Feng Shui Shapes Hong Kong's Skyline with Dragon Gates
In Hong Kong, Feng Shui dictates architectural design more strictly than elsewhere. Many skyscrapers feature large holes called 'dragon gates' to allow positive energy (Qi) to flow from mountains to the ocean. The HSBC building was designed with a raised lobby and angled escalators for auspicious alignment. Disneyland Hong Kong's entrance was rotated 12 degrees to trap fortune. The Hopewell Center's rooftop pool was added to 'extinguish' its resemblance to a smoking cigarette. Violations are condemned: when the Bank of China Tower was built with sharp angles ignoring Feng Shui masters, it was blamed for nearby business failures and deaths. In response, HSBC installed maintenance cranes resembling cannons aimed at the bank. The practice, rooted in 5,000-year-old Taoist philosophy, survived China's Cultural Revolution due to Hong Kong's British colonial status.
Key facts
- Hong Kong skyscrapers have large holes called 'dragon gates' for Feng Shui.
- Feng Shui is an ancient Taoist practice for harmonizing energy (Qi).
- HSBC building features a raised lobby and angled escalators for good Feng Shui.
- Disneyland Hong Kong's entrance was shifted 12 degrees to retain fortune.
- Hopewell Center's rooftop pool was built to counteract its 'cigarette' shape.
- Bank of China Tower's sharp angles were blamed for negative events.
- HSBC installed cranes resembling cannons aimed at Bank of China.
- Hong Kong maintained Feng Shui traditions during China's Cultural Revolution.
Entities
Institutions
- HSBC
- Hong Kong Shanghai Bank
- Bank of China
- Hopewell Center
- Disneyland Hong Kong
- Art Basel
Locations
- Hong Kong
- China
- Beijing
- Chengdu
- Tekes
- Xi'an