Tiger Balm Gardens

Tiger Balm Gardens, more formally known as Aw Boon Haw Gardens, were the creation of Aw Boon Haw, who made his fortune from the sale of the popular curative balm, which was built in 1935 at a cost of HK$16 million by sibling brothers Hu Wen Hu and Hu Wen Bao who were founders of tiger trade mark balm. Eight acres of hillside are covered with grottoes and pavilions filled with garishly painted statues and models of Chinese gods, mythical animals, and scenes from fables and parables. And solemn white pagoda - pagoda of seven flights full of Buddhist color with the height of 145 feet, which contains Buddhist relics and the ashes of monks and nuns. The more conspicuous are the relief frescos which depict common people suffering from punishment before Samsara, full of the meaning of admonishing people. Located in the midst of high-rise apartments in at the edge of Causeway Bay, the gardens are a gaudy version of what some have called a Chinese Disneyland. It's great fun to explore, especially for children. Be forewarned: some Taoist and Buddhist scenes are decidedly gruesome.