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  Photo of the Day    Dec 2022

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Historic 18th Century Lungshan Temple

Founded in 1738 by Han immigrants from Fujian, Lungshan Temple has served as a municipal,
guild and self-defence centre, as well as a house of worship. The present structure was
reconstructed in the 1920s plus post-WWII refinements. It is an impressive structure with sweeping
swallowtail eaves, colourful jiannian (mosaic-like) figures on the roof, and elaborate stone-
and woodcarvings.

Longshan is dedicated to the bodhisattva of mercy, Guanyin, though in true Taiwanese style
there are over 100 other gods and goddesses worshipped in the rear and side halls, including
Matsu, goddess of the sea; Wenchang, the god of literature; red-faced Guan Gong, the god of war
and order; Old Man Under the Moon, known as the Matchmaker or the Chinese Cupid.

Taipei . Taiwan | 2022
31 Dec 2022


Surreal Remnants of Deserted Temple Wrecked by Earthquake

An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted temple in Taiwan.

It is a surreal remnants of an old temple wrecked by the devastating "921 Earthquake", which
ripped through central Taiwan on September 21, 1999, toppling tens of thousands of buildings
and claiming nearly 2,500 lives. This temple is near the epicenter of the magnitude 7.7 quake,
and was destroyed mere months after it was completed in early 1999.

The Gods' Statue inside the temple was not damaged, were rescued and transferred to the new
temple. The beards of some of the Gods were said to have grown longer after the collapse,
which added interest and donations for the construction of a new temple.

Rather than clearing the debris, the damaged structure was left more or less as it was, and a
new temple with the same name was built in front in 2013. Nowadays this ruined temple is a
popular roadside attraction and a prime example of disaster tourism in Taiwan.

Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture, leave no trace
and not revealing the location.

Taiwan | 2022
30 Dec 2022


Exploring Abandoned Hair Salon

An avid urban explorer ventures into an abandoned hair salon.

The salon is located at an abandoned block of shops which has been closed due to
the government's plan to widen the road. The salon provided services including hair cut, styling,
dyeing, shampooing, etc.There were different businesses in the block including gold & jewellery
shop, a juice bar, a clothing shop, printing services, etc. Apparently, it has been abandoned
since 2015. Personal belongings and furniture are scattered throughout the building.

Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture, leave no trace
and not revealing the location.

Taiwan | 2022
29 Dec 2022


Exploring Deserted Luxury Hotel from 1980s

An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted luxury hotel in the mountains.

The hotel opened in 1987 with 8-storeys and 220 suites. It has Chinese and Western restaurants,
a nightclub, a conference hall, tennis courts, a swimming pool, health clinic, saunas and other
leisure and recreational facilities. In 1991, the hotel spent hundreds of millions of New
Taiwan dollars for a redesign. In addition to remodeling and changing layout, a disco,
KTV, and European-style bowling alley were added.

In 1993, it tried to convert into a luxury senior home but failed. As the economy of the area
slowed, the hotel closed in 2004. The interior has been stripped of all furniture
and fixtures. Only a bare shell remains.

Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture,
leave no trace and not revealing the location.

Taiwan | 2022
28 Dec 2022


Exploring Deserted Cinema from 1940s

An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted cinema.

The building started as an opera theatre in 1944 and was converted for use as a cinema in 1953.
It was in continuous operation until 2004 when it was closed and finally deserted.

It started with a single screen and a large auditorium. When the cinema industry began to
falter in the 1990s it subdivided the cinema into 2 screening rooms to increase revenue.
There is a ticketing booth with some movie posters, including Spy Game starring Robert Redford
and Brad Pitt plus American Pie 2. Another poster of Blow starring Johnny Depp is in the corridor.

Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture,
leave no trace and not revealing the location.

Hong Kong | 2022
27 Dec 2022


Exploring Deserted Taiwan's Most Haunted Mansion

An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted spooky mansion.

The mansion dates to 1929 and was built by a wealthy Liu family. However, it was deserted a few
short years after construction was completed. The architecture is baroque revival style and it
has been derelict since at least the 1950's. The building has now been very much reclaimed by
nature with trees, roots and vines covering much of the exterior. The roof has collapsed.

It has been crowned as the scariest haunted house in Taiwan by Yahoo Kimo. There are
many legends about the mansion. One goes that a maid had a secret affair with the master,
but once discovered by the wife, she tortured the maid who then committed suicide by
drowning herself in a well. Her spirit is said to haunt the halls of the mansion.

Other legends speak of Japanese soldiers who committed suicide by shooting themselves
while camping in the area. Taiwanese soldiers who have camped in the area have
reported strange occurrences over the years.

Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture,
leave no trace and not revealing the location.

Taiwan | 2022
26 Dec 2022


Merry Christmas

Ho Ho Ho! SantaCon Hong Kong wishes you a Merry Christmas!

Happy Holidays!

Central . Hong Kong | 2022
25 Dec 2022


Deserted Circle of Poets

An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted mansion in France.

The mansion is a former Freemason lodge between built 1875 and 1877. The top floor is made up
of a glass-roofed circle and several luxurious rooms, one with chandeliers. Inside, the
various rooms are distributed around a central core. The decoration retains its
character in Louis XV and Louis XVI styles.

The owner was a poet and was known to hold gatherings for his poet friends in the mansion.
The most original room is a winter garden, an addition from 1889-1890, lit by a glass dome
and a large glass roof. A well-known architect designed this building. The place
deteriorated over time unfortunately, but it is still incredible.

Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture,
leave no trace and not revealing the location.

France | 2022
24 Dec 2022


Deserted Century-old Villa

An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted villa in France.

Built in the early 1920s, the villa in the woods is now completely covered with graffiti. Requisitioned
for officers' free time during the German occupation, it is renowned for having been a place
of debauchery, and nicknamed "German Brothel". It has distinctive cathedral-like windows.
It became deserted after the owner died in 1940. The building is in a state of
advanced dilapidation with the ceilings collapsed.

Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture,
leave no trace and not revealing the location.

France | 2022
23 Dec 2022


Deserted 17th Century Seminary

An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted seminary in France.

The seminary was founded in 1669 on a vast plot of 15 hectares. In 1884, new buildings and a
chapel were built. From 1907 to 1933, it became a private school offering free secondary education.
It became deserted since the end of 1960s. The church is in a sad state of disrepair with
a collapsed roof. The stained glass windows are still gorgeous.

Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture,
leave no trace and not revealing the location.

France | 2022
22 Dec 2022


Deserted 15th Century Grand Castle

An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted grand castle.

The 15th Century castle has 8 bedrooms, a pool, stables, a windmill, a dovecote and is
surrounded by extensive beautiful woods and meadows. It became deserted after being
attacked by Nazis during the Second World War.

The chapel has a lovely stone roof and finely decorated ribbings. Inside the castle
are fireplaces and impressive spiral staircases.

Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture,
leave no trace and not revealing the location.

France | 2022
21 Dec 2022


Gorgeous Spiral Staircase of Deserted Manor

An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted eclectic manor house.

Built around 1897, the manor was constructed with a wild mix of natural stone, brick,
stone, concrete and glass mosaic, plastic, as well as countless details and curiosities.
The Art Deco spiral-shaped staircase of shafts, which is covered from the cellar to
the roof terrace and with white mosaic tiles, appears like a avant garde art
installation transported from the end of the 20th century.

Entrance hall, salons, terraces, the bathrooms - many areas of the house are lavishly decorated
with colorful Art Nouveau and Art Deco mosaics, brought in from the owner, a Paris artist.

Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture,
leave no trace and not revealing the location.

France | 2022
20 Dec 2022


Exploring Deserted Large Sanitarium

An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted sanitarium.

Built between 1931 and 1933, the sanitarium was a spa centre in France, specialising in the
treatment of tuberculosis. It is the one of the largest sanitariums to have been built in France
in the 20th century. A forest of pine trees was planted around the hospital to ensure the air
quality was the best possible. It was closed in 1987 and plundered of anything of value.
A lot of graffiti can be seen on the walls.

Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture,
leave no trace and not revealing the location.

France | 2022
19 Dec 2022


Exploring Deserted Grand Castle

An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted grand chateau (castle).

The grand castle was never completed as the builder died while the chateau was still under
construction. It was designed in 1880 in the Henri II style and is perched on a small hill
in a small village in France with around 1,200 inhabitants. The structure is 60 metres long,
9 metres wide and 40 metres high. Doors and windows were never used.

After the builder's death in 1903, the property was severely damaged in World War I and
World War II. The outbuildings were meanwhile used as ammunition storage. The war
damage was never repaired.

Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture,
leave no trace and not revealing the location.

France | 2022
18 Dec 2022


Exploring Derelict Aircrafts

An avid urban explorer ventures into a compound with some deserted aircrafts for passengers.

One of the deserted aircrafts, an Airbus, was originally planned for an aircraft-themed
restaurant, but application for a licence was unsuccessful. The aircraft remained on
this land and became derelict. It became a hot spot for selfies and Urbex photography.
A grounded Airbus in a deserted area radiates a Doomsday vibe.

Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture,
leave no trace and not revealing the location.

Taiwan | 2022
17 Dec 2022


Exploring Deserted Huge Unfinished Temple

An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted huge unfinished temple in the hills.

The huge Taoist temple and was dedicated to the Five Celestial Generals - who represent
the five cardinal directions (North, East, South, West, Central) and are thought to have
the ability to scare away demons and drive away the plague and evil spirits. The
generals are part of the Jade Emperors heavenly court.

The skeleton of the temple is a 2-storey structure with 2 buildings to the side probably for offices,
restrooms and other shrines. The main hall has a large shrine room on both floors.
None of the Five Generals are represented by the 8 small statues on the main shrine.
They include the Earth God, Lord Guan, Goddess Mazu and a few versions of Guanyin.

There are 2 levels of passageway with circular windows below the temple.
Steps in the centre lead up to the temple.

Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture,
leave no trace and not revealing the location.

Taiwan | 2022
16 Dec 2022


Exploring Abandoned Castle in the Hills

An avid urban explorer ventures into an abandoned castle in the hills.

The castle was bought for NT$60 million in 1996, originally as a retreat for a religious group.
The owner failed to pay most of the management fees for many years and was taken to
court. He has also been investigated for tax evasion by the government and the property
was seized. It has been abandoned for over 20 years and furniture and personal
items has been cleared mostly, except for a baby grand piano.

Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture,
leave no trace and not revealing the location.

Taiwan | 2022
15 Dec 2022


Exploring Deserted Luxury Hotel

An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted luxury 5-star hotel in the mountains.

The hotel opened in 1976 with an investment of more than $400 million NT dollars. The 9-storey
hotel featured over 150 suites and a presidential suite. On-site facilities included nightclubs,
shops, cafes, restaurants, hot spring saunas, an outdoor swimming pool, an open-air cinema,
solarium, tennis courts, etc. The spa on the 9th floor has not been completed.

The top floor of the hotel for some odd reason was named the "1st floor", while the ground
floor was referred to as the "8th-floor". It apparently caused quite a bit of confusion for guests
who had a hard time finding their rooms. As the economy started to slow down at the turn of the
century, business at the hotel declined and even though the quality of the rooms remained
the same, the other facilities an the resort started to become neglected in order to save money.
It was closed in 2008. Furniture and decorative items like statues and vases are stored.

Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture,
leave no trace and not revealing the location.

Taiwan | 2022
14 Dec 2022


Exploring Deserted Beach-front Resort

An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted resort on the beach-front.

The resort has 5 storeys plus 2 sub-ground floors. The main entrance is at the third level.
From the lobby, steps lead one down to a sunken circular atrium with glass windows facing
the ocean.

It featured amenities include a health club, a huge indoor swimming pool at the basement,
a well-equipped gym, restaurants, bars, karaoke rooms, sauna room, individual sauna boxes,
massage room, banquet space, entertainment rooms, disco, etc. It has been deserted
for a while, furniture, broken glass and fallen lighting are scattered throughout.

Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture,
leave no trace and not revealing the location.

Taiwan | 2022
13 Dec 2022


Exploring Abandoned UFO Village

An avid urban explorer ventures into an abandoned UFO village.

The village comprises of 13 UFO capsule houses and other futuristic houses on a beach front.
The alien spacecraft-looking structures were the brainchild of Finnish Architect Matti
Suuronen in the late 1960s. They were constructed using lightweight fibreglass-reinforced plastic.
The interior of each unit consisted of a living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom
all squeezed into a floor space of 50 square metres. The UFO village was created in the 1970s.
However, a slowing economy resulted in the UFO resort town falling into decay.

Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture,
leave no trace and not revealing the location.

Taiwan | 2022
12 Dec 2022


Exploring Deserted Workers Village

An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted workers village.

The village comprises 1-2 storeys houses for workers in the transport
It is located in the centre of the city, a few minutes walk from the nearest
subway station. It has been deserted for a while. Furniture has been mostly
cleared but some personal items still remain.

Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture,
leave no trace and not revealing the location.

Taiwan | 2022
11 Dec 2022


Exploring Spooky Deserted Building Complex

An avid urban explorer ventures into a deserted large building complex.

The main building has 4 storeys with many units that look like a dormitory for.
employees of a transportation indudtry. The face and hand are white in this
photo taken on site! Very spooky! Apparently, it has been deserted since 2014.
Furniture and personal items have been mostly cleared.

Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture,
leave no trace and not revealing the location.

Taiwan | 2022
10 Dec 2022


Exploring Abandoned Building in City-Centre

An avid urban explorer ventures into a abandoned building in city-centre.

The building has 6 storeys with numerous graffiti painted on the exterior and inside.
It is located in the centre of the city, a few minutes walk from the nearest
subway station. It has been deserted for a while.

Urban exploration is based on the principles of take nothing except picture,
leave no trace and not revealing the location.

Taiwan | 2022
9 Dec 2022


Decorative

A decorative element on the wall in c'est la B, a chic cafe-bar by Bonnae Gokson,
at Pacific Place, Admiralty. It offers premium cakes and casual dining.

Admiralty . Hong Kong | 2022
8 Dec 2022


Sacha Kicks-off LovedThenAbandoned Exhibition

Sacha Yasumoto, an interior architectural spatial designer and holistic lifestylist, kicks-off

LoveThenAbandoned Exhibition - presenting a glimpse of numerous patinaed visuals from
abandoned structures all around Hong Kong & Europe, with live musicians playing a
bespoke tune wowing the 100 attendees.

At the background are curved uneven surfaces, peeling paint or burnt edges bring to life
a story of the emotions the place used to have within. Sacha has dedicated her time
during the pandemic to uncovering poignant historical places that unfortunately are
disappearing due to abandonment, nature vices and emigration. Experience these once
cherished places in their patinaed state to uncover the hidden essence of the dwellings.

LovedThenAbandoned Exhibition
A look at the poignant walls of abandoned heritage buildings in Hong Kong and Europe
A multi-Sensory Photo Exhibition

Lippo Amphitheater
Asia Society Hong Kong Center, 9 Justice Rd, Admiralty
5-18 Dec 2022 9 am - 8 pm

Opening Reception
Dec 6 Tue 6-9 pm

#LovedThenAbandoned_exhibition

Admiralty . Hong Kong | 2022
7 Dec 2022


Elegant Design

Salisterra is the new Mediterranean concept that takes over the 49th floor of the
Upper House, the upscale hotel above Admiralty.

Michelin-one-star Chef Jun Tanaka brings an innovative culinary experience
with flair that delights the diners with the coastal flavours of France and Italy.

Interior designer André Fu adds to the iconic serene, minimalist design of the
hotel with earthy bold colours and textures reflective of Mediterranean
ambiance. The entrance, including the ceiling, is elegantly designed.
The postcard windows offer gorgeous views.

Admiralty . Hong Kong | 2022
6 Dec 2022


Sacha to Open LovedThenAbandoned Exhibition

Sacha Yasumoto, an interior architectural spatial designer and holistic lifestylist, to open

LoveThenAbandoned Exhibition - presenting a glimpse of numerous patinaed visuals from
abandoned structures all around Hong Kong & Europe. The curved uneven surfaces, peeling
paint or burnt edges bring to life a story of the emotions the place used to have within.

Sacha has dedicated her time during the pandemic to uncovering poignant historical
places that unfortunately are disappearing due to abandonment, nature vices and
emigration. Experience these once cherished places in their patinaed state to
uncover the hidden essence of the dwellings.

LovedThenAbandoned Exhibition
A look at the poignant walls of abandoned heritage buildings in Hong Kong and Europe
A multi-Sensory Photo Exhibition

Lippo Amphitheater
Asia Society Hong Kong Center, 9 Justice Rd, Admiralty
5-18 Dec 2022 9 am - 8 pm

Opening Reception
Dec 6 Tue 6-9 pm

Click here to register

Hope to see you there!

#LovedThenAbandoned_exhibition

Admiralty . Hong Kong | 2022
5 Dec 2022


Laura Leads SantaCon 2022

Ho Ho Ho! SantaCon Hong Kong 2022 kicked off on Saturday, 3 December at Flaming
Frango bar in SOHO at 2 pm. Then moved to Pier 3 bar in Central waterfront. Hundreds
dressed in red Santa suits, elfs, Christmas trees and other related costumes, joined the festivities.

Organised by Laura, dressed as an elf in front, collects donations for the benefit of #Love21,
a charity empowering the Down syndrome and autistic community in Hong Kong through sport,
nutrition, and holistic support programmes.

@santacon_hongkon #SantaCon #SantaConHK
#SantaConHK2022 #SantaCon2022

Central . Hong Kong | 2022
4 Dec 2022


PH Leads Guided Tour for 24 Hour Project Exhibition

PH, Hong Kong Ambassador for 24 Hour Project, leads Guided Tour for 60 attendees of

@24HourProject - Hong Kong Photo Exhibition

Goethe Gallery
14/F Art Centre, 2 Harbour Rd, Wanchai
2 Dec 2022 - 3 Jan 2023

Opening Reception
Dec 2 Fri 6:30-9 pm

#24HourProject #24hr22_hk_exhibition @GoetheInstitut_hk

Photo courtesy of Emma Beal

Wanchai . Hong Kong | 2022
3 Dec 2022


Dr Almuth to Open 24 Hour Project Photo Exhibition

Dr Almuth Meyer-Zollitsch, Director of Goethe Institut Hong Kong to open

@24HourProject - Hong Kong Photo Exhibition

Goethe Gallery
14/F Art Centre, 2 Harbour Rd, Wanchai
2 Dec 2022 - 3 Jan 2023

Opening Reception
Dec 2 Fri 6:30-9 pm
including Guided Tour 8 pm
Register at
24hourhk@gmail.com

Hope to see you there!

#24HourProject #24hr22_hk_exhibition @GoetheInstitut_hk

Wanchai . Hong Kong | 2022
2 Dec 2022


24 Hour Project Photo Exhibition Setup

Busy setting up at

@24HourProject - Hong Kong Photo Exhibition

Goethe Gallery
14/F Art Centre, 2 Harbour Rd, Wanchai
2 Dec 2022 - 3 Jan 2023

Opening Reception
Dec 2 Fri 6:30-9 pm
including Guided Tour 8 pm
Register at
24hourhk@gmail.com

Hope to see you there!

#24HourProject #24hr22_hk_exhibition @GoetheInstitut_hk

Wanchai . Hong Kong | 2022
1 Dec 2022

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