Appreciation on the Traditional Chinese Architectures
The Tin Hua Temple have renewed for several times. The walls had been cleaned and the roof had been changed. Yet, we can still chase back the time when we look at the temple in a different direction. The back of the Tin Hau Temple shows its original view and its strength against time. The Tin Hau Temple also demonstrates the Fengshui and Ornamentation in the traditional Chinese culture. It is originally leading on the mountain (Siu Ma Shan) and facing water (Victoria Harbor). The mountain has provided a natural shield to protect the strong wind while “Tin Hau” is a god guarding the sea safety. This shows the harmony among Heaven, Earth and Human, as well as how people respect and obey the Nature. This is the virtuous circle of protection between nature and human.
Unlike the indoor couplets and tablets, those around the circular portals, where was initially the courtyard of the Tin Hau Temple, imply the principle of garden design, “Created by Man, as the Work of Nature”. These couplet and tablet did not simply write or chisel on wood and rock block, but using tiny stone to “spell out” and merging with the wall.
