Home | People | Architecture | Landscape | Documentary | Travel | Events | Shop/Donate | Artist
Photo of the Day Jun 2024
Archive: May Apr Mar Feb Jan 2024
Dec Nov Oct Sep Aug Jul Jun May Apr Mar Feb Jan 2023
Dec Nov Oct Sep Aug Jul Jun May Apr Mar Feb Jan 2022
Dec Nov Oct Sep Aug Jul Jun 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
 Abandoned Monastery from 1930s An avid urban explorer ventures into a abandoned monastery. The 2-storey monastery is located in the hills without any access path. One has to climb steep slopes, wade through bushes and tall grass to get there. The location is not marked on any current map. There is an emblem of the sun on the lintel, a symbol of the Republic of China, most probably built around 1930s. The 2-storey building is quite large, with 2 entrances and 3 bays, no patio and a very high roof. There is a single-storey additions to the right and behind. The back room, built with traditional blue bricks and wooden beams, has collapsed, with only the walls standing. The front room is built with expensive C.P.B. red bricks from Australia, cement and steel bars. It was probably added later. The upper floor looked gorgeous with 3 arches, but the stairs had collapsed. It has been abandoned since the 1970s. Hong Kong | 2024 30 Jun 2024  Many Disappointed as Clipper Stad Amsterdam Visits Hong Kong The magnificent 19th century-inspired clipper ship, Stad Amsterdam, calls on Hong Kong, with guided tours running from June 28 to July 2 at Central Pier No. 9. Many people are very disappointed by the arrangements by the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, which handles the tour booking. Only the few lucky people who successfully registered were informed. The vast majority who failed to book a tour remains in the dark without the courtesy of being notified. Such is the norm of the "New Hong Kong". Measuring 76 m long and boasting 31 sails with a total area of 2,200sq m, the clipper is a true sight to behold. Since August 2023, she's been embarking on a 2-year global voyage, gracing the shores of cities like Tokyo, Sydney, New York, and London. Central . Hong Kong | 2024 29 Jun 2024  Deserted Stable in the Hills An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted stable. The small stable is in the hills. There were 8 to 10 retired horses from the Jockey Club. They provided pleasure riding services for visitors. It was closed after the owner passed away in 1996. Hong Kong | 2024 28 Jun 2024  Last Throes of Haunted Deserted Mansion from 1940s An avid urban explorer ventures into a most haunted deserted mansion. The 2-storey mansion was built during World War II and was completed in 1941. The building is made of concrete, blending Chinese and Western styles. There are both Western-style pillars and Chinese- style arcades. It is rated as a Grade III historic building. After the mansion was deserted in the 1970s, there were rumours that many villagers heard the sound of dining or playing mahjong in the house at night, like a family gathering, but the house was dark and empty. Therefore, it is listed as the top of 10 most haunted houses in Hong Kong. It is now in the process of being converted into a 6-storey retirement home with 281 beds. The interior has been entirely cleared with new fixture ready to be installed. Hong Kong | 2024 27 Jun 2024  Deserted Public School An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted school. There are 2 single-storey buildings in the school with a dilapidated piano. The name of the school is on the upper building. There are Chinese and western drums in one of the rooms, probably for music class. It is in a dilapidated state with exposed abestos. Hong Kong | 2024 26 Jun 2024  Deserted Community Centre from 1940s An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted community centre. Built in 1947, the single-storey centre is located on a small hill. Access is via a series of stone steps. Due to inconvenience of access by elderlies, a new centre was opened in town as replacement. The old centre was once used by the local Chinese music society, leaving behind some Chinese musical instruments. Hong Kong | 2024 25 Jun 2024  Fly by Artist Zeng Fanzhi "Fly" places 2 male figures directly side by side. This arrangement, which has become a classic compositional structure over the course of art history. Attired in almost identical outfits, the 2 figures also both wear masks, hinting that any connection between the two remains veiled and obscured. The man on the right seems to have the face of Andy Warhol. The code might allow different readings: first, the man with black hair on the left represents the artist himself, or even Eastern artists at large, which is to say the shoulder-to-shoulder position he takes with the white-hair Warhol, a representative of Western contemporary artists, may imply the dialogue between Eastern and Western contemporary art. Second, Warhol looks gloomy. It is unusual of Zeng to put onto his work a familiar face and lay emphasis on his classic white hair; it induces us to associate this man with the pre-eminent, almost saintly Warhol and his very nonconformist, lofty, ultra-modern character, which may well represent modern men's state of mind. Apparently the image of Warhol is an immense attraction to Zeng, as reflected in many of his works embodying Warhol's portraits. Fly is his first painting of Andy Warhol, which becomes the harbinger, and an archetype, of his later work. Zeng Fanzhi is a contemporary Chinese artist based in Beijing. Zeng's works have been praised as possessing an emotional directness, an intuitive psychological sense, and a carefully calibrated expressionistic technique. Andy Warhol's Long Shadow exhibition at Gagosian gallery, Pedder Building, Hong Kong. Central . Hong Kong | 2024 24 June 2024  Deserted Metal Factory from 1940s @ Belgium An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted metal factory. Founded in1863, the factory made bolts for industrial use. It was dismantled during WWI and Bombed in WWII, but rebuilt in 1945 and enlarged in 1949. Due to economic uncertainties, the production was reduced to half since 2008 and to a quarter since 2011. The factory was closed in 2012. It is in a very sad state of disrepair with asbestos and collapsing wooden floors. Belgium | 2024 23 Jun 2024  Deserted Warehouse @ Belgium An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted warehouse. The warehouse is located in a popular city in Belgium. It has a gorgeous mural titled Dake25 on the red brick exterior wall that inspired many bikers that used the road. Not much is found inside except more murals. Belgium | 2024 22 Jun 2024  Deserted Petrol Station @ Belgium An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted ghost village in Belgium. The village exists since 1267. In the 1960's the nearby port wanted to expand and demanded that the village residents be cleared so docks and quays could be built there. In 1980, a dock was built there but this had never been in use. The village used to have about 1,200 inhabitants but since 2015, there are around 10 inhabitants, living in a ghost town. There are a couple of deserted petrol station with pumps still standing. It became a paradise for graffiti artists who covered every wall with their work. Belgium | 2024 21 Jun 2024  Deserted Century-old Bunker @ Belgium An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted fort in Belgium. The fort was built in 1817 by the Dutch and taken over by the Belgians after the Belgian Revolution in 1830. During the First and Second World War, the fort was used as a prison by the Germans. There is a bunker underground. It is deserted since 1980 and nature has taken over. Belgium | 2024 20 Jun 2024  Deserted Century-old Chateau Chapel @ Belgium An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted chareau in Belgium. The chateau, largely built in neo-traditional style, dates back to the 13th century. In mid-19th century, it was converted into a monastery and boarding house with an impressive neo-Gothic chapel, which was built in 1901-1902. Many dead pigions are found. It was sold in the 1960s to a commercial company that still owns it today. Numerous renovations/additions over time, turned it into a gigantic complex. Belgium | 2024 19 Jun 2024  Century-old Skull Grave @ Belgium An avid urban explorer ventures into an over 200 year-old cemetery in Belgium. The stone skull that lies in the shade of 200-year-old beech trees is over 150 years old. The gravestone marks the resting place of a merchant and his wife, and is a registered monument. The skull's mouth is grotesquely agape, resting on a pair of crossed femur bones. The gravestone is totally covered in green moss, highlighting the hollow eye sockets and the tortured scowl. Belgium | 2024 18 Jun 2024  Deserted Century-old Fort @ Belgium An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted fort in Belgium. The fort was built in 1817 by the Dutch and taken over by the Belgians after the Belgian Revolution in 1830. During the First and Second World War, the fort was used as a prison by the Germans. It is deserted since 1980 and nature has taken over. Graffiti is found on most walls. Belgium | 2024 17 Jun 2024  Deserted Power Plant from 1920s @ Belgium An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted power plant in Belgium. The power plant was built in 1921. It was one of the largest coal-burning power plants in Belgium. In the early 2000s, a report found that it was responsible for 10% of the total CO2 emissions in Belgium. Protests from Greenpeace followed, and the plant eventually closed its doors in 2007, and has been deserted ever since. The cooling tower is a very unique place with a pretty dystopian vibe to it. Belgium | 2024 17 Jun 2024  Deserted Coal Mines from 1930s @ Belgium An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted coal mines in Belgium. The mine opened in 1916 and the buildings date from 1934. The mine shaft number 10 was closed down in 1960 and became deserted since. All that remains are huge ruins with concrete mullions and transoms, filled with red bricks. Although they are mostly empty, no more machines, no more pit-head frames, one can still imagine the activity of this site. Belgium | 2024 16 Jun 2024  Deserted Swimming Pool from 1930s @ Belgium An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted swimming pool in Belgium. Built in 1937, the building was used as a swimming pool, a theatre, a casino, a shop and a restaurant. The building style mixed cubism and industrial architecture, which was very fashionable at that time. Its front part, very imposing and gorgeous, is a full glass rotunda. The glazing facade, monumental staircases, balconies, wrought iron railings, all contributed to its majesty. The owners closed the swimming pool, then the theatre on the first floor in 2004. A Muslim community tried to convert it into a mosque in 2005. Unfortunately, the project was stalled. The future of this former swimming pool today is uncertain… Belgium | 2024 15 Jun 2024  Deserted 13th Century Chateau @ Belgium An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted chareau in Belgium. The chateau, largely built in neo-traditional style, dates back to the 13th Century. In mid-19th century, it was converted into a monastery and boarding house with an impressive neo-Gothic chapel, which was built in 1901-1902. It was sold in the 1960s to a commercial company that still owns it today. Numerous renovations/additions over time, turned it into a gigantic complex. Belgium | 2024 14 Jun 2024  Deserted Hotel from 1930s @ Belgium An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted hotel in Belgium. Built in 1934, it started as a small youth hostel before growing up during the 60s and 70s. A café/restaurant was added, as well as an outside swimming pool that gained a lot of success. Unfortunately, things changed during the 90s with a lot of expensive renovation going on. In 2002, the swimming pool permit was withdrawn for non-compliance, and the clientele collapsed. The hotel went bankrupt in 2003. It was classified in 2004, prohibiting any kind of renovation, and stay deserted since 2005. Belgium | 2024 13 Jun 2024  Deserted Ghost Village @ Belgium An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted ghost village in Belgium. The village exists since 1267. In the 1960's the nearby port wanted to expand and demanded that the village residents be cleared so docks and quays could be built there. In 1980, a dock was built there but this had never been in use. The village used to have about 1,200 inhabitants but since 2015, there are around 10 inhabitants, living in a ghost town. It became a paradise for graffiti artists who covered every wall with their work. Belgium | 2024 12 Jun 2024  Deserted Century-old Abattoir @ Belgium An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted abattoir in Belgium. The abattoir was built between 1888 and 1890 by the architect Émile Tirou on the original swampy site of approximately 20 hectares, with a covered cattle market was built measuring 100 by 100 m. It was dedicated as a slaughterhouse for the city with a flourishing large cattle market. The arched steel construction Was supported by cast iron pillars (one every 10 metres), braced by brick-built barrel vaulting; a pearl of 19th-century industrial architecture. Even today, the market hall is supported by no less than 219 tons of cast iron and 640 tons of iron. It was closed down in 1983. Belgium | 2024 11 Jun 2024  Deserted Century-old Textile Factory @ Belgium An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted textile factory in Belgium. The textile factory was built in 1896. In 1907, it was enlarged and new office buildings were added in Flemish Neo-Renaissance style. In 1988, the factory was closed down and became deserted since. It is in an sad state of disrepair. Belgium | 2024 10 Jun 2024  Deserted Century-old Castle @ Belgium An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted Chinese Restaurant in Belgium. Built in 1895, the castle was a country retreat for the Ullens de Medaff family. The last years was used as a Chinese restaurant until closing in 2008. In 2010 part of the castle was destroyed by a fire. Since then it burned 6 times, leaving the building completely destroyed and extremely dangerous on the inside. Belgium | 2024 9 Jun 2024  Deserted Century-old Sugar Factory @ Italy An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted sugar factory in Italy. Built around 1900, the 16 hectare industrial complex employed around 1,000 seasonal workers before World War II. The war caused extensive damage, but by 1946 the factory had fully recovered and reactivated production at full speed. The establishment of the Common Sugar Market in 1960s put it in an inferior position compared to other European producers. It was closed in 1972. In 1989, a disastrous fire destroyed 3 of the buildings. It became one of the most evocative deserted factories. Italy | 2024 8 Jun 2024  Deserted Disco from 1920s @ Italy An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted disco in Italy. Built around 1928, the disco saw its heyday in the 50s and 60s. It hosted bands, even entire orchestras and was frequented by illustrious guests. It had a huge hall with imposing pillars, exquisitely frescoed ceilings and large windows that overlooked the garden outside. There are 2 ballrooms, a giant swimming pool, tennis courts, bowling green and a fountain that took your breath away for its beauty. It has hosted a Miss Italy contest. Around 2007 it was taken over by a new owner, but after a couple of years it was closed, deserted and left to decay. The chandelier has collapsed. Italy | 2024 7 Jun 2024  Deserted Grand Lakeside Villa @ Italy An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted grand villa overlooking a gorgeous lake in Italy. The villa was built and extended in various stages over the 19th Century on 60,000 sq m of land. It is surrounded by a vast parkland which once contained greenhouses, caves, bridges, gazebos stables and over 150 species of plants. In addition to decades of looting and vandalism, the villa was hit by a vicious storm around 8 years ago. A large area of the villa has collapsed, and the upper floors are treacherous. The house is in a very poor state of repair. The staircase is most striking. Colourful marble decorations decorate the walls. Traces of curtains still cling to the windows. Italy | 2024 6 Jun 2024 。  Deserted Disco @ Italy An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted disco in Italy. Started in 1952, the disco offered an intimate and exclusive spot that attracted people from all over the country to hear the top-notch orchestra and be wowed by world-class services. The current venue was constructed in 1966-68 after being ousted by the neighbours. It is a giant fiberglass dome with partially open archways around its perimeter, making it an indoor-outdoor space. A fire in the mid-1970s left only the dome intact and became deserted. In recent years, it has been the site of raves, parties, and artwork, including some done by the mysterious Italian street artist “Blu.” Italy | 2024 5 Jun 2024  Hong Kong Deploys Anti-riot Armoured Vehicle for June 4 An anti-riot, bullet-and-explosion-proof armoured vehicle, dubbed 'Saber-toothed tiger', is deployed next to Victoria Park, a venue that previously hosted mass Tiananmen crackdown remembrance vigils in Hong Kong for 3 decades. The vehicle has appeared for at least 3 days, apparently due to the "sensitive date" of June 4. This year is the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen incident of 1989. At least 10 police vehicles were also deployed in the area. Dozens of uniform and plainclothes police officers were patrolling near the park, concentrated around East Point Road, Hennessy Road and Lockhart Road. This is not the first time. Similar arrangements were made on Chinese New Year; October 1 - China's national day; July 1, anniversary of the transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong from UK to China. Artist Sanmu Chan was stopped, questioned and taken away by police in Causeway Bay on Monday, the eve of the Tiananmen crackdown anniversary, as he sought to partake in some peaceful performance art. Chan wrote the Chinese characters for “8964” with his finger in the air, referencing the date of the 1989 crackdown. He also mimed pouring wine onto the ground to mourn the dead, per a Chinese tradition, before over 30 police moved in and took him away. Is there an elevated threat of terrorist attack or an imminent riot? As the government claims repeatedly that Hong Kong has already moved 'from chaos to rule', is it necessary to have such disproportionate show of force? Will it scare off tourists who might think that Hong Kong is a very dangerous place? Is it spreading the image of a 'Good Hong Kong'? Causeway Bay . Hong Kong | 2024 4 June 2024  Exhibition Honours Master Photojournalist Chan Kiu A Hong Kong exhibition to honour the work of photojournalist and former chief photographer of South China Morning Post - Chan Kiu opens with some of his most striking images. Chan, who died in April aged 96, covered some of the most grand events in the city's history, including riots, influx of refugees, typhoons, and disasters on land and at sea. The exhibition – 'In Memory of a Master Photojournalist, History of Hong Kong Through the Lens of Chan Kiu' – is at the Hong Kong News-Expo in Central spreading over 2 floors. Open daily except Monday from 10am to 7pm Admission is free. SOHO . Hong Kong | 2024 3 Jun 2024  Deserted Village School from 1970s An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted village school. The school was originally built in 1930 with donations from the villagers. As the village population grew, a larger campus was built in the 1970s. At its heyday, there were 400 students. It has been deserted for while. Furniture and personal items have been cleared. Hong Kong | 2024 2 Jun 2024  Deserted Stone Statue Garden Quite a few deserted stone statues are found in a peninsula next to the coast. They include Buddha figures in standing and sitting positions. Some are Buddha heads. Some are Bali-style sculptures. Hong Kong | 2024 1 Jun 2024 Archive: May Apr Mar Feb Jan 2024 Dec Nov Oct Sep Aug Jul Jun May Apr Mar Feb Jan 2023 Dec Nov Oct Sep Aug Jul Jun May Apr Mar Feb Jan 2022 Dec Nov Oct Sep Aug Jul Jun 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 |
(C) p h yang 2023 - all rights reserved |