2001, I was in Hongkong very often, Thomas too, for a short stopover or a cityvisit during chinese newyear. Every evening I stroll along the harbour promenade of Kowloon because I wouldn't want to miss the unique skyline of Hongkong. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, Nathan Road in Kowloon/Hongkong by night. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, An obelisk in remembrance of July 1st 1997. The date when Hongkong after 99 years was handed back to China from the colonial sovereign England. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, There are enough silent places in Hongkong and Kowloon, apart from every days stress. Here for example the "Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre". - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, A place where you can relax and go for a walk. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, A view to the cultural centre and the cruise terminal in Kowloon. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, Here you can take your time and relax. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, In the "Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre" . . . . . . . . - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, . . . . . . . . we make a little rest in a café. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, "Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre" - worldclass architecture. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, Another view out of the "Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre". - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, I like this transparent architecture. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, "Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre" by night. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, It has become late. Our plan was to go back to the hotel, but the outside atmosphere is so nice that we decide to enjoy nightly Hongkong. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, It is a rainy day and we decided . . . . . . . . . . .- Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, . . . . . to visit a museum. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, In front of the museum entrance. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, In the department of traditional chinese paintings of the 18th and 19th century. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, In the department of traditional chinese paintings of the 18th and 19th century. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, Picture of Yang Shan Shen, a master, who took part in humanitary activities, even so did . . . . . - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, . . . . . Master Chao Shao Ang, who also got envolved with humanitary activities. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, In the department of modern chinese paintings of the 20th century. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, Ships have always been a major means of transport for China. Here are models of a southchinese sea freightship and a comfort passengerliner from former times. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, Even in earlier times there were luxurious passenger ships in China, as you can recognize at this model. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, With this view the skyscrapers seem to be standing very close to each other. In fact there are wide park-areas between the apartment-highrisers, some with ponds, bridges and pavillons. There is always a large square for different events, surrounded by all kinds of shops. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, The apartment-highrisers have different architectural styles. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, Everytime when we are in Hongkong we take the ride up to Victoria-Peak, whether it is day or night, we are there at least one time during our visit. It is relaxing and exciting at the same time. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, Thrilling view onto Hongkong and Kowloon. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, A souvenir-photo is a must. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, Hongkong and Kowloon from another point of view. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, I would like to have a souvenir-photo with my mother too. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, From this point of view one can clearly see the "Bank of China" and the "Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre". - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, Exotic flower on the hillpath. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, When we are walking along the hillpath we discover this "Master of cleanliness", made of bamboo, beautiful and 100% natural. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, Thomas is having fun with it: "It is handy and sweeps well." - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, The temple of the Guanyin-goddess where currently her birthday is celebrated. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, The entrance-altar. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, Incense spirals as a sacrificial offering from the believers. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, The Guanyin-goddess-association where her birthday is also celebrated. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, Incense spirals, one of the important sacrificial offerings, can be seen here too. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, According to german filmdocumentaries singing birds are a delicacy in some european countries. Since thousands of years the chinese treat the singing bird like a king.
We stroll through the singing bird supplies market here in Hongkong. The equipment for the birds is the very best only. For the chinese in China, Hongkong, Singapore or elsewhere in Asia dealing with singing birds is not only a hobby but an occupation. A qualified singing bird can be worth up to four-digit US-dollar-price. If a bird wins in a singing contest it can bring the owner up to 300,000 US-dollars. The singing bird is pampered and treated like a king and man is like a slave to his bird.
I wonder whether the bird feels well in its cage. Someone answers: "If the bird doesn't feel well, it will not sing." - "But the bird isn't free!" - "So is a king. He is pampered by his subjects and depends on them." - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, A restaurant with a traditional chinese plate: The plate is cut out of one piece of wood and varnished in gold-red. On the plate is a red bow with a copper mirror. Two "JinHua/Golden flowers" are attached on both sides. This kind of decoration is also used for altars or festivities. Here there is evidence that the restaurant just had its opening ceremony. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, We like to try the food in this restaurant. And we take the opportunity for a photo in front of the mirror. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, Hongkong is still in the mood for the Yuanxiao festival (known as spring-lantern-festival, 15th day of the first month of the chinese lunar calendar). Everywhere in the public, the malls and shops are lanterns on display. Here it is the department store Yue Hwa. Restaurants offer special food for this festival. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, Sydney has David Jones, in San Francisco it is Macy's, and Hongkong has Hue Hwa and especially Zhong Yi, a department store with qualitative first-class decorative arts. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, View to the ceiling of a new mall. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, The malls of Hongkong are shiny and clean. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, In the malls not only the escalators but also the elevators are 5-star-category. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, In the year 2001 you have often free internetterminals in Hongkong and China. They can be found in public places like museums, subway-stations and malls. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, A boattrip from Hongkong to the island Lantau can be compared to a trip from Circular Quay/Sydney to Manly Beach. The landscape is diversified and exciting. On Lantau-island we visit world's tallest outdoor bronze seated Buddha. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, On the long staircase up to the buddha statue we view back after two thirds of the way. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, We reach the level where the "Fei Tian/Heavenly Flying" make sacrifices to buddha. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, In buddhism the "Fei Tian/Heavenly Flying" are servants, who are responsible for wellbeing in the nirvana. Originally the Fei Tian come from India (like Buddha). They fly around in the nirvana, play music, spread flower petals, spray scents, etc. Is that according to buddhistic philosophy? - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, Up high sits Buddha on his lotus-seat. The even-tempered charisma of buddha was elaborated very well by the artist.
According to many buddhistic sects and some buddhistic religious leaders a lotus-seat in the nirvana is not only for buddha, but for all believers who reach the nirvana. It is said, that you can reserve a seat, for example with a donation. The more you give, the closer the seat will be to the one of buddha. Now we know, why many rich people refuse to help poorer people. They prefer to build luxurious giant temples, because according to buddhism the poor have to expiate for the sins of their last life. And now we also know why some buddhistic leaders have a two digit billion US-dollar amount on their private bankaccount. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, The hands of the "Fei Tian/Heavenly flying", the servants in the nirvana, with an offering. These hands are very well made by the artist. On the photo you see them with a flower as oblation . . . . . . - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, . . . . . . here with a ceremonial light . . . . . . - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, . . . . . . with a plate of fruit . . . . . . - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, . . . . . . with a musical instrument . . . . . . - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, . . . . . . with a jar for scented wood . . . . . . - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, . . . . . . with a treasure chest and many other offerings. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, On the wide square opposite of the giant buddha there is the entrance gate to a buddhistic temple. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, The large main building of the temple. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, In the temple we discover some extraordinary carvings, like this one on the columns of the hall. The image of a dragon was cut out of one piece of stone. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, One of the dragonheads on the stonecolumns. The ball in its mouth is free to move. Excellent! - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, Today there are very few believers. We too are here for art and architecture only! - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, A bronzedragon on the roof of the temple. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, View from the temple to the giant seated buddha. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, We love to travel on public transport in Hongkong, because it is so versatile: Boats, busses, trams, metro and taxis. Instead of riding through the tunnel, we prefer taking the ferry between Kowloon and Hongkong. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, Here for example is the electric doubledecker-tram, which rides in a 2-minute cylce and is always on time. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, From the doubledecker-tram or from the bus you have a wonderful view onto the Hongkong and Kowloon scenery. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, View from the tram: Mirroring the city. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, The trams have a short distance to each other, because they ride in a two-minute-cycle. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, It is very convenient, at this stop for example tram and bus halt on the opposite side. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, In Hongkong spring is welcomed with a presentation of lanterns and flowers. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, Everywhere lanterns in different colours and shapes are on display, here in Victoria-Park. On this photo you see a lantern with the shape of a peach and behind it one in the shape of an eggplant. All lanterns are handmade with bamboo and silk. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, Guangzhou "Wu yang Cheng / City of 5 goats" is represented by a giant flowerstatue in the shape of the citys emblem. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, Lanterns in different sizes and forms are presented here, for example: children, symbols of luck, flowers or animals, like the seahorse on this photo. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, The flowerobjects are made of plenty of blossoms with handcrafted quality. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, A musical instrument and a jar, both from chinas bronze age (21st to 3rd century b.c.). They are presented here as a flower object. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, Fishes are a symbol for wealth and contentment and mustn't be missed on this flowerdisplay. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, "Sweet Melody", a flowerobject from the primary-school of the "Christian Association of China". - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, Every creative can present their results. The orchid normally has a strong shade of colour, but experimental breeding leads to this result. The colour became much lighter. A matter of taste! - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, "Chun Lan / Chinese spring orchid" is one of my favourite flowers. Not only because of the form, but because of the shade of colour. Within the scope of traditional chinese inkpainting I often dealt with this plant. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, The dark purple shade of this orchid impresses me. It reminds me of the colour of a black tulip. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, The art of flower arrangement was lost in China after the year 600 b.c. (birth of Laotse). The reason was Laotses teaching, which says that plants have a life and depending on that a soul. Plants should only be used for necessary reasons like medicine and food, apart from that flowers should only be planted and nourished in a garden.
Today people follow the western lifestyle. But at that time cutted flowers were not used in the emperors palace, in royal houses and for other rich people, flowers of jade and gems with twigs of gold were used instead. Until today you call this "JinZhiYuYe / Golden twigs jade leaves". This name is also used for a female person from the upper class.
In my opinion the creator of this arrangement made a good job. I always say: Less is more! - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, You can find lanterns everywhere in the park. In the evening, when the lanterns are illuminated, the atmosphere is even more beautiful. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, Our last evening in Hongkong we have some chinese sweets. Everywhere in the world where chinese live there are chinese cookie-shops, western pastry shops and shops like this, where you can have a chinese sweets meal. These are cooked or steamed. The ingredients are grain, fruit, condiments, herbs, etc. You do not savour this as a desert but the whole day through, especially in the evening. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, We take the Airport-Express-Train on our way back to Hongkong-Airport. The service is like in a plane. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, The train is on time, comfortable, clean and has always enough space, because it rides very often. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, Every passenger has an own display and gets a snackbox with a drink. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, The Airport Hongkong is really a place to relax before entering the plane. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, Our paths go separate ways from here. Thomas flies directly from Hongkong to Germany . . . . . . - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)

2001, . . . I accompany my mother on her flight back to Australia. - Chau Tran (Qing Lian)