lantau Island, and its history can be traced back to the Sung Dynasty. In the 1960s, a large number of fishermen poured into Mui Wo and built a shanty town, which caused pollution of the salt pans and forced the cessation of salt mining operations. In addition to salt production, Mui Wo also produced minerals. The mine in Mui Wo was originally a lead mine. Later, some miners discovered silver ore inside. Scholars estimate that the mine was put into production as early as 1862 with large-scale mining operations in 1886. In 1896, the mine stopped production due to poor quality of silver. The bay adjacent to Mui Wo is called Silvermine Bay. Silver Village near the silver mine is believed to be the place where former miners lived. Lantau . Hong Kong | 2021 16 Jun 2021  Exploring Deserted Century-old Red-brick Mansion An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted century-old mansion. The mansion was built in 1918. The 2-storey building covers an area of 200 sq m, with red brick exterior walls. There are western-style arched balconies and columns. The garden has a fountain. The windows inside the house are octagonal with wooden floor and wooden staircase, a blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles. The interior has been propped up with metal posts extensively. It is a Grade I historic building. In 1943, during the Japanese occupation, the homeowner died in the mansion. The death certificate recorded 'unknown cause of death.' After Japan surrendered in 1945, the mansion has been left deserted. As the mansion has been derelict for a long time, there are many rumours that it is haunted. It is said that the mansion was used as a place to imprison comfort women during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong. as it is deserted and haunted, so it is called a "haunted house". In 2003, 8 youths went in to exlore. One of the girls was suspected of being spooked by a ghost and screamed. She changed into a male voice and was extremely powerful. Four police officers had to be dispatched to subdue her. .l , Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture, leave no trace and not revealing the location. Hong Kong | 2021 15 Jun 2021  Sunset over Victoria Harbour Sunset over Victoria H¸ tarbour viewed from Wanchai waterfront. Wanchai . Hong Kong | 2021 14 Jun 2021  Exploring Deserted Historic Chinese Tenement An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted historic Tong Lau (Chinese tenement building). The 4-storey building with 2 units on each floor was completed in 1951. It was the residence of the founder of a prominent local newspaper that started in 1925 and stopped publication in 1995. Designed by famous Portuguese architect A H Basto, the building also housed a dormitory for some of the newspaper's employees. The area had been designated by the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) for re-development, but this building was saved from being redeveloped after concern groups opposed and fought for its preservation. It was rated as a Grade II historic building in 2019. Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture, leave no trace and not revealing the location. Hong Kong | 2021 13 Jun 2021  Exploring Colourful Sky Castle Saunter through Sky Castle,12 colourfully lit inflated archways to trigger sounds inspired by different corners of our city and immerse yourselves in a dreamy vibe charged with Causeway Bay's urban energy. These arches and windows of beauty open up endless splendid scenes that delight eyes, ears and souls. Both masters of combining art and technology, Australian multimedia design studio ENESS and home-bred design and production team Hattrick Creative join hands to bring the new, interactive arch-shaped installation to Causeway Bay Waterfront, 1-10 pm, 5-20 Jun 2021. Unfortunately, Sky Castle was down for maintenance and was not ready for roaming during my visit. Causeway Bay . Hong Kong | 2021 12 Jun 2021  Exploring Deserted Campsite An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted campsite. The campsite was built on a hill slope with bunk beds, an auditorium and activity rooms, each in independent cabins. There are also outdoor activities venues, including badminton courts, barbecue stoves and campfire site. They are built on 10 terraces with many fruit trees. The environment would have been quite serene in its day. Opened in 1988, it has been deserted for many years, with debris scattered around, and the outside is covered with fallen leaves. Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture, leave no trace and not revealing the location. Hong Kong | 2021 11 Jun 2021  The Last Dragon Kiln in Hong Kong: Under Threat Constructed in the 1940s, the Castle Peak Pottery Kiln is the only complete and intact dragon kiln remaining in Hong Kong. Craftsman Leung Sum, who started making pottery in Shiwan, China since he was 8, took over the kiln in 1951. The kiln produced a variety of household ceramic items. Dragon kiln, a traditional wood fire kiln with a long brick chamber, is one of the best and oldest technologies for firing ceramics at high-temperatures. Invented in China during the Han dynasty, they are still in use in many countries. In China, the most famous kilns are located in Jingdezhen. Not even the most modern and expensive electric or gas kiln can reproduce the beautiful, natural glazes on ceramic wares as a traditional wood fire kiln. Due to competition from cheaper products from other parts of Asia, the kiln ceased industrial operations in the late 70s. In 2014, it was rated as a Grade III historic building. However since 2017, the government changed the land use of the surrounding area and is currently constructing a public housing estate within 30 metres. This has placed the Dragon Kiln under direct threat due to potential danger of collapse by the housing construction. The loss of the surrounding open space also makes the revitalization much more difficult. Castle Peak . Hong Kong | 2021 10 Jun 2021  Exploring Deserted Iconic Western Restaurant An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted Western restaurant which was iconic and a landmark of the district. Built in 1951, the 3-storey restaurant has a terrace with waterfront views and an interior that resembles a boat cabin. It was rated as a Grade III historic building in 2015. It was closed in 2020 and the owner plans to demolish and turn it into a 10-storey boutique hotel. Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture, leave no trace and not revealing the location. Hong Kong | 2021 9 Jun 2021  River of Light by Patrick Shearn Fluttering vibrantly in mid-air over Central Harbourfront, River of Light by world-renowned American artist Patrick Shearn's acclaimed Skynet art series is on display from June 5 to 15 (1pm to 10pm; last admission at 9.30pm). The 700 sq m kinetic sculpture features over 45,000 colourful streamers and a light-reflecting band running through the centre, symbolising a river connecting the past, present and future of our city with the life, growth and possibility of water. Central . Hong Kong | 2021 8 Jun 2021  Dukling Sailing at Sunset Dukling, the only original Chinese junk with 3 sails remaining in Hong Kong, sails in Victoria Harbour at sunset. Victoria Harbour . Hong Kong | 2021 7 Jun 2021  Exploring Abandoned Villa in Upscale District An avid urban explorer ventures into an abandoned villa in an upscale district. The 3-storey villa was built in 1967 on the slope of a hill. It has been deserted for many years and became a playground for war-gamers and graffiti artists. A jukebox stands on the ground floor. A spiral staircase linked the second and third floor. Part of the building is dilapidated and rotting. Urban exploration is based on the principles of only taking pictures, leaving no trace and not revealing the location. Hong Kong | 2021 6 Jun 2021  Cherie Explores Deserted Catholic School Cherie, an avid hiker and urban explorer, ventures into a deserted Catholic school. The school was founded in 1958 and moved into this building in 1968. It has been deserted since 2011 after moving to another campus and became a playground for graffiti artists. A chapel is located on the top floor. Police claimed that they found explosive devices in May 2021, sealed off the building and used it for drills occasionally. Urban exploration is based on the principles of only taking pictures, leaving no trace and not revealing the location. Hong Kong | 2021 5 Jun 2021  Hong Kong Police Locked Down Victoria Park Unprecedently to Prevent June 4 Vigil On June 4, 2021, the deserted Victoria Park bears witness to Beijing, Hong Kong Government and the police's infinite fear of the people. 7,000 police were deployed in Hong Kong on Friday, June 4 and the organiser of the city's now- banned annual vigil of China's Tiananmen massacre arrested, as the authorities tried to prevent people from gathering for any kind of commemoration of the 1989 crackdown. Police have sealed off most parts of Victoria Park on the 32nd anniversary of the Tiananmen Massacre, citing risks of an unauthorised assembly after the force banned the annual candlelight vigil for the second successive year after 30 years. Blue warning signs and audio announcements warned people not to gather. Some passers-by were stopped and searched by the police. In defiance of police ban, thousands still gathered at and around Victoria Park with lit candles, phones and placards reading "Never Forget June 4". Performance artist Three Wood and 65 year-old Auntie Alexandra Wong were prominently present. 180,000 Hong Kong people attended the 2019's 30th anniversary vigil, gathering in Victoria Park and lighting candles, a great contrast with the empty grounds this year. This year, many plan to light candles again in their own neighbourhood all over Hong Kong, if safe to do so. Some churches were open for prayers. Jailed activist Jimmy Sham said via his Facebook page he planned to “light a cigarette at 8pm” and encouraged people to light a candle anywhere. Causeway Bay . Hong Kong | 2021 4 Jun 2021  Over 10,000 in Hong Kong Commemorates June 4 Defying Police Ban in 2020 Last year, in defiance of the police ban imposed for the first time in 30 years, Hong Kong continued its annual commemorative candlelight vigil for the 1989 Tiananmen Massacre victims. The authorities cited Covid-related social distancing measures. Many feared that the vigil at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay, where attendees called for an end to one-party rule, would never happen again with the looming national security laws. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department worked with the police to block access to the Victoria Park football fields with blockades and chains, to prevent people from entering, in an attempt to make large scale candlelight vigil impossible. Lee Cheuk-yan, chair of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, the organiser, and members entered Victoria Park in groups of eight, in accordance with virus control regulations. Smaller rallies happened citywide. They lit candles at 8 pm, and at 8:09 pm observed one minute of silence. At least 100 booths were set up across the city in the afternoon to distribute candles and they called on the public to do the same and join an online rally to commemorate the June 4 massacre. The public was encouraged to share photos and messages on social media with the hashtag #6431truth. Over 10,000 entered Victoria Park, taking down the barricades to join the candlelight vigil, undaunted by at least 20 police vans deployed nearby. Lee Cheuk-yan called the ban a political decision even before the National Security Laws were enacted, pointing out that schools had reopened, large religious gatherings were allowed and commercial activities have largely resumed. Pro-democracy legislators requested to mark the anniversary in the Legislative Council chamber. They were refused by the chair, but stood and held a moment of silence anyway. Then they chanted “Never forget June 4!” while a pro-government politician spoke. A record 180,000 had attended the annual candlelight vigil to commemorate the 30th anniversary of June 4 last year, according to the organisers. Causeway Bay . Hong Kong | 2020 3 Jun 2021  Cannot Forget - June 4 Vigil 19 year-old Mary mourns at the annual vigil at Victoria Park, Hong Kong, with her friends, to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the 1989 June 4 Tiananmen Massacre. They were all born after the event. The annual June 4 vigil at Victoria Park for the 32nd anniversary this year has been banned by the Hong Kong Police for the second consecutive year. Causeway Bay . Hong Kong | 2021 2 Jun 2021  6432 The sea of candles at the June 4 vigil at Victoria Park, Hong Kong where 150,000 braved thunderstorm and torrential rain to commenmorate the 24th anniversary of 1989 Tiananmen Massacre in 2013. The annual June 4 vigil for the 32nd anniversary this year is banned by the Hong Kong Police for the second consecutive year. Causeway Bay . Hong Kong | 2013 1 Jun 2021  This image was used by the Consulate General of Canada for Hong Kong and Macao as their Facebook Cover Photo in June 2014. Archive: May Apr Mar Feb Jan 2021 Dec Nov Oct Sep Aug Jul Jun May Apr Mar Feb Jan 2020 Dec Nov Oct Sep Aug Jul Jun May Apr Mar Feb Jan 2019 Dec Nov Oct Sep Aug Jul Jun May Apr Mar Feb Jan 2018 Dec Nov Oct Sep Aug Jul Jun May Apr Mar Feb Jan 2017 Dec Nov Oct Sep Aug Jul Jun May Apr Mar Feb Jan 2016 Dec Nov Oct Sep Aug Jul Jun May Apr Mar Feb Jan 2015 Dec Nov Oct Sep Aug Jul Jun May Apr Mar Feb 2014 |
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