Symbol of Hong Kong’s can-do spirit
Lion Rock holds an important meaning for many Hongkongers: it symbolises the city’s ‘can-do’ attitude and fighting spirit.
Lion Rock spirit
Standing here on Lion Rock Road, you can see the eponymous mountain that holds a significant meaning for many Hongkongers: it symbolises the city's 'can-do' attitude and fighting spirit.
Why that rock?
In the 1970s, everyone in the city watched Below the Lion Rock. This tv-series was set against the backdrop of historical Hong Kong events, such as the big Shek Kip Mei fire that burnt down the city's slums. It was so popular that it continued for almost 30 years! It was broadcast five times, every series being a collection of new stories, from 1972 to 1979, 1984 to 1988, 1990, 1992 to 1995, 2006, 2014 to 2020.
Hong Kong’s unofficial anthem
The theme of Below the Lion Rock' is a song of the same name by Cantopop singer Roman Tam and is regarded as Hong Kong's unofficial anthem:
‘Life has its joys
But often has sorrows, too
When we all meet under the Lion’s Rock
At least our laughter exceeds our sighs
Life has its challenges
Not without its worries
In the same boat under the Lion’s Rock, we row together
Putting aside our differences and finding common ground
Putting aside our hearts’ conflicts
Together we pursue our dreams
In the same boat we promise to go together
Without doubt or fear
Together to the ends of the earth
Joining hands to conquer the challenges
Together we work hard to create
Our everlasting legend’