Not everyone knows that some skyscrapers in Hong Kong are designed with intentionally left large openings. These are not just architectural whims or artistic visions but have a very specific function.
Gaps in some skyscrapers in Hong Kong. Why they are here?
It all ties into feng shui, an ancient practice of arranging spaces to align harmoniously with the natural environment and spiritual forces. The holes in these buildings are called "dragon gates" and are meant for... dragons. The gaps are left so that these mythical creatures can freely travel from the mountains to the water. Judging by the size of the hole, the dragons passing through must be truly massive.
In Chinese culture, dragons are considered bearers of good fortune. Blocking their path can bring bad luck. The Bank of China Tower is one such building thought to bring bad luck because it lacks dragon gates. According to some Chinese beliefs, this is the reason many companies located in the tower have gone bankrupt.
A deliberate architectural feature known as "dragon gates", these holes are commonly found in sea-facing structures and, according to feng shui, provide a passageway for the mythical dragon to reach the water. Said to initiate a positive flow of energy, the most prominent gateways are found in The Repulse Bay and Bel-Air in Cyberport – two residential complexes in the Southern district of Hong Kong Island
- we can read in "South China Morning Post ".
Feng shui, translated as ‘wind and water’ stems from the ancient art of geomancy, or connecting to the energy of the earth. Among other things, feng shui is concerned with the relationship of buildings to the natural environment, including mountains, seas and skies. Proper positioning and flow paths are considered critical components of good urban feng shui
- we can read in 99percentinvisible.com.
