More mainland, Japanese and Korean tourists are expected to flock to the tranquil foothills of Lantau Peak after a project to plant timber obelisks bearing a Buddhist scripture is completed in the next few months.
The 36 obelisks, which will be inscribed with the words of the revered Heart Sutra, are being placed on a slope behind the Po Lin Monastery, south of Lantau Peak, overlooking the South China Sea.
The calligraphy on the obelisks will be a copy of that of Jao Tsung I, a renowned mainland scholar of Chinese culture who is now retired.
'The layout of the obelisks, which will take the figure-eight shape representing the concept of infinity, will be blended into the natural environment. It will not only be a profession of Buddhism but also philosophy,' said Alexander Hui Yat-chuen, a University of Hong Kong museum curator involved in the government project.
Expected to be completed early next year, the project will add to the religious atmosphere on Lantau, which is home to numerous Buddhist monasteries.
The Heart Sutra is considered one of the most important Buddhist scriptures. The 260-character document carries the central Buddhist message that 'emptiness' is the key to happiness and an end to suffering.