One may choose to return to nature by having his/her cremated ashes scattered in the Garden of Remembrance.
13 Gardens of Remembrance of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) are located at the following 9 public columbaria:
Click here to download the information of gardens of remembrance
Here are the steps to choose a GoR for scattering ashes:
- Selection of GoR:You can choose a GoR run by the FEHD or by private cemeteries
- Application for Scattering of Ashes:You are required to submit an application to FEHD or private cemeteries, including the proposed date for the scattering ashes, and obtain approval for the scattering.
- Arrangement of Scattering Ceremony : Once approval is obtained, you can arrange the scattering ceremony at the chosen GoR according to the approved date and time.
- Scattering ashes: You can scatter cremated ashes in the chosen GoR and hold memorial rituals according to the wishes of the deceased.
Scattering ashes of the deceased at GoR is processed as the following:
- Applicant should visit the office of the respective GoR on the scheduled date and time upon completing registration formalities before scattering ashes.
- Family members can conduct simple farewell/ memorial ceremonies at the GoR in a quiet manner, such as silent prayers, moments of silence and standing solemnly, according to the wishes or religious beliefs of the deceased. (Note: Tsang Tsui GoR features a Ceremonial Room that allows relatives and friends to conduct a simple farewell ceremony prior to the scattering of ashes. The service is provided free of charge. Eating, smoking, and burning incense or joss paper are prohibited inside the room. If you wish to use the room, please call 2713 1077 to make a reservation at least one working day in advance.)
- Applicant may obtain a scattering device from the office and decide whether to scatter the ashes by themselves or by the staff of FEHD.
- After scattering of ashes, family and friends may choose to use the watering pot provided at the venue to sprinkle water on the lawn where the ashes were scattered, allowing the ashes to integrate into the soil and return to nature.
Procedure of Scattering of Human Cremated Ashes at Gardens of Remembrance (GoRs) is suggested as follows:
Note:
- Bringing your own scattering device is welcome to make more personalized ash scattering ceremony;
- Ceremonial Room allows relatives and friends to conduct a simple farewell ceremony prior to the scattering of ashes. The service is provided free of charge. Eating, smoking, and burning incense or joss paper are prohibited inside the room. If you wish to use the room, please call 2713 1077 to make a reservation at least one working day in advance;
- If you wish to personalize the paper scattering device according to your preferences, you may add photos, writing blessings etc. on the device. After the ceremony, family members can choose to have the paper ash scattering device burnt in joss paper burners or keep it as a memento. Alternatively, they can also hand the device over to staff of FEHD for cremation free of charge. (Note: In order to avoid any emission of harmful substances during burning of the paper ash scattering device polluting the environment and endangering the public, please remove any decorations that are not suitable for burning from the device in advance to burning in joss paper burners).
Options of scattering device and User's Instruction
You can choose to use the device for scattering of ashes in GoR:
- Metal scattering device (available for free use):
- Fill the ashes of the deceased into the device and then slowly pull up the handle of the device toward the lawn when walking along the path of the GoR. The ashes will then be scattered on the lawn.
- One-off paper scattering device (available in limited quantities at designated GoRs, free of charge):
- Open the cover and fill the ashes of the deceased into the device.
- Secure and seal the lid with a sticker provided to prevent it from loosening or coming off.
- Gently tilt the ash scattering device towards the lawn for scattering ashes, allowing the ashes to be scattered onto the lawn through the small holes in the lid.
- After the ceremony, family members can choose to have the paper ash scattering device burnt in joss paper burners or keep it as a memento. Alternatively, they can also hand the device over to staff of FEHD for cremation free of charge. (Note: In order to avoid any emission of harmful substances during burning of the paper ash scattering device polluting the environment and endangering the public, please remove any decorations that are not suitable for burning from the device in advance to burning in joss paper burners.)
- If you wish to personalize the paper scattering device according to your preferences, such as adding photos and writing blessings on the device, please bring along the necessary materials and tools to the GoR and reserve sufficient time to do it with your families and friends before ash scattering.
- One-off paper scattering device is commonly used locally and in other countries. Family and friends can write their blessings and words of remembrance on the container for a more personalised touch.
- If you prefer a more personalized ash scattering ceremony, you can also bring your own scattering container/device:
- There are local shops selling stylish and personalized ash scattering devices. Please contact the licensed local undertakers direct for more details.
- If you choose to use your own devices, please be reminded to bring it along with the ashes to the GoR on the scheduled scattering day.
Steps of Scattering Ashes By Using Metal Scattering Device:
Steps of Scattering Ashes By Using One-off Paper Scattering Device:
Family members can choose to mount commemorative plaques at the GoR to commemorate their loved ones in a serene environment filled with flower fragrance and birdsongs. There is an administration fee of $90HKD for mounting a commemorative plaque. Masons registered with the FEHD are allowed to supply and mount commemorative plaques in GoRs. The list of contractors is available on the FEHD webpage: https://www.fehd.gov.hk/english/cc/lrm.pdf. Please contact the masons direct for the charge details for their services.
Tsang Tsui GoR features a Ceremonial Room that allows relatives and friends to conduct a simple farewell ceremony prior to the scattering of ashes. Family members can conduct simple farewell/ memorial ceremonies thereat in a quiet manner, such as singing and praying etc. according to the wishes or religious beliefs of the deceased. The service is provided free of charge. Eating, smoking, and burning incense or joss paper are prohibited inside the room. If you wish to use the room, please call 2713 1077 to make a reservation at least one working day in advance
You may visit the venues and facilities of the GoR at any time during the opening hours without prior application. You may also join the free guided tours regularly organized by the FEHD. For details, please refer to the announcements on this website.
The FEHD has also launched a virtual tour feature of the GoRs, which allows the public to experience the facilities as if they were there, without having to leave their homes. In the "Virtual Tour" column above, you can click on the "360" icon to view the relevant facilities.
(No update guided tour)
Gardens of remembrance for scattering cremated ashes are also available in the following private cemeteries. Interested parties may contact the cemeteries direct for information.
Garden of Remembrance at Junk Bay
Chinese Permanent Cemetery
The Board of Management of the Chinese Permanent Cemeteries
34/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong
- Tel: 2511 1116
- Fax: 2519 0593
- Website: http://www.bmcpc.org.hk
Garden of Remembrance at Chinese Christian Cemetery at Pok Fu Lam Road
The Hong Kong Chinese Christian Churches Union
The Hong Kong Chinese Christian Churches Union Building, 140 Junction Road, Kowloon City, Kowloon
- Tel: 2337 4171
- Fax: 2338 2314
- Website: http://hkcccu.org.hk
Garden of Remembrance at Cape Collinson Buddhist Cemetery
Cape Collinson Buddhist Cemetery
1/F 338 Lockhart Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
- Tel: 2574 9371
- Fax: 2834 0789
- Website: https://www.hkbuddhist.org