Tung Wah Coffin Home is a coffin home located upon the hill above on the Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong.
It was established in 1899 by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals. It is a temporary coffin depository. The coffins were of overseas Chinese who wanted to be buried in their home villages in China.
As the demand for the depository service is diminishing in recent years, the compound was to gradual deteriorated.
A major repair and conservation project was carried out to restore the Coffin Home from 2002 to 2004 so that the respective historical appearance of the compound can be preserved. The project won 2005 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award .
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Tiger Balm Garden (Hong Kong)
Tiger Balm Garden is located at 15, Tai Hang Road, Tai Hang, Wan Chai District, Hong Kong.
A 7-story White Pagoda is the highlight of the garden. Other tourist attractions include artificial Chinese landscaping dotted with sculptures.
It was built at a cost of HK$16 million by Aw Boon Haw and his family in 1935. It was opened to the public in the early 1950s; it was one of the first theme parks in Hong Kong.
Most of the Garden has been sold to be redeveloped into a residential area.
In 1998, the ownership inheritor, Aw Sian sold the whole Garden complex to a land development company, Cheung Kong.
The Hong Kong Government reached an agreement with the company for the Hong Kong Antiquities and Monuments Office to preserve and restore the Haw Par Mansion and its private garden when the Garden complex is redeveloped.
The 3-story Haw Par Mansion was the Aw family's former residence in Hong Kong.
It was built in the Chinese Renaissance style. There are more than 500 relics in the Mansion; they underwent restoration and repair. The building is graded as .
A 7-story White Pagoda is the highlight of the garden. Other tourist attractions include artificial Chinese landscaping dotted with sculptures.
History
It was built at a cost of HK$16 million by Aw Boon Haw and his family in 1935. It was opened to the public in the early 1950s; it was one of the first theme parks in Hong Kong.
Most of the Garden has been sold to be redeveloped into a residential area.
In 1998, the ownership inheritor, Aw Sian sold the whole Garden complex to a land development company, Cheung Kong.
The Hong Kong Government reached an agreement with the company for the Hong Kong Antiquities and Monuments Office to preserve and restore the Haw Par Mansion and its private garden when the Garden complex is redeveloped.
Haw Par Mansion
The 3-story Haw Par Mansion was the Aw family's former residence in Hong Kong.
It was built in the Chinese Renaissance style. There are more than 500 relics in the Mansion; they underwent restoration and repair. The building is graded as .
The Cenotaph (Hong Kong)
The Cenotaph , constructed in 1923 in the Statue Square, , Hong Kong Island, commemorates the dead in the First and Second World War .
During British rule and after 1945, Liberation Day celebration took place here on the last Monday in August to commemorate the Liberation of Hong Kong from Japanese occupation in 1945. Formal celebration no longer take place as this date is no longer a general holiday in Hong Kong. Informal celebration by local and British servicemen continue each August at this site.
Liberation Day Ceromonies at the Cenotaph
During British rule and after 1945, Liberation Day celebration took place here on the last Monday in August to commemorate the Liberation of Hong Kong from Japanese occupation in 1945. Formal celebration no longer take place as this date is no longer a general holiday in Hong Kong. Informal celebration by local and British servicemen continue each August at this site.
Sung Wong Toi
Sung Wong Toi is an important historic relic in Kowloon, Hong Kong. While its remaining portion is currently located in the Sung Wong Toi Garden in Ma Tau Wai, it was originally a 45 m tall boulder standing on the top of Sacred Hill in Ma Tau Chung above Kowloon Bay.
The name ''Sung Wong Toi'' literally means ''Terrace of the kings''. The stone is believed to have been a memorial to the last two boy emperors of the Southern Song Dynasty, Zhao Shi and Zhao Bing, who temporarily lived in Hong Kong from 1277 to 1279.
According to historical records, the two young Sung emperors were pursued by the Mongolian army and fled south, eventually taking refuge at the Sacred Hill along the seashore. Zhao Shi died of illness in Hong Kong, while Zhao Bing died when a retainer put him on his shoulders and jumped off a cliff following the naval defeat of the Sung Dynasty by the Mongols at the Battle of Yamen.
After the Sung Dynasty was overthrown by the Mongol army in 1279 AD, local residents inscribed the words "Sung Wong Toi" on this large rock that was on the Sacred Hill at that time.
Note that the Chinese character is carved in the stone instead of the conventional character . The most likely reason is that the locals wished to avoid angering the new rulers. It not known whether 皇 was used initially, with the upper part of the character later cut off, or if 王 was used from the start.
In 1807, seven smaller characters were added on the right side of the stone to record the renovation work in the tingmau year of the Qing Emperor Jiaqing.
During the Japanese Occupation of Hong Kong in 1941-1945, the boulder was dislodged from its place when the Sacred Hill was leveled for an extension of the Kai Tak Airport. Fortunately, a portion of the rock inscribed with Chinese characters survived the blasting operation. That part of the boulder, about one-third of its original size, displays the Chinese name of the stone, "Sung Wong Toi."
After World War II this portion of the stone was shaped into a rectangular block and moved to the Sung Wong Toi Garden, a small park especially constructed for it. This park is located in the present-day , at the junction of Sung Wong Toi Road and Ma Tau Chung Road, which is close to the stone's original site. The construction work of the park was completed in the winter of 1945.
*''In search of the past: a guide to the antiquities of Hong Kong'' 《香港文物志》, The Urban Council of Hong Kong, 1988.
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Literally Meaning
The name ''Sung Wong Toi'' literally means ''Terrace of the kings''. The stone is believed to have been a memorial to the last two boy emperors of the Southern Song Dynasty, Zhao Shi and Zhao Bing, who temporarily lived in Hong Kong from 1277 to 1279.
History
Sung Dynasty
According to historical records, the two young Sung emperors were pursued by the Mongolian army and fled south, eventually taking refuge at the Sacred Hill along the seashore. Zhao Shi died of illness in Hong Kong, while Zhao Bing died when a retainer put him on his shoulders and jumped off a cliff following the naval defeat of the Sung Dynasty by the Mongols at the Battle of Yamen.
Yuan Dynasty
After the Sung Dynasty was overthrown by the Mongol army in 1279 AD, local residents inscribed the words "Sung Wong Toi" on this large rock that was on the Sacred Hill at that time.
Note that the Chinese character is carved in the stone instead of the conventional character . The most likely reason is that the locals wished to avoid angering the new rulers. It not known whether 皇 was used initially, with the upper part of the character later cut off, or if 王 was used from the start.
Qing Dynasty
In 1807, seven smaller characters were added on the right side of the stone to record the renovation work in the tingmau year of the Qing Emperor Jiaqing.
Japanese Occupation of Hong Kong
During the Japanese Occupation of Hong Kong in 1941-1945, the boulder was dislodged from its place when the Sacred Hill was leveled for an extension of the Kai Tak Airport. Fortunately, a portion of the rock inscribed with Chinese characters survived the blasting operation. That part of the boulder, about one-third of its original size, displays the Chinese name of the stone, "Sung Wong Toi."
Modern Days
After World War II this portion of the stone was shaped into a rectangular block and moved to the Sung Wong Toi Garden, a small park especially constructed for it. This park is located in the present-day , at the junction of Sung Wong Toi Road and Ma Tau Chung Road, which is close to the stone's original site. The construction work of the park was completed in the winter of 1945.
External link and references
*''In search of the past: a guide to the antiquities of Hong Kong'' 《香港文物志》, The Urban Council of Hong Kong, 1988.
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St. Mary's Canossian College
St. Mary's Canossian College is a Catholic girl's secondary school in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Founded in 1900, it is sited at the junction of Austin Road and Chatham Road South. Other Catholic buildings Rosary Church and St. Mary's Canossian School is adjacent to the school.
St Mary's School, as it was then known, was originally intended for the many girls living in Kowloon , though, gradually, it came to have a student population of over 98% .
Students are taught by a staff of Sisters and experienced teachers.
The Sisters of the Canossian Daughters of Charity, as missionaries, in the spirit of Magdalen of Canossa, their founder, was inspired to establish this school in 1900.
"Cor Unum et Via Una". This Latin phrase means "One Heart and One Way". 'One Heart'. 'One Way' signifies the Gospel way of truth and fullness of life, which is envisaged in the Canossian education mission. St. Marians, all united in spirit and action, pledge to walk together in God's love along the way of Gospel truth.
St. Mary's has a population of around 1400 students, from Form One to Form Seven . When students reach F4 an F5, they could choose between 4 arts classes with slightly different subjects and 2 science classes.
Most of St. Mary's students qualify for local universities, though a good number prefer to go abroad, mainly to UK, U.S.A., Canada and Australia, for further studies. St. Mary's Alumnae have been admitted to academic institutions such as Cambridge, , Oxford, M.I.T., and Stanford. Most of them were or are scholarship holders, excelling in both curricular and extracurricular fields.
The school continues to keep and preserve its monumental looks with its long spiral staircase in the entrance to the main building. New buildings are continued to be built for the school's facilities.
St. Mary's is also renowned for its drama productions-like the recent ones e.g. Nefertiti and Psyche- where their drama teacher Mr. Geoff Oliver directs the play and writes the script while the students build the stage and help with the directions.
St. Mary's Canossian College was founded in 1900 by the Institute of the Canossian Daughters of Charity, a Catholic Religious Institute founded by Magdalen of Canossa of the ancient noble family of Verona, Italy. Magdalen was canonised on 2 October 1988 for her sanctity and is honoured by the Church as St. Magdalen of Canossa.
The school started with only two classrooms for boys and girls in response to the need for a school in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. The small school admitted 30 pupils and was named St. Mary's School. The school developed rapidly as the population in Kowloon grew. In 1960 the enrolment was 2500 including the Primary Section. In the same year the Secondary Section was named "St. Mary's Canossian College", a grant-in-aid school for girls while the Primary Section was re-named "St. Mary's Canossian School".
St Mary's School, as it was then known, was originally intended for the many girls living in Kowloon , though, gradually, it came to have a student population of over 98% .
Students are taught by a staff of Sisters and experienced teachers.
School sponsoring body
The Sisters of the Canossian Daughters of Charity, as missionaries, in the spirit of Magdalen of Canossa, their founder, was inspired to establish this school in 1900.
School motto
"Cor Unum et Via Una". This Latin phrase means "One Heart and One Way". 'One Heart'. 'One Way' signifies the Gospel way of truth and fullness of life, which is envisaged in the Canossian education mission. St. Marians, all united in spirit and action, pledge to walk together in God's love along the way of Gospel truth.
School description
St. Mary's has a population of around 1400 students, from Form One to Form Seven . When students reach F4 an F5, they could choose between 4 arts classes with slightly different subjects and 2 science classes.
Most of St. Mary's students qualify for local universities, though a good number prefer to go abroad, mainly to UK, U.S.A., Canada and Australia, for further studies. St. Mary's Alumnae have been admitted to academic institutions such as Cambridge, , Oxford, M.I.T., and Stanford. Most of them were or are scholarship holders, excelling in both curricular and extracurricular fields.
The school continues to keep and preserve its monumental looks with its long spiral staircase in the entrance to the main building. New buildings are continued to be built for the school's facilities.
St. Mary's is also renowned for its drama productions-like the recent ones e.g. Nefertiti and Psyche- where their drama teacher Mr. Geoff Oliver directs the play and writes the script while the students build the stage and help with the directions.
School history
St. Mary's Canossian College was founded in 1900 by the Institute of the Canossian Daughters of Charity, a Catholic Religious Institute founded by Magdalen of Canossa of the ancient noble family of Verona, Italy. Magdalen was canonised on 2 October 1988 for her sanctity and is honoured by the Church as St. Magdalen of Canossa.
The school started with only two classrooms for boys and girls in response to the need for a school in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. The small school admitted 30 pupils and was named St. Mary's School. The school developed rapidly as the population in Kowloon grew. In 1960 the enrolment was 2500 including the Primary Section. In the same year the Secondary Section was named "St. Mary's Canossian College", a grant-in-aid school for girls while the Primary Section was re-named "St. Mary's Canossian School".
St. Joseph Home for the Aged
St. Joseph Home for the Aged is a home for the old in Ngau Chi Wan, New Kowloon, Hong Kong. The premises was mentioned in some old tourist guides of Hong Kong. It was originally a villa owned by a wealthy businessman in Hong Kong and later transfer to Catholic charities.
Because of the historic significance, the whole site of the St Joseph's Home for the Aged is graded as Grade I historic building. The Dormity A, the Gate House and the Villa in St Joesph's Home for the Aged are also graded as .
The site is now under reconstruction after the home of the aged has moved; some of the historical buildings would be preserved ''in suit''.
Because of the historic significance, the whole site of the St Joseph's Home for the Aged is graded as Grade I historic building. The Dormity A, the Gate House and the Villa in St Joesph's Home for the Aged are also graded as .
The site is now under reconstruction after the home of the aged has moved; some of the historical buildings would be preserved ''in suit''.
St. Andrew's Church (Kowloon)
St. Andrew's Church is located on 138 Nathan Road, Kowloon. It is a church of the Anglican Province of Hong Kong and in the Diocese of Western Kowloon. It is the oldest Protestant church in Kowloon. The church provides many services on Sundays. It has services in English and Putonghua.
The idea of building an Anglican church in Kowloon was first suggested in 1897 but no progress was made until 1904, when Catchick Paul Chater offered $35,000 to finance the construction. The chosen site was next to a large garden area owned by Sir Paul, covering the area between Robinson Road and Austin Road.
Work began in November 1904, and was completed in 1906. The church was consecrated on October 6th 1906. It was built of granite and red brick in the Early English Gothic style.
This church was continuously used for Christian worship except during the period of Japanese occupation in the Second World War; it was used as a Shinto shrine during that period.
In 1979, St. Andrew’s Christian Centre was built. The Centre now houses different Christian organisations. The Church was restored in 1959.
The church was important to the early history of The Scout Association of Hong Kong: it organised the 2nd Scout Group in Hong Kong.
The church recently held its centenary celebrations which included the consecration of two new stained glass windows.
The Victorian Gothic-style main building is in cruciform in plan; there is a single bell tower at the front right.
History
The idea of building an Anglican church in Kowloon was first suggested in 1897 but no progress was made until 1904, when Catchick Paul Chater offered $35,000 to finance the construction. The chosen site was next to a large garden area owned by Sir Paul, covering the area between Robinson Road and Austin Road.
Work began in November 1904, and was completed in 1906. The church was consecrated on October 6th 1906. It was built of granite and red brick in the Early English Gothic style.
This church was continuously used for Christian worship except during the period of Japanese occupation in the Second World War; it was used as a Shinto shrine during that period.
In 1979, St. Andrew’s Christian Centre was built. The Centre now houses different Christian organisations. The Church was restored in 1959.
The church was important to the early history of The Scout Association of Hong Kong: it organised the 2nd Scout Group in Hong Kong.
The church recently held its centenary celebrations which included the consecration of two new stained glass windows.
Style
The Victorian Gothic-style main building is in cruciform in plan; there is a single bell tower at the front right.
Sham Shui Po Police Station
Sham Shui Po Police Station situates at the junction of Lai Chi Kok Road and Yen Chow Street, Sham Shui Po. It was built in 1924 with three storeys.
It is graded as .
The police station is adjacent to former Sham Shui Po Camp and later Dragon Centre.
Shortly after the British executed the 99-year lease of the New Territory, a police station, also served as the Harbour Master’s Station, was built at Sham Shui Po. British established a base at Sham Shui Po with military camps and police stations as it overlooked the western side of the Victoria Harbour. The current Sham Shui Po Police Station building was completed in 1924 to replace the older station at the area.
The building was built before World War II for a small population, before the rapid industrial and residential development of the area after the war. In addition, a large influx of immigrants from mainland China, settling in the area after the war, caused the district to become one of the worst squatter areas in Hong Kong. Therefore, the station underwent a series of additions and alterations to cater for its growing need for personnel and facilities.
Sham Shui Po Station is still serving its community today even though its role changed from the station for the whole district to a sub-station in 1967.
It is graded as .
The police station is adjacent to former Sham Shui Po Camp and later Dragon Centre.
Shortly after the British executed the 99-year lease of the New Territory, a police station, also served as the Harbour Master’s Station, was built at Sham Shui Po. British established a base at Sham Shui Po with military camps and police stations as it overlooked the western side of the Victoria Harbour. The current Sham Shui Po Police Station building was completed in 1924 to replace the older station at the area.
The building was built before World War II for a small population, before the rapid industrial and residential development of the area after the war. In addition, a large influx of immigrants from mainland China, settling in the area after the war, caused the district to become one of the worst squatter areas in Hong Kong. Therefore, the station underwent a series of additions and alterations to cater for its growing need for personnel and facilities.
Sham Shui Po Station is still serving its community today even though its role changed from the station for the whole district to a sub-station in 1967.
Sam Tai Tsz Temple and Pak Tai Temple
Sam Tai Tsz Temple and Pak Tai Temple is a complex of two temples in Nos.196 and 198, Yu Chau Street, Sham Shui Po, New Kowloon, Hong Kong. The complex is graded as Grade II historic building.
It is a place to mainly worship the god Sam Tai Tsz and Pak Tai.
Sam Tai Tsz Temple was built in 1898.
The temple was built for the god Sam Tai Tsz , for his miracle to dissipate an outbreak of plague in 1894 in the area. The god was invited from the temple in by Hakkas.
It is the only temple worshipping Sam Tai Tsz, in Hong Kong.
Pak Tai Temple of the complex was built in 1920 by the fishermen living in Sham Shui Po for worshipping Pak Tai, the God of the North.
It is a place to mainly worship the god Sam Tai Tsz and Pak Tai.
Sam Tai Tze Temple
Sam Tai Tsz Temple was built in 1898.
The temple was built for the god Sam Tai Tsz , for his miracle to dissipate an outbreak of plague in 1894 in the area. The god was invited from the temple in by Hakkas.
It is the only temple worshipping Sam Tai Tsz, in Hong Kong.
Pak Tai Temple
Pak Tai Temple of the complex was built in 1920 by the fishermen living in Sham Shui Po for worshipping Pak Tai, the God of the North.
Sai Ying Pun Community Complex
Sai Ying Pun Community Complex is located at 2 , Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong. It is a 9-storey building built on the site of the Old Mental Hospital, of which only the granite facade and arched verandah were preserved.
The Old Mental Hospital was built in 1891. It was used as a quarters for the European nursing staff of the Civil Hospital until the World War II. Originally, it contains only 10 bedrooms for the nurses, a matron's office, a chemical laboratory, 12 servants' quarters and other living, dining, kitchen, office and storage facilities.
In the 1940s, the east wing was extended and six more arches were added to the original north facade, containing 18 arches with a pediment marking the middle and turrets at the ends to form a classically proportioned structure, during an extension uphill. The building was used to accommodate staff in 1941.
It was turned into a mental hospital after the war. In 1947, this mental hospital was the only one of its type in the city when the population in Hong Kong was one and a half million.
The building was a female block of the mental hospital in the 1940s.
It continued to function as such until the Castle Peak Mental Hospital opened in 1961, and switched back as a day treatment centre for psychiatric out-patients until 1971.
Tales of ghostly sightings were spread since it was abandoned in the 1970s. Therefore, it is popular known as "High Street Ghost House".
This building became the haunt of curious teenagers and drug addicts who used the methadone clinic nearby before the reconstruction, because the building remained unoccupied for 20 years.
It fell into disrepair and was badly ruined by two fires, which were believed to be inadvertently started by trespassers.
The Hong Kong Government decided in 1990s to keep the fa?ade and rebuild a community centre within.
Therefore, only the north fa?ade of the historic building is restored and preserved during the construction of Sai Ying Pun Community Complex as the historic building is the only specimen of its kind in Hong Kong.
The remains of the historic building is a Grade I Historic Building.
There is a community hall in the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex.
It now houses several charity organizations, which provide services to the local community.
History
The Old Mental Hospital was built in 1891. It was used as a quarters for the European nursing staff of the Civil Hospital until the World War II. Originally, it contains only 10 bedrooms for the nurses, a matron's office, a chemical laboratory, 12 servants' quarters and other living, dining, kitchen, office and storage facilities.
In the 1940s, the east wing was extended and six more arches were added to the original north facade, containing 18 arches with a pediment marking the middle and turrets at the ends to form a classically proportioned structure, during an extension uphill. The building was used to accommodate staff in 1941.
Mental Hospital
It was turned into a mental hospital after the war. In 1947, this mental hospital was the only one of its type in the city when the population in Hong Kong was one and a half million.
The building was a female block of the mental hospital in the 1940s.
It continued to function as such until the Castle Peak Mental Hospital opened in 1961, and switched back as a day treatment centre for psychiatric out-patients until 1971.
High Street Ghost House
Tales of ghostly sightings were spread since it was abandoned in the 1970s. Therefore, it is popular known as "High Street Ghost House".
This building became the haunt of curious teenagers and drug addicts who used the methadone clinic nearby before the reconstruction, because the building remained unoccupied for 20 years.
It fell into disrepair and was badly ruined by two fires, which were believed to be inadvertently started by trespassers.
The Hong Kong Government decided in 1990s to keep the fa?ade and rebuild a community centre within.
Therefore, only the north fa?ade of the historic building is restored and preserved during the construction of Sai Ying Pun Community Complex as the historic building is the only specimen of its kind in Hong Kong.
The remains of the historic building is a Grade I Historic Building.
Facilities
There is a community hall in the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex.
It now houses several charity organizations, which provide services to the local community.
Gallery
Rosary Church
Rosary Church is located in 125 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China. It is the oldest church in Kowloon. The church is in classic style; the original floor plan was based on a Roman Basilican model. The church, St. Mary's Canossian College and St. Mary's Canossian School in adjacent belongs to same building cluster.
It is classified as .
In 1900, because of the Boxer Rebellion in China, some Indian battalions in the British army were stationed in Kowloon; there were about 200 Catholics in the brigade. At the same time, there was an increase in number of Catholics among the civil population.
A donation was made in 1903 by Dr. Anthony Gomes, a Catholic. so that the church could be built. The foundation stone was laid solemnly by Fr. De Maria, Pro-Vicar Apostlic of Hong Kong on 10 December 1904.
The construction of the church was completed in 1905, for the population of Catholic was increasing even after the British troops had left.
On 23 May 1905, the completed church was consecrated to Our Lady of Pompeii, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary; according to the intention of Dr A S Gomes, the benefactor, in loving memory of his parents and brother.
Currently, three full-time priests are serving at this parish, including Rev John B. Tsang , Rev Jose Serafin Anaya, MG., and Rev. Raja Duggimpudi, PIME.
A Permanent Deacon, Rev. Francis Wong also serves in this Church.
*Anticipated Mass on Saturday evenings
:5.30pm ''in English''
:7.00pm ''in Cantonese''
* Sunday
:7.30 am ''in Cantonese''
:8.45 am ''in English''
:10.00 am ''in Cantonese''
:11.15 am ''in Cantonese''
:12.30 pm ''in English''
:7.00 pm ''in English''
*Monday to Saturday
:7.30 am ''in Cantonese''
:8.00 am ''in English''
*Monday to Friday
:6.30 pm
* Every first Thursday: 7.15 pm - 8.15 pm
* Every first Friday: 9.00 am - 5.45 pm
On Sunday mornings or by appointment
Sacristan: Rowland Gutierrez
Secretary: Goretti Tong
Pastoral assistant: Alice Lee
Notable ground staff: SONG Mei-lin , CHAN Ka-Jau
The following groups are notable pastoral association in the Church:
*Rosary ASA The St John Berchmans Altar Servers Association.
*Bible Reading Association
*Various Choirs
*Catechism groups
*English speaking group
*The Society of St Vincent de Paul
* Youth at Rosary
It is classified as .
History
In 1900, because of the Boxer Rebellion in China, some Indian battalions in the British army were stationed in Kowloon; there were about 200 Catholics in the brigade. At the same time, there was an increase in number of Catholics among the civil population.
A donation was made in 1903 by Dr. Anthony Gomes, a Catholic. so that the church could be built. The foundation stone was laid solemnly by Fr. De Maria, Pro-Vicar Apostlic of Hong Kong on 10 December 1904.
The construction of the church was completed in 1905, for the population of Catholic was increasing even after the British troops had left.
On 23 May 1905, the completed church was consecrated to Our Lady of Pompeii, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary; according to the intention of Dr A S Gomes, the benefactor, in loving memory of his parents and brother.
Clergy
Currently, three full-time priests are serving at this parish, including Rev John B. Tsang , Rev Jose Serafin Anaya, MG., and Rev. Raja Duggimpudi, PIME.
A Permanent Deacon, Rev. Francis Wong also serves in this Church.
Time of services
Sunday Masses
*Anticipated Mass on Saturday evenings
:5.30pm ''in English''
:7.00pm ''in Cantonese''
* Sunday
:7.30 am ''in Cantonese''
:8.45 am ''in English''
:10.00 am ''in Cantonese''
:11.15 am ''in Cantonese''
:12.30 pm ''in English''
:7.00 pm ''in English''
Masses During the week
*Monday to Saturday
:7.30 am ''in Cantonese''
:8.00 am ''in English''
*Monday to Friday
:6.30 pm
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
* Every first Thursday: 7.15 pm - 8.15 pm
* Every first Friday: 9.00 am - 5.45 pm
Reconciliation
On Sunday mornings or by appointment
Staff
Sacristan: Rowland Gutierrez
Secretary: Goretti Tong
Pastoral assistant: Alice Lee
Notable ground staff: SONG Mei-lin , CHAN Ka-Jau
Notable pastoral associations
The following groups are notable pastoral association in the Church:
*Rosary ASA The St John Berchmans Altar Servers Association.
*Bible Reading Association
*Various Choirs
*Catechism groups
*English speaking group
*The Society of St Vincent de Paul
* Youth at Rosary
Red House (Hong Kong)
Red House or Hung Lau is a house in a farm in Pak Kok, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong, near the Tun Mun Public Riding School, Butterfly Estate and . The house and the farm was where Dr. Sun Yat-sen planned to overthrow the Qing dynasty.
It named after its appearance, red bricks with plastering in red colour. The two-storey house is of the combination of Chinese and Western architectures.
Adjacent to the house is a garden commemorating Dr. Sun Yat Sen and is one of few places in Hong Kong where the Flag of the Republic of China is flown freely.
In 1901，a Hong Kong merchant, who met Dr. Sun Yat-sen and joined Revive China Society in 1895, provided his farm to the Society as the seret base. The farm then provided secrecy and sustainance due to its large size and the location. Here coups in Guangzhou and Wuhang were planned.
It named after its appearance, red bricks with plastering in red colour. The two-storey house is of the combination of Chinese and Western architectures.
Adjacent to the house is a garden commemorating Dr. Sun Yat Sen and is one of few places in Hong Kong where the Flag of the Republic of China is flown freely.
History
In 1901，a Hong Kong merchant, who met Dr. Sun Yat-sen and joined Revive China Society in 1895, provided his farm to the Society as the seret base. The farm then provided secrecy and sustainance due to its large size and the location. Here coups in Guangzhou and Wuhang were planned.
Queen's Pier
Queen's Pier, named after Queen Victoria, was a public ceremonial pier in front of in Edinburgh Place, , Hong Kong. Its two generations have served as a ceremonial pier as well as a public pier, and have witnessed the official arrival in Hong Kong of all of since 1925; landed there in 1975, and in 1989.
The pier, built along the newly reclaimed waterfront, was designed in a style, and was opened by Maurine Grantham, wife of Governor Alexander Grantham in June 1954.
On 26 April 2007, the pier was officially closed by the government in order to facilitate land reclamation, soon after was closed. There was fierce opposition by conservationists, who carried over their campaign to preserve the landmark. Police officers evicted some 30 protesters from the site on 1 August 2007; activists filed for a judicial review, and the High Court hearing began on 7 August. On 10 August, the court dismissed the request.
Finally, the Queen's Pier was completely demolished in February 2008. Its base piles were also removed in March 2008. In 2008, since dismantling, the government attempts to create the appearance of public support for reassembling the pier at the new waterfront has been criticised by conservationists.. It was a sheltered pier made of concrete and steel, with round pillars and arches, built on the waterfront at Pedder Street on the site of the present at a cost of 20,000. Intended to open in time for the arrival of , the Prince of Wales, construction delays postponed its completion until October 1925..
The pier was opened by Maurine Grantham, wife of Governor Alexander Grantham on 28 June 1954.
The pier's primary r?le was ceremonial. It was the traditional landing place of successive Governors, who would arrive at Central on board the official Governor's yacht which would dock at Queen's Pier. From the 1960s, Governors would inspect the Guard of honour at Edinburgh Place, followed by the official swearing-in at the City Hall, Charles and Diana, the Prince and Princess of Wales, landed there in November 1989.
The pier's secondary r?le was as a public pier, where pleasure craft were allowed to dock. Tour boats offering a view of the Kowloon side of the harbour used the pier for passenger boarding. Up to 1978, it was the winning line for the annual cross-harbour swimming race. As the ceremonies declined, the pier's secondary purpose became the main one: people met and strolled in the area; some fished.
On 26 April 2007, the pier was officially closed in order to facilitate land reclamation in Central.
From the outset, the fate of the pier has been intimately linked with the which was unveiled in 1989 but not explicitly spelled out as such. However, the scale of reclamations has only been slightly cut back following significant legal battles.
Following the controversy and the demolition of the in early 2007, activists declared Queen's Pier the next battle-ground against the policy of the Government of Hong Kong. The criticism received over its handling of the Star Ferry Pier caused Michael Suen, the Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands, to propose a piece-by-piece relocation of the pier to a new location on the reclaimed waterfront during a session on 21 March 2007. The Government later unveiled four design options for such relocation. The intended closure of the pier was 26 April 2007.
At the end of January 2007, the government declared it would postpone the demolition of Queen's Pier until a consensus could be reached on the course of action; consultations with the Hong Kong Institute of Architects, the Hong Kong Institute of Engineers, and the Conservancy Association were held.
Donald Tsang said that being overzealous in saving the past may hurt Hong Kong's competitiveness, and called on activists to take a more balanced view toward economic growth and conservation. Soon after Tsang's , on 26 March, the Government pressed ahead with plans to dismantle and move the entire pier, piece by piece, enabling the reclamation to go ahead.
The government stated the in-situ preservation, though apparently viable on paper, would risk irreversible damage to the pier. Furthermore, it argued that important underground facilities such as the Airport Railway Extended Overrun Tunnel would be affected, saying a natural curvature of the track was required. Although Lam's performance in public debates was praised, the Secretary for Development's conflict of interest as the head of the Antiquities Authority was criticised. Lam said the AAB did not have governmental authority, and that it had not suggested keeping the pier in its totality. The paper suggested that reassembling it in the same location could take as long as December 2012, as re-alignment of the proposed Road P2 would be involved.
The government polled 16 s, fourteen of which voted in support of relocating the pier to the new water-front. However, in July 2008 activists cried foul when eight councils revealed that the preservation of the pier in its existing location was not put forth as one of the options; the Vice-chairmen of two councils which voted to support also objected that their decision may have not been an informed one as not all possible options were on the table. The Chief town planner said that the omitted proposal "was not an efficient option and would create unnecessary construction waste."
After it was revealed in August 2008 that the government was behind the 13 concerted District Councils' motions in 2008 supporting the relocation of the pier to the new waterfront, Albert Ho condemned the government of tampering with s in order to "create public opinion." Convenor of the Urban Design Alliance doubted the openness of consultation, saying that "the government had engineered its results". Dr. Li Pang-kwong, of , said that the problematic framework of the councils has led them to work too closely with government. He said the 'copy and paste' Queen's Pier motions passed by 13 councils to support government decisions was a rubber-stamp, and a clear sign that councils lacked independence.
Ron Phillips, original designer of the pier, backed preservation, saying that any loss of the City Hall and the adjacent open space would be something "future generations will come to regret". The proposed 40 metre wide road, planned in the 1980s, was now "obsolete", and would make the waterfront "inaccessible to the public". Albert Lai, Chairman of the Hong Kong People's Council for Sustainable Development, drew attention to the fact that the budgeted spending for infrastructure over the past three years of 90 billion contrasted poorly with HK$90 million spent on acquiring and renovating heritage sites.
In September 2004, legislator Law Chi-kwong took a swim in Victoria Harbour bearing a plaque saying "Goodbye to the Queen", to protest the Central and Wan Chai Reclamation, particularly the loss of Queen's Pier.
Soon after the unsuccessful attempt to save the Star Ferry pier in early 2007, a campaign to preserve the pier ''in situ'' was launched. Ahead of the closure, members of the public, environmentalists, and some lawmakers arrived to tie blue ribbons to indicate their desire to preserve . On 22 April, about 100 protesters once again rallied at the pier, launching farewell voyages in a last-ditch attempt to urge the Government to reconsider: a petition of over 400 signatures from the Arts community was collected.
An occupation of the pier was started by ten activists on the designated closure date. The campaign was boosted by the appearance of Chow Yun-fat early on the morning of 28 April to sign the petition, and to appeal pre-emptively to the police not to hurt protesters. Some activists, like Chu Hoi-dick, have been involved in the Star Ferry pier protest, and took turns to maintain a round-the-clock presence. Leung Chun-yiu, who works a full-time job yet spent 3 nights a week at the site, vowing to block the demolition non-violently, in any way he can.
On 27 July, three students, as part of a group called ' ''Local Action''' started a hunger strike on the pier. Hunger-striker Chan King-fai said: "The government wasn't chosen by us. All we can do is to use our humble and limited voices. In an operation which lasted ten hours during daylight hours on 1 August 2007, 300 Police officers cleared away the 30 or so protesters from the site, amid scuffles. Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor complained that its observers were denied access to the area during the eviction.
An application for HK$50 million to fund the dismantling and relocating of the pier was scheduled for debate by the Public Works sub-committee on 9 May 2007, the same day the Antiquities Advisory Board would hold a public hearing to decide on the historical grading of the pier due to the lack of support. Choy So-yuk, from the usually pro-Government , called for the vote to be postponed, and the equally did not back the Government. However, Government ministers declared that it had "no plans to list the pier as a ", and insisted that there was "no direct relationship between the grading and whether we will demolish and relocate the pier". Civic Party legislative councillor Fernando Cheung Chiu-hung said that there was "no sincerity to preserve historic venues". Choy So-yuk, who voted against the appropriation on 9 May, abstained. She revealed that she had been lobbied by Michael Suen and Donald Tsang; party did not allow her to cast an opposing vote.
After the hearing, an activist from 'Local Action' declared the AAB's decision a victory for the people, and warned the government "not to treat the voice of the people lightly", claiming that Secretary for Home Affairs' decision not to declare the structure a monument was unreasonable and illegal. The set the date for the case to be heard on 7 August. Judge Johnson Lam said that the case about the future of Queen's Pier should be heard as there is great public interest in the outcome and thus a one-week respite for the site.
The Hong Kong Institute of Planners, the majority of whose members work in government departments, had backed the ''in-situ'' preservation of the pier. There was uproar in May 2008 when it made an apparent U-turn in a position paper submitted to the government backing the relocation to a waterfront location, based on a sparsely attended meeting. It then submitted a revised paper presenting that a majority of its members supported such a move as a conclusion prior to the completion of a survey. A former vice-president of the institute questioned how the institute had become allies of the government.
The pier is featured in following:
* ''My Date with a Vampire''
* ''Life Made Simple''
* ''Glittering Days''
* Sam Hui's song "Goodbye Bell" Music Video
The pier, built along the newly reclaimed waterfront, was designed in a style, and was opened by Maurine Grantham, wife of Governor Alexander Grantham in June 1954.
On 26 April 2007, the pier was officially closed by the government in order to facilitate land reclamation, soon after was closed. There was fierce opposition by conservationists, who carried over their campaign to preserve the landmark. Police officers evicted some 30 protesters from the site on 1 August 2007; activists filed for a judicial review, and the High Court hearing began on 7 August. On 10 August, the court dismissed the request.
Finally, the Queen's Pier was completely demolished in February 2008. Its base piles were also removed in March 2008. In 2008, since dismantling, the government attempts to create the appearance of public support for reassembling the pier at the new waterfront has been criticised by conservationists.. It was a sheltered pier made of concrete and steel, with round pillars and arches, built on the waterfront at Pedder Street on the site of the present at a cost of 20,000. Intended to open in time for the arrival of , the Prince of Wales, construction delays postponed its completion until October 1925..
The pier was opened by Maurine Grantham, wife of Governor Alexander Grantham on 28 June 1954.
Function
The pier's primary r?le was ceremonial. It was the traditional landing place of successive Governors, who would arrive at Central on board the official Governor's yacht which would dock at Queen's Pier. From the 1960s, Governors would inspect the Guard of honour at Edinburgh Place, followed by the official swearing-in at the City Hall, Charles and Diana, the Prince and Princess of Wales, landed there in November 1989.
The pier's secondary r?le was as a public pier, where pleasure craft were allowed to dock. Tour boats offering a view of the Kowloon side of the harbour used the pier for passenger boarding. Up to 1978, it was the winning line for the annual cross-harbour swimming race. As the ceremonies declined, the pier's secondary purpose became the main one: people met and strolled in the area; some fished.
On 26 April 2007, the pier was officially closed in order to facilitate land reclamation in Central.
The Pier's future
From the outset, the fate of the pier has been intimately linked with the which was unveiled in 1989 but not explicitly spelled out as such. However, the scale of reclamations has only been slightly cut back following significant legal battles.
The Government's position
Following the controversy and the demolition of the in early 2007, activists declared Queen's Pier the next battle-ground against the policy of the Government of Hong Kong. The criticism received over its handling of the Star Ferry Pier caused Michael Suen, the Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands, to propose a piece-by-piece relocation of the pier to a new location on the reclaimed waterfront during a session on 21 March 2007. The Government later unveiled four design options for such relocation. The intended closure of the pier was 26 April 2007.
At the end of January 2007, the government declared it would postpone the demolition of Queen's Pier until a consensus could be reached on the course of action; consultations with the Hong Kong Institute of Architects, the Hong Kong Institute of Engineers, and the Conservancy Association were held.
Donald Tsang said that being overzealous in saving the past may hurt Hong Kong's competitiveness, and called on activists to take a more balanced view toward economic growth and conservation. Soon after Tsang's , on 26 March, the Government pressed ahead with plans to dismantle and move the entire pier, piece by piece, enabling the reclamation to go ahead.
The government stated the in-situ preservation, though apparently viable on paper, would risk irreversible damage to the pier. Furthermore, it argued that important underground facilities such as the Airport Railway Extended Overrun Tunnel would be affected, saying a natural curvature of the track was required. Although Lam's performance in public debates was praised, the Secretary for Development's conflict of interest as the head of the Antiquities Authority was criticised. Lam said the AAB did not have governmental authority, and that it had not suggested keeping the pier in its totality. The paper suggested that reassembling it in the same location could take as long as December 2012, as re-alignment of the proposed Road P2 would be involved.
District councils
The government polled 16 s, fourteen of which voted in support of relocating the pier to the new water-front. However, in July 2008 activists cried foul when eight councils revealed that the preservation of the pier in its existing location was not put forth as one of the options; the Vice-chairmen of two councils which voted to support also objected that their decision may have not been an informed one as not all possible options were on the table. The Chief town planner said that the omitted proposal "was not an efficient option and would create unnecessary construction waste."
After it was revealed in August 2008 that the government was behind the 13 concerted District Councils' motions in 2008 supporting the relocation of the pier to the new waterfront, Albert Ho condemned the government of tampering with s in order to "create public opinion." Convenor of the Urban Design Alliance doubted the openness of consultation, saying that "the government had engineered its results". Dr. Li Pang-kwong, of , said that the problematic framework of the councils has led them to work too closely with government. He said the 'copy and paste' Queen's Pier motions passed by 13 councils to support government decisions was a rubber-stamp, and a clear sign that councils lacked independence.
Conservationists' position
Ron Phillips, original designer of the pier, backed preservation, saying that any loss of the City Hall and the adjacent open space would be something "future generations will come to regret". The proposed 40 metre wide road, planned in the 1980s, was now "obsolete", and would make the waterfront "inaccessible to the public". Albert Lai, Chairman of the Hong Kong People's Council for Sustainable Development, drew attention to the fact that the budgeted spending for infrastructure over the past three years of 90 billion contrasted poorly with HK$90 million spent on acquiring and renovating heritage sites.
Preservation campaign battlefronts
Public and media
In September 2004, legislator Law Chi-kwong took a swim in Victoria Harbour bearing a plaque saying "Goodbye to the Queen", to protest the Central and Wan Chai Reclamation, particularly the loss of Queen's Pier.
Soon after the unsuccessful attempt to save the Star Ferry pier in early 2007, a campaign to preserve the pier ''in situ'' was launched. Ahead of the closure, members of the public, environmentalists, and some lawmakers arrived to tie blue ribbons to indicate their desire to preserve . On 22 April, about 100 protesters once again rallied at the pier, launching farewell voyages in a last-ditch attempt to urge the Government to reconsider: a petition of over 400 signatures from the Arts community was collected.
An occupation of the pier was started by ten activists on the designated closure date. The campaign was boosted by the appearance of Chow Yun-fat early on the morning of 28 April to sign the petition, and to appeal pre-emptively to the police not to hurt protesters. Some activists, like Chu Hoi-dick, have been involved in the Star Ferry pier protest, and took turns to maintain a round-the-clock presence. Leung Chun-yiu, who works a full-time job yet spent 3 nights a week at the site, vowing to block the demolition non-violently, in any way he can.
On 27 July, three students, as part of a group called ' ''Local Action''' started a hunger strike on the pier. Hunger-striker Chan King-fai said: "The government wasn't chosen by us. All we can do is to use our humble and limited voices. In an operation which lasted ten hours during daylight hours on 1 August 2007, 300 Police officers cleared away the 30 or so protesters from the site, amid scuffles. Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor complained that its observers were denied access to the area during the eviction.
In Legco
An application for HK$50 million to fund the dismantling and relocating of the pier was scheduled for debate by the Public Works sub-committee on 9 May 2007, the same day the Antiquities Advisory Board would hold a public hearing to decide on the historical grading of the pier due to the lack of support. Choy So-yuk, from the usually pro-Government , called for the vote to be postponed, and the equally did not back the Government. However, Government ministers declared that it had "no plans to list the pier as a ", and insisted that there was "no direct relationship between the grading and whether we will demolish and relocate the pier". Civic Party legislative councillor Fernando Cheung Chiu-hung said that there was "no sincerity to preserve historic venues". Choy So-yuk, who voted against the appropriation on 9 May, abstained. She revealed that she had been lobbied by Michael Suen and Donald Tsang; party did not allow her to cast an opposing vote.
After the hearing, an activist from 'Local Action' declared the AAB's decision a victory for the people, and warned the government "not to treat the voice of the people lightly", claiming that Secretary for Home Affairs' decision not to declare the structure a monument was unreasonable and illegal. The set the date for the case to be heard on 7 August. Judge Johnson Lam said that the case about the future of Queen's Pier should be heard as there is great public interest in the outcome and thus a one-week respite for the site.
Institute of Planners controversy
The Hong Kong Institute of Planners, the majority of whose members work in government departments, had backed the ''in-situ'' preservation of the pier. There was uproar in May 2008 when it made an apparent U-turn in a position paper submitted to the government backing the relocation to a waterfront location, based on a sparsely attended meeting. It then submitted a revised paper presenting that a majority of its members supported such a move as a conclusion prior to the completion of a survey. A former vice-president of the institute questioned how the institute had become allies of the government.
Popular culture
The pier is featured in following:
* ''My Date with a Vampire''
* ''Life Made Simple''
* ''Glittering Days''
* Sam Hui's song "Goodbye Bell" Music Video
Ohel Leah Synagogue
The Ohel Leah Synagogue and its next-door neighbors, the Jewish Recreation Club and the Jewish Community Center, have formed the center of Jewish social and religious life in Hong Kong for over a century.
Most of Hong Kong’s Jews live only a short distance away from the Synagogue, which sits at the junction of and Castle Road. An exquisite specimen of Colonial architecture, the two-storied, whitewashed, multi-turreted Synagogue nestles somewhat quaintly amid the soaring high-rises of steel and glass perched on the Mid-Levels of Hong Kong Island. The Synagogue was erected in 1901-2, but underwent a US$6 million restoration in 1998 which returned its interiors and exteriors to their original elegance.
The historic Synagogue is graded as .
The name Ohel Leah commemorates Leah Sassoon, the mother of the brothers Jacob, , and Meyer who donated the land for building the Synagogue. The Sassoons were among the earliest Sephardic merchants from India to settle in Hong Kong during the mid to late 19th century.
Ohel Leah is a congregation and received its first officially appointed rabbi in 1961. Three other Jewish congregations have also emerged more recently in Hong Kong: the , which is dominated by Israeli expatriates; the Chabad Lubavitch; and the United Jewish Congregation, which is aligned with the more liberal and movements. Many worshippers, however, hold concurrent memberships in several congregations.
Most of Hong Kong’s Jews live only a short distance away from the Synagogue, which sits at the junction of and Castle Road. An exquisite specimen of Colonial architecture, the two-storied, whitewashed, multi-turreted Synagogue nestles somewhat quaintly amid the soaring high-rises of steel and glass perched on the Mid-Levels of Hong Kong Island. The Synagogue was erected in 1901-2, but underwent a US$6 million restoration in 1998 which returned its interiors and exteriors to their original elegance.
The historic Synagogue is graded as .
The name Ohel Leah commemorates Leah Sassoon, the mother of the brothers Jacob, , and Meyer who donated the land for building the Synagogue. The Sassoons were among the earliest Sephardic merchants from India to settle in Hong Kong during the mid to late 19th century.
Ohel Leah is a congregation and received its first officially appointed rabbi in 1961. Three other Jewish congregations have also emerged more recently in Hong Kong: the , which is dominated by Israeli expatriates; the Chabad Lubavitch; and the United Jewish Congregation, which is aligned with the more liberal and movements. Many worshippers, however, hold concurrent memberships in several congregations.
Lui Seng Chun
Lui Seng Chun is a historical 4-story building on 119 Lai Chi Kok Road, Hong Kong. It was built in 1931 by Mr. Lui Leung and the architect of the building was Mr. W. H. Bourne. Lui Seng Chun not only bears witness to the history of a well-known family in Hong Kong, but also illustrates the past community life, economic activities and architecture of the territory. It is one of in the District.
Mr. Lui Leung , the owner of Lui Seng Chun, was born in Taishan County of the Guangdong Province. Upon his arrival in Hong Kong, he became actively engaged in transport and trading businesses. He was one of the founders of the Kowloon Motor Bus Company Limited.
In 1929, Mr. Lui purchased a piece of land at 119 Lai Chi Kok Road from the Government of Hong Kong and appointed W. H. Bourne, a local architect who specialized in designing shophouses to construct Lui Seng Chun. The construction work was completed in around 1931. The ground floor of the building was occupied by a Chinese bone-setting medicine shop named "Lui Seng Chun", while the upper floors became living quarters for the members of Lui's family. The name "Lui Seng Chun" was derived from a pair of rhymed couplets, implying Lui's medicine could bring a patient back to life. The medicine enjoyed a good reputation locally and overseas.
Mr. Lui Leung died in 1944 and the shop was closed down a few years later. The building was subsequently used as accommodation and let out as tailor shops. In 2000, the Lui's family proposed to the Antiquities and Monuments Office to donate the building to the Government of Hong Kong. The transfer of the building was accomplished in October 2003.
Being a four-storey building, Lui Seng Chun is a typical "Kee-lau" or "Tong-lau" . This type of two-to-four-storey residence integrating Chinese and Western architectural styles was very popular in the early 20th century.
Lui Seng Chun reflects the Neo-Classical style which is characterized by a square-shaped frame and a row of decorative balustrades in front. The deep verandahs help prevent rain from flooding the house, block sunlight and keep the indoor area cool. This together with the stone plaque marked with the name of the medicine shop installed at the top of the building are all typical architectural features of pre-war Chinese tenements. The main facade of the building was lavishly decorated with classical Italianate designs, one of which is the "broken pediment" at the shop. The curved front elevation was designed to make better use of the narrow strip of land restricted by the road junction. In terms of structure, the external walls of the building are made of plastered red brickwork with columns and beams of reinforced concrete. Lui Seng Chun is regarded as the representative of "Kee-lau" of the pre-war period in Hong Kong.
The Government of Hong Kong has carried out structural survey and basic repair for this long-vacated building. In order to revitalize the heritage asset, it is intended to restore and convert the building into a local hub of cultural and heritage.
The future use of the building could be cultural, educational, community, commercial or a combination of the above provided they are compatible with the historical and cultural character of the building. Possible uses include display centre, small-scale performance venue, conference or lecture venue, reading room, herbalist or medicine shop, Chinese tea house, souvenir shop etc. To retain the original character and allow interpretation of the historic building, sufficient space would be reserved for the provision of the exhibition on the history of Lui Seng Chun, the Lui's family and Mongkok district.
The Government is conducting a study on the adaptive re-use of Lui Seng Chun, with a feasibility study on different possible re-use proposals to be accomplished. Individuals and organizations interested in the future re-use of the building would be invited to submit proposals, with the aim to work out a plan for the proper, sustainable adaptive re-use of the building so that its cultural significance could be displayed.
Historical Background
Mr. Lui Leung , the owner of Lui Seng Chun, was born in Taishan County of the Guangdong Province. Upon his arrival in Hong Kong, he became actively engaged in transport and trading businesses. He was one of the founders of the Kowloon Motor Bus Company Limited.
In 1929, Mr. Lui purchased a piece of land at 119 Lai Chi Kok Road from the Government of Hong Kong and appointed W. H. Bourne, a local architect who specialized in designing shophouses to construct Lui Seng Chun. The construction work was completed in around 1931. The ground floor of the building was occupied by a Chinese bone-setting medicine shop named "Lui Seng Chun", while the upper floors became living quarters for the members of Lui's family. The name "Lui Seng Chun" was derived from a pair of rhymed couplets, implying Lui's medicine could bring a patient back to life. The medicine enjoyed a good reputation locally and overseas.
Mr. Lui Leung died in 1944 and the shop was closed down a few years later. The building was subsequently used as accommodation and let out as tailor shops. In 2000, the Lui's family proposed to the Antiquities and Monuments Office to donate the building to the Government of Hong Kong. The transfer of the building was accomplished in October 2003.
Architectural Features
Being a four-storey building, Lui Seng Chun is a typical "Kee-lau" or "Tong-lau" . This type of two-to-four-storey residence integrating Chinese and Western architectural styles was very popular in the early 20th century.
Lui Seng Chun reflects the Neo-Classical style which is characterized by a square-shaped frame and a row of decorative balustrades in front. The deep verandahs help prevent rain from flooding the house, block sunlight and keep the indoor area cool. This together with the stone plaque marked with the name of the medicine shop installed at the top of the building are all typical architectural features of pre-war Chinese tenements. The main facade of the building was lavishly decorated with classical Italianate designs, one of which is the "broken pediment" at the shop. The curved front elevation was designed to make better use of the narrow strip of land restricted by the road junction. In terms of structure, the external walls of the building are made of plastered red brickwork with columns and beams of reinforced concrete. Lui Seng Chun is regarded as the representative of "Kee-lau" of the pre-war period in Hong Kong.
Adaptive Reuse
The Government of Hong Kong has carried out structural survey and basic repair for this long-vacated building. In order to revitalize the heritage asset, it is intended to restore and convert the building into a local hub of cultural and heritage.
The future use of the building could be cultural, educational, community, commercial or a combination of the above provided they are compatible with the historical and cultural character of the building. Possible uses include display centre, small-scale performance venue, conference or lecture venue, reading room, herbalist or medicine shop, Chinese tea house, souvenir shop etc. To retain the original character and allow interpretation of the historic building, sufficient space would be reserved for the provision of the exhibition on the history of Lui Seng Chun, the Lui's family and Mongkok district.
The Government is conducting a study on the adaptive re-use of Lui Seng Chun, with a feasibility study on different possible re-use proposals to be accomplished. Individuals and organizations interested in the future re-use of the building would be invited to submit proposals, with the aim to work out a plan for the proper, sustainable adaptive re-use of the building so that its cultural significance could be displayed.
List of Grade III historic buildings in Hong Kong
Grade III historic buildings are those selected by Hong Kong's Antiquities and Monuments Office as those buildings which are "Buildings of some merit, but not yet qualified for consideration as possible monuments. These are to be recorded and used as a pool for future selection."
* Cheung Chau Fong Pin Hospital, Cheung Chau
* Cheung Chau Government Secondary School, No. 5B School Road, Cheung Chau
* Cheung Chau Police Station, No. 4 Police Station Path, Cheung Chau
* Old Tai O Police Station, Shek Tsai Po Street, Tai O, Lantau Island
* Shui Yuet Temple, Kwun Yam Wan, Cheung Chau
* Tin Hau Temple, Fan Lau Miu Wan, Fan Lau, Lantau Island
* Tin Hau Temple, , Cheung Chau
* Lai Chi Kok Hospital, No. 800 Castle Peak Road, Lai Chi Kok
* Sham Shui Po Police Station, No. 37A Yen Chow Street, Sham Shui Po
* Sham Shui Po Public Dispensary, No. 137 Yee Kuk Street, Sham Shui Po
* Tin Hau Temple, No. 182 Yee Kuk Street, Sham Shui Po
* No.64
* Tung Wah Eastern Hospital
* Wan Chai Market
* Wan Chai Police Station
*
* The Church of Christ in China Shing Kwong Church
Islands District
* Cheung Chau Fong Pin Hospital, Cheung Chau
* Cheung Chau Government Secondary School, No. 5B School Road, Cheung Chau
* Cheung Chau Police Station, No. 4 Police Station Path, Cheung Chau
* Old Tai O Police Station, Shek Tsai Po Street, Tai O, Lantau Island
* Shui Yuet Temple, Kwun Yam Wan, Cheung Chau
* Tin Hau Temple, Fan Lau Miu Wan, Fan Lau, Lantau Island
* Tin Hau Temple, , Cheung Chau
Sham Shui Po District
* Lai Chi Kok Hospital, No. 800 Castle Peak Road, Lai Chi Kok
* Sham Shui Po Police Station, No. 37A Yen Chow Street, Sham Shui Po
* Sham Shui Po Public Dispensary, No. 137 Yee Kuk Street, Sham Shui Po
* Tin Hau Temple, No. 182 Yee Kuk Street, Sham Shui Po
Wan Chai District
* No.64
* Tung Wah Eastern Hospital
* Wan Chai Market
* Wan Chai Police Station
*
* The Church of Christ in China Shing Kwong Church
List of Grade II historic buildings in Hong Kong
Grade II historic buildings are those of special merit in Hong Kong. Efforts are required to preserve the building selectively .
* King George V School, Tin Kwong Road, Ho Man Tin
* Kwun Yum Temple, Station Lane, Hung Hom
* St. Teresa's Church, Prince Edward Road, Kowloon City
* Sun Hok Building of Bethel Mission of China, Grampian Road, Kowloon City
* Sam Shan Kwok Wong Temple, near Ping Shek Estate, Kwun Tong Road, Ngau Chi Wan
* Tin Hau Temple, in Ma Wan Tsuen, Lei Yue Mun
* Che Kung Temple, at Ho Chung Road
* Tin Hau Temple, in Hang Hau
* Tin Hau Temple, on Leung Shuen Wan Chau
* Che Kung Temple, at Che Kung Miu Road, Tai Wai
* Kowloon Byewash Reservoir Dam, in Kam Shan Country Park
* Kowloon Byewash Reservoir Valve House, in Kam Shan Country Park
* Kowloon Reservoir Valve House, at Golden Hill Road, Kam Shan Country Park
* Shek Lei Pui Reception Reservoir Dam , in Kam Shan Country Park
* Shek Lei Pui Reception Reservoir Dam , in Kam Shan Country Park
* Shek Lei Pui Reservoir Valve House, in Kam Shan Country Park
* Tao Fong Shan Christian Centre, at Tao Fong Shan Road
* Some buildings/military facilities within the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks
* Mo Tai Temple, at Hai Tan Street, Sham Shui Po
* No. 117 Nam Cheong Street
* No. 119 Nam Cheong Street
* No. 121 Nam Cheong Street
* No. 123 Nam Cheong Street
* No. 125 Nam Cheong Street
* No. 269 Yu Chau Street
* No. 271 Yu Chau Street
* Sam Tai Tsz Temple and Pak Tai Temple, at Yu Chau Street
* Aberdeen Reservoir Upper Reservoir Bridge carrying outflow main, at Aberdeen Reservoir Road, Aberdeen
* Aberdeen Reservoir Upper Reservoir Valve House, at Aberdeen Reservoir Road, Aberdeen,
* Aberdeen Reservoir Upper Reservoir Dam with bridge carrying outflow main, at Aberdeen Rservoir Road, Aberdeen
* The Old House in Wong Chuk Hang San Wai, Wong Chuk Hang
* Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Filter Beds, at Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road, Pok Fu Lam
* Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Four Masonry Bridges, at Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road, Pok Fu Lam
* Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Box Culvert, at Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road, Pok Fu Lam
* Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Embankment, at Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road, Pok Fu Lam
* Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Air Vents at the Service Reservoir, at Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road, Pok Fu Lam
* St. Stephen's College, at Tung Tau Wan Road,
* Stanley Fort Block 17, Stanley
* Stanley Fort Block 38, Stanley
* Stanley Fort Block 51, Stanley
* Stanley Fort Block 09, Stanley, Hong Kong
* The Bethanie, at Pok Fu Lam Road
* Tin Hau Temple, at Aberdeen Main Road, Aberdeen
* Tai Tam Byewash Reservoir Dam, Tai Tam Reservoir, Tai Tam
* Tai Tam Byewash Reservoir Valve House, Tai Tam Reservoir
* Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir Valve House, Tai Tam Reservoir
* Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir Dam
* Chat Sing Temple, at Kwun Hang, Shap Sze Heung
* Hip Tin Temple, in Cheung Shue Tan Tsuen
* Residence of Wong Siu-wai in Pun Chun Yuen, Kam Shan
* Sha Lo Tung Cheung Uk, Sha Lo Tung
* Sha Lo Tung Lo Wai, Sha Lo Tung
* Tai Po Lookout, at Lookout Link
* Tin Hau Temple, in Fong Ma Po, Lam Tsuen
* Tin Hau Temple, in Tai Po Kau Hui
* Tin Hau Temple and Man Tai Temple, in Tsz Tong Tsuen, Tai Hang
* Two Old Houses in Pak Sha O Ha Yeung, Sai Kung
* Mo Tai Temple, in Ting Kok Village
* Old Police Bungalow, at Kwong Fuk Road
* Old Tai Po Police Station, at Wan Tau Kok Lane
* Dragon Graden, at Castle Peak Road, Tsing Lung Tau,
* Tin Hau Temple, at Wai Tsuen Road, Tsuen Wan
* Shing Miu, in Sam Shing Hui, Ching Shan Wan
* Tin Hau Temple, on Sha Chau
* Ching Chung Koon, at Tsing Chung Koon Road
* Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple, Wong Tai Sin,
* Old Pillbox, Diamond Hill
Central and Western District
Eastern District
Islands District
Kowloon City District
* King George V School, Tin Kwong Road, Ho Man Tin
* Kwun Yum Temple, Station Lane, Hung Hom
* St. Teresa's Church, Prince Edward Road, Kowloon City
* Sun Hok Building of Bethel Mission of China, Grampian Road, Kowloon City
Kwun Tong District
* Sam Shan Kwok Wong Temple, near Ping Shek Estate, Kwun Tong Road, Ngau Chi Wan
* Tin Hau Temple, in Ma Wan Tsuen, Lei Yue Mun
Sai Kung District
* Che Kung Temple, at Ho Chung Road
* Tin Hau Temple, in Hang Hau
* Tin Hau Temple, on Leung Shuen Wan Chau
Shatin District
* Che Kung Temple, at Che Kung Miu Road, Tai Wai
* Kowloon Byewash Reservoir Dam, in Kam Shan Country Park
* Kowloon Byewash Reservoir Valve House, in Kam Shan Country Park
* Kowloon Reservoir Valve House, at Golden Hill Road, Kam Shan Country Park
* Shek Lei Pui Reception Reservoir Dam , in Kam Shan Country Park
* Shek Lei Pui Reception Reservoir Dam , in Kam Shan Country Park
* Shek Lei Pui Reservoir Valve House, in Kam Shan Country Park
* Tao Fong Shan Christian Centre, at Tao Fong Shan Road
Sham Shui Po District
* Some buildings/military facilities within the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks
* Mo Tai Temple, at Hai Tan Street, Sham Shui Po
* No. 117 Nam Cheong Street
* No. 119 Nam Cheong Street
* No. 121 Nam Cheong Street
* No. 123 Nam Cheong Street
* No. 125 Nam Cheong Street
* No. 269 Yu Chau Street
* No. 271 Yu Chau Street
* Sam Tai Tsz Temple and Pak Tai Temple, at Yu Chau Street
* Aberdeen Reservoir Upper Reservoir Bridge carrying outflow main, at Aberdeen Reservoir Road, Aberdeen
* Aberdeen Reservoir Upper Reservoir Valve House, at Aberdeen Reservoir Road, Aberdeen,
* Aberdeen Reservoir Upper Reservoir Dam with bridge carrying outflow main, at Aberdeen Rservoir Road, Aberdeen
* The Old House in Wong Chuk Hang San Wai, Wong Chuk Hang
* Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Filter Beds, at Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road, Pok Fu Lam
* Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Four Masonry Bridges, at Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road, Pok Fu Lam
* Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Box Culvert, at Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road, Pok Fu Lam
* Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Embankment, at Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road, Pok Fu Lam
* Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Air Vents at the Service Reservoir, at Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road, Pok Fu Lam
* St. Stephen's College, at Tung Tau Wan Road,
* Stanley Fort Block 17, Stanley
* Stanley Fort Block 38, Stanley
* Stanley Fort Block 51, Stanley
* Stanley Fort Block 09, Stanley, Hong Kong
* The Bethanie, at Pok Fu Lam Road
* Tin Hau Temple, at Aberdeen Main Road, Aberdeen
* Tai Tam Byewash Reservoir Dam, Tai Tam Reservoir, Tai Tam
* Tai Tam Byewash Reservoir Valve House, Tai Tam Reservoir
* Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir Valve House, Tai Tam Reservoir
* Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir Dam
Tai Po District
* Chat Sing Temple, at Kwun Hang, Shap Sze Heung
* Hip Tin Temple, in Cheung Shue Tan Tsuen
* Residence of Wong Siu-wai in Pun Chun Yuen, Kam Shan
* Sha Lo Tung Cheung Uk, Sha Lo Tung
* Sha Lo Tung Lo Wai, Sha Lo Tung
* Tai Po Lookout, at Lookout Link
* Tin Hau Temple, in Fong Ma Po, Lam Tsuen
* Tin Hau Temple, in Tai Po Kau Hui
* Tin Hau Temple and Man Tai Temple, in Tsz Tong Tsuen, Tai Hang
* Two Old Houses in Pak Sha O Ha Yeung, Sai Kung
* Mo Tai Temple, in Ting Kok Village
* Old Police Bungalow, at Kwong Fuk Road
* Old Tai Po Police Station, at Wan Tau Kok Lane
Tsuen Wan District
* Dragon Graden, at Castle Peak Road, Tsing Lung Tau,
* Tin Hau Temple, at Wai Tsuen Road, Tsuen Wan
Tuen Mun District
* Shing Miu, in Sam Shing Hui, Ching Shan Wan
* Tin Hau Temple, on Sha Chau
* Ching Chung Koon, at Tsing Chung Koon Road
Wan Chai District
Wong Tai Sin District
* Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple, Wong Tai Sin,
* Old Pillbox, Diamond Hill
Yau Tsim Mong District
List of Grade I historic buildings in Hong Kong
Grade I historic buildings in Hong Kong are those selected as those "outstanding merits of which every effort should be made to preserve if possible".
These buildings may be protected under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance; after consulting the Antiquities Advisory Board, with the approval of the and the publication of the notice in government gazette, the Antiquities Authority may legally declare the Graded historic buildings to be protected as .
Five Grade I historic buildings have been demolished in the last two decades.
* ''none''
* Ex. Royal Air Force Station , Headquarters Building, No. 50 Kwun Tong Road, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon
* Ex. Royal Air Force Station , Officers' Quarters Compound RAF Officers' Mess, No. 51 Kwun Tong Road, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon
* Ex. Royal Air Force Station , Officers' Quarters Compound Annex Block No. 2, No. 51 Kwun Tong Road, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon
* 2 Dams of Kowloon Reservoir , at Golden Hill Road, Kam Shan Country Park
* Kowloon Reservoir Valve House, Kam Shan Country Park
* Kowloon Reservoir Valve House
* Shek Lei Pui Reception Reservoir Dam
* Shek Lei Pui Reception Reservoir Valve House
* Lower Reservoir Bellmouth
* Shing Mun Reservoir Lower Reservoir Pineapple Pass
* Shing Mun Reservoir Lower Reservoir Steel Bridge
* Shing Mun Reservoir Lower Reservoir Weir
* Shing Mun Reservoir Upper Reservoir Gorge Dam
* Shing Mun Reservoir Upper Reservoir Valve Tower
* Shing Mun Reservoir Upper Reservoir Bellmouth
* Shing Mun Reservoir Lower Reservoir Valve Tower
* Shing Mun Reservoir Lower Reservoir Gate Shaft
* Shing Mun Reservoir Lower Reservoir Supply Basin
* Shing Mun Reservoir Upper Reservoir Memorial Stone
* Shing Mun Reservoir Upper Reservoir Steel Bridge
* Tsang Tai Uk
* Tin Hau Temple Complex, in Ha Wai, Tap Mun Chau
* ''none''
* Dormitory A, St. Joseph's Home for the Aged, at Clear Water Bay Road, Ngau Chi Wan
* Gate House, St. Joseph's Home for the Aged, Ngau Chi Wan, Kowloon
* St. Joseph's Home for the Aged
* Hau Wong Temple, at the Cr. of Junction Road and Tung Tau Tsuen Road
These buildings may be protected under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance; after consulting the Antiquities Advisory Board, with the approval of the and the publication of the notice in government gazette, the Antiquities Authority may legally declare the Graded historic buildings to be protected as .
Five Grade I historic buildings have been demolished in the last two decades.
Central and Western District
Islands District
Kowloon City District
* ''none''
Kwun Tong District
* Ex. Royal Air Force Station , Headquarters Building, No. 50 Kwun Tong Road, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon
* Ex. Royal Air Force Station , Officers' Quarters Compound RAF Officers' Mess, No. 51 Kwun Tong Road, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon
* Ex. Royal Air Force Station , Officers' Quarters Compound Annex Block No. 2, No. 51 Kwun Tong Road, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon
Sai Kung District
Shatin District
* 2 Dams of Kowloon Reservoir , at Golden Hill Road, Kam Shan Country Park
* Kowloon Reservoir Valve House, Kam Shan Country Park
* Kowloon Reservoir Valve House
* Shek Lei Pui Reception Reservoir Dam
* Shek Lei Pui Reception Reservoir Valve House
* Lower Reservoir Bellmouth
* Shing Mun Reservoir Lower Reservoir Pineapple Pass
* Shing Mun Reservoir Lower Reservoir Steel Bridge
* Shing Mun Reservoir Lower Reservoir Weir
* Shing Mun Reservoir Upper Reservoir Gorge Dam
* Shing Mun Reservoir Upper Reservoir Valve Tower
* Shing Mun Reservoir Upper Reservoir Bellmouth
* Shing Mun Reservoir Lower Reservoir Valve Tower
* Shing Mun Reservoir Lower Reservoir Gate Shaft
* Shing Mun Reservoir Lower Reservoir Supply Basin
* Shing Mun Reservoir Upper Reservoir Memorial Stone
* Shing Mun Reservoir Upper Reservoir Steel Bridge
* Tsang Tai Uk
Sham Shui Po District
Tai Po District
* Tin Hau Temple Complex, in Ha Wai, Tap Mun Chau
Tsuen Wan District
* ''none''
Tuen Mun District
Wan Chai District
Wong Tai Sin District
* Dormitory A, St. Joseph's Home for the Aged, at Clear Water Bay Road, Ngau Chi Wan
* Gate House, St. Joseph's Home for the Aged, Ngau Chi Wan, Kowloon
* St. Joseph's Home for the Aged
* Hau Wong Temple, at the Cr. of Junction Road and Tung Tau Tsuen Road
Yau Tsim Mong District
Yuen Long District
Kowloon Station (KCR)
Kowloon Station , located in Tsim Sha Tsui on the present site of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, was the former southern terminus of the Kowloon-Canton Railway .
The first Kowloon station was a temporary structure built near the Post Office on in 1909 and served until the permanent station was completed in 1910. Regular service began at the second station on the 1st October, 1910. The building consisted of a two storey L shaped terminal building with a clock tower. On the north end of the station was a covered walkway which lead to a two covered elevated platforms. A mile north of the station is a freight station.
After its relocation to Hung Hom in 1974, it had been the name of present-day Hung Hom Station, the new southern terminus of the railway, now renamed East Rail Line.
Owing to lacking of space for expansion, the southern terminus of the railway was moved from Tsim Sha Tsui to a new station of the same name on the new from Hung Hom Bay in 1974. The Hong Kong Cultural Centre was constructed on the site.
The new Kowloon Station was renamed to its present name, , in late 1990s.
A campaign was mounted to preserve the 60-year old red brick terminus. The Kowloon Residents' Association wrote to the Colonial Secretary in 1970; the Tsim Sha Tsui Neighbourhood and Welfare Association also wrote to the Colonial Secretary in 1975, and again in May 1977. was mounted by the Heritage Society, and sent to the then , Murray MacLehose on July 29, 1977. The Government rejected the petition, and its request for an independent inquiry into the draft area development plan. and was misleading the public.
The Heritage Society escalated lobbying effort, and petitioned
with a file containing some 15,000 signatures in February 1978, hoping for royal intervention.
The Clock Tower is the only part of the old station in Tsim Sha Tsui remains at its own site. Six pillars of the station building were moved to the Urban Council Centenary Garden in Tsim Sha Tsui East, and a big bell is kept at East Rail depot at Ho Tung Lau.
The first Kowloon station was a temporary structure built near the Post Office on in 1909 and served until the permanent station was completed in 1910. Regular service began at the second station on the 1st October, 1910. The building consisted of a two storey L shaped terminal building with a clock tower. On the north end of the station was a covered walkway which lead to a two covered elevated platforms. A mile north of the station is a freight station.
After its relocation to Hung Hom in 1974, it had been the name of present-day Hung Hom Station, the new southern terminus of the railway, now renamed East Rail Line.
Relocation
Owing to lacking of space for expansion, the southern terminus of the railway was moved from Tsim Sha Tsui to a new station of the same name on the new from Hung Hom Bay in 1974. The Hong Kong Cultural Centre was constructed on the site.
The new Kowloon Station was renamed to its present name, , in late 1990s.
Preservation campaign
A campaign was mounted to preserve the 60-year old red brick terminus. The Kowloon Residents' Association wrote to the Colonial Secretary in 1970; the Tsim Sha Tsui Neighbourhood and Welfare Association also wrote to the Colonial Secretary in 1975, and again in May 1977. was mounted by the Heritage Society, and sent to the then , Murray MacLehose on July 29, 1977. The Government rejected the petition, and its request for an independent inquiry into the draft area development plan. and was misleading the public.
The Heritage Society escalated lobbying effort, and petitioned
with a file containing some 15,000 signatures in February 1978, hoping for royal intervention.
Clock Tower
The Clock Tower is the only part of the old station in Tsim Sha Tsui remains at its own site. Six pillars of the station building were moved to the Urban Council Centenary Garden in Tsim Sha Tsui East, and a big bell is kept at East Rail depot at Ho Tung Lau.
Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple
Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple is a gurdwara in the Wan Chai District of Hong Kong, on the junction of and Stubbs Road, Hong Kong Island.
This Gurdwara functions as its role of providing religious, social, practical and cohesive support to generations of Sikhs in Hong Kong and continue to do so. It is also the center of Sikh community activities. The need for a proper Gurdwara was evident in the early days of Hong Kong and the government allocated land at Happy Valley for building the Gurdwara. Sikh Soldiers of the British Army helped build the Gurdwara in 1901.
In the 1930’s the number of Sikhs kept on increasing the Gurudwara was required to be rebuilt. In the early 1940s during the World War II, the Gurudwara was bombed twice, sustaining extensive damage. The then Gurudwara Granthi , Bhai Nand Singh, was sitting in the main hall reading the Sri Guru Granth Sahib when he was fatally injured In one of the attacks. However, the Guru Granth Sahib was not damaged. Many Sikhs and Non-Sikhs had sought refuge in the Gurudwara and some of them sustained injuries. After the war, the damaged areas of the Gurudwara were rebuilt by the Sikhs and the Non-Sikhs.
Again in 1980’s the Gurudwara’s main hall was extended and linked with Queens’ Road East by a covered bridge, which provides easy access for the devotees. This project too, was funded by the Sikh’s and the Non-Sikhs
Since 1841, Sikhs from Punjab have grown with Hong Kong from its infancy as a small fishing port to the present status as a world-class cosmopolitan city. The Gurdwara has co-exited peacefully and harmoniously with the local Chinese community for over a century. Sikhs have participated effectively in the development of Hong Kong and contributed actively to the Hong Kong society. Sikhs were the first constables of the Hong Kong Police Force in 1844. They also served as civil servants, administration officers, officers of the disciplined forces, professionals, security guards, and in other essential services. Khalsa Diwan Hong Kong having witnessed struggles, war, development, political and social changes continues to perform its traditional functions dutifully by contributing to the religious needs and well being of Sikhs in Hong Kong.
History
This Gurdwara functions as its role of providing religious, social, practical and cohesive support to generations of Sikhs in Hong Kong and continue to do so. It is also the center of Sikh community activities. The need for a proper Gurdwara was evident in the early days of Hong Kong and the government allocated land at Happy Valley for building the Gurdwara. Sikh Soldiers of the British Army helped build the Gurdwara in 1901.
In the 1930’s the number of Sikhs kept on increasing the Gurudwara was required to be rebuilt. In the early 1940s during the World War II, the Gurudwara was bombed twice, sustaining extensive damage. The then Gurudwara Granthi , Bhai Nand Singh, was sitting in the main hall reading the Sri Guru Granth Sahib when he was fatally injured In one of the attacks. However, the Guru Granth Sahib was not damaged. Many Sikhs and Non-Sikhs had sought refuge in the Gurudwara and some of them sustained injuries. After the war, the damaged areas of the Gurudwara were rebuilt by the Sikhs and the Non-Sikhs.
Again in 1980’s the Gurudwara’s main hall was extended and linked with Queens’ Road East by a covered bridge, which provides easy access for the devotees. This project too, was funded by the Sikh’s and the Non-Sikhs
Role of the Temple in Hong Kong
Since 1841, Sikhs from Punjab have grown with Hong Kong from its infancy as a small fishing port to the present status as a world-class cosmopolitan city. The Gurdwara has co-exited peacefully and harmoniously with the local Chinese community for over a century. Sikhs have participated effectively in the development of Hong Kong and contributed actively to the Hong Kong society. Sikhs were the first constables of the Hong Kong Police Force in 1844. They also served as civil servants, administration officers, officers of the disciplined forces, professionals, security guards, and in other essential services. Khalsa Diwan Hong Kong having witnessed struggles, war, development, political and social changes continues to perform its traditional functions dutifully by contributing to the religious needs and well being of Sikhs in Hong Kong.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Hong Kong
The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception is the Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong. It is the seat of the Diocesan bishop, currently Joseph Cardinal Zen. The Cathedral is one of the two cathedrals in the city of Hong Kong, the other being the Anglican .
It is located at 16 Caine Road, . It is open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm daily. It is graded as Grade I Historic Building
The first Roman Catholic cathedral of Hong Kong was built in 1843 on Wellington Street and destroyed in a fire in 1859. The cathedral was rebuilt, but subsequently a different site was selected just above Caine Road by the Glenealy Ravine, where it is still located today. The Cathedral was designed by Crawley and Company of London. Construction of the new building started in 1883. Services first began in July 1886 under the auspices of the Apostolic Vicar Dominic Pozzoni and the first was celebrated on December 7, 1888.
It was a Cathedral from the time it was built, as the seat of the apostolic vicariate that preceded the establishment of the diocese in 1946; however, it was not consecrated as a cathedral until 1938.
The Cathedral’s original timber roof was replaced with a concrete roof in 1952; the main altar was also reconstructed in the early 1980s.
The Cathedral underwent renovation in 2002, and the renovation project was recognized by an Honorable Mention in the 2003 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
The Cathedral measures long and wide, with 38 columns. It is an imposing Gothic Revival style built in a Greek cruciform shape with a tower at the intersection of the nave and transepts. It is constructed predominantly of bricks and stone over a granite platform and is supported by external buttresses.
It is located at 16 Caine Road, . It is open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm daily. It is graded as Grade I Historic Building
History
The first Roman Catholic cathedral of Hong Kong was built in 1843 on Wellington Street and destroyed in a fire in 1859. The cathedral was rebuilt, but subsequently a different site was selected just above Caine Road by the Glenealy Ravine, where it is still located today. The Cathedral was designed by Crawley and Company of London. Construction of the new building started in 1883. Services first began in July 1886 under the auspices of the Apostolic Vicar Dominic Pozzoni and the first was celebrated on December 7, 1888.
It was a Cathedral from the time it was built, as the seat of the apostolic vicariate that preceded the establishment of the diocese in 1946; however, it was not consecrated as a cathedral until 1938.
Renovation
The Cathedral’s original timber roof was replaced with a concrete roof in 1952; the main altar was also reconstructed in the early 1980s.
The Cathedral underwent renovation in 2002, and the renovation project was recognized by an Honorable Mention in the 2003 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
Features
The Cathedral measures long and wide, with 38 columns. It is an imposing Gothic Revival style built in a Greek cruciform shape with a tower at the intersection of the nave and transepts. It is constructed predominantly of bricks and stone over a granite platform and is supported by external buttresses.
Gallery
Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre
The Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre is located in Hong Kong Park, at in , Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong.According to the Plaque in the Arts Centre, it was opened by Leung Ding-Bon, the then chairman of the Urban Council in 1992.
The main aim of the centre is to support the local art creation. The centre was restructured from an early 20th century building , in order to provide an area and facilities for local artists in order to enhance their creativity. A lot of modern artifacts and sculptures can be enjoyed in this centre.
The historic building is graded as .
The main aim of the centre is to support the local art creation. The centre was restructured from an early 20th century building , in order to provide an area and facilities for local artists in order to enhance their creativity. A lot of modern artifacts and sculptures can be enjoyed in this centre.
The historic building is graded as .
Green House (Hong Kong)
Green House is a block of 10 tenement houses located in 1-11, Mallory Street and 6-12 Burrows Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. It is named from the green colour painted on the external walls of the building. It is one of the few remaining ''tong-lau'' of the balcony type in Hong Kong. Because of the historic significance, the houses are listed as .
The lot where the tenement house now standing was first owned by the American firm of Messrs Burrows and Sons. Later, it was owned by Lawrence Mallory. Timber yard and boat building yard had been occupied the site; later on it was occupied by warehouses, timber and coal storage and several other small industries.
Around 1905, Hong Kong Land Investment Company possessed the area; in the mid 1920s, the company turned the lot into 10 tenement houses in mid 1920s.
Historic Background
The lot where the tenement house now standing was first owned by the American firm of Messrs Burrows and Sons. Later, it was owned by Lawrence Mallory. Timber yard and boat building yard had been occupied the site; later on it was occupied by warehouses, timber and coal storage and several other small industries.
Around 1905, Hong Kong Land Investment Company possessed the area; in the mid 1920s, the company turned the lot into 10 tenement houses in mid 1920s.
Gin Drinkers Line
Gin Drinkers Line or Gin Drinker's Line was a military defence line against in Hong Kong, 1941. Bunkers, concrete fortified machine gun posts, trenches and artillery batteries were built along the line. Its name came from Gin Drinkers Bay, a bay nearby in Kwai Chung, Hong Kong. With construction was started in 1936, it is linked to the several peaks between New Kowloon and New Territories.
The concept came from the Maginot Line in France. The British believed the line could protect the colony from Japanese invasion for at least six months and even called it the "Oriental Maginot Line". The Japanese generals also believed the line would stop their advance until the scouts found out the line was very weak. For example, only 30 soldiers were defending a bunker with a capacity of 120 soldiers. Similar to the Maginot Line, the Gin Drinkers Line was generally considered to be a complete failure. The line and the whole of Kowloon were abandoned by the British troops in just two days.
There are some remains of bunkers near Shing Mun Reservoir, with the defence lines named after London roads, for example, Charing Cross to provide familiarity to the soldiers of the Middlesex regiment. One of the Japanese invasion forces broke the defence line here.
The concept came from the Maginot Line in France. The British believed the line could protect the colony from Japanese invasion for at least six months and even called it the "Oriental Maginot Line". The Japanese generals also believed the line would stop their advance until the scouts found out the line was very weak. For example, only 30 soldiers were defending a bunker with a capacity of 120 soldiers. Similar to the Maginot Line, the Gin Drinkers Line was generally considered to be a complete failure. The line and the whole of Kowloon were abandoned by the British troops in just two days.
There are some remains of bunkers near Shing Mun Reservoir, with the defence lines named after London roads, for example, Charing Cross to provide familiarity to the soldiers of the Middlesex regiment. One of the Japanese invasion forces broke the defence line here.
Fruit Market
Fruit Market , also known as Yau Ma Tei Fruit Market , is a wholesale fruit market in Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, Hong Kong. The market was founded in 1913 between Ferry Street, and Reclamation Street with Shek Lung Street passing through it.
The market is a historically valuable site. It consists of several blocks of one or two storey stone buildings. Pre-World War II signboards are on the outer walls of the buildings. The market was officially known as Kowloon Wholesale Fruit Market until the name was transferred to Cheung Sha Wan Wholesale Market Complex in Cheung Sha Wan in 1990; however, many wholesalers still operate in the market. The busiest hours are 4 to 6 o'clock in the morning. Lorries and carts deliver boxes of fruit in and out of the market.
It is known as ''gwo laan'' in Cantonese. ''gwo'' means fruit while ''laan'' means wholesale market, derived from railing and enclosed area.
It is classified as .
Another historical building, Yaumati Theatre is adjacent to the market, across Reclamation Street.
The market is a historically valuable site. It consists of several blocks of one or two storey stone buildings. Pre-World War II signboards are on the outer walls of the buildings. The market was officially known as Kowloon Wholesale Fruit Market until the name was transferred to Cheung Sha Wan Wholesale Market Complex in Cheung Sha Wan in 1990; however, many wholesalers still operate in the market. The busiest hours are 4 to 6 o'clock in the morning. Lorries and carts deliver boxes of fruit in and out of the market.
It is known as ''gwo laan'' in Cantonese. ''gwo'' means fruit while ''laan'' means wholesale market, derived from railing and enclosed area.
It is classified as .
Another historical building, Yaumati Theatre is adjacent to the market, across Reclamation Street.
Central Market
Central Market was a fresh food market in , Hong Kong. Located between Jubilee Street, , and Des Voeux Road Central , it was the first wet market in Hong Kong. By its side is the first public female toilet and first above-ground toilets in Hong Kong. It is one of two existing Bauhaus market buildings.
The precursor of the market was Canton Bazaar , which was established in 1842 on Queen's Road Central between Cochrane Street and Graham Street. In 1843 it was also known as the Middle Bazaar. The Chinese population were later forced to relocate from Central to the Tai Ping Shan area due to a series of fire. The market was then replaced by residential houses for s. The bazaar was moved to , where the present-day stands. It housed Chinese furniture deals, joiners, cabinet makers and curio shops. Due to its proximity of Naval Yard and the construction of cantonment, the bazaar, shops, civil tenement had to be removed. In the 1850s, it was moved to its current location on Des Voeux Road . Its name also changed to Central Market .
The market was rebuilt in 1858, then completely replaced with a Western marble structure in 1895. The rebuilt market was a 3-storey -style structure with a tower in the middle.
The market was demolished again in 1937, this time replaced with a Bauhaus structure. Construction was completed in 1938, and cost HK$900,000. The market re-opened on 1 May 1939.
During the Japanese Occupation of Hong Kong between 1941 and 1945, the Chinese name of the market was changed from 中環街市 to 中央街市 . The Chinese name displayed at the Des Voeux Road Central entrance was not restored until 1993. Central Market was the biggest meat markets in Southeast Asia and the then-Governor of Hong Kong made a visit to the market in 1967. The importance of the market attracted another Governor to pay another visit.
In 1994, the western part of its second floor was converted into the Central Escalator Link Alley Shopping Arcade, an access between Central Elevated Walkway and Central-Mid-Levels escalator. It was managed by the Urban Council until its dissolution in 1999. The market was then closed in March 2003.
The market is housed in a 4-storey reinforced concrete structure, and contains 200 booths inside. The market is spacious with a central court, high ceiling and window walls for natural light and ventilation. There are two entrances of the market. The Des Vouex Road Central entrance is one the ground floor while the Queen's Road Central entrance bridges the first floor. In the early days, the root floor were offices and quarters of hygiene inspectors and other staff.
The building is largely abandoned with few stores by a renovated pedestrian corridor inside, Central Escalator Link Alley Shopping Arcade . The corridor is linked by two footbridges to Hang Seng Bank New Headquarters Building and Central Elevated Walkway, and another footbridge to the Central-Mid-Levels escalator. Shops in the arcade include tailors, Seven Eleven, cleanser, collectors and other trades. On Sunday, one side of the corridor is a popular gathering place among Filipino maids.
The building has been planned for re-development many times. The land is going to be sold and the market may be demolished.
History
The precursor of the market was Canton Bazaar , which was established in 1842 on Queen's Road Central between Cochrane Street and Graham Street. In 1843 it was also known as the Middle Bazaar. The Chinese population were later forced to relocate from Central to the Tai Ping Shan area due to a series of fire. The market was then replaced by residential houses for s. The bazaar was moved to , where the present-day stands. It housed Chinese furniture deals, joiners, cabinet makers and curio shops. Due to its proximity of Naval Yard and the construction of cantonment, the bazaar, shops, civil tenement had to be removed. In the 1850s, it was moved to its current location on Des Voeux Road . Its name also changed to Central Market .
The market was rebuilt in 1858, then completely replaced with a Western marble structure in 1895. The rebuilt market was a 3-storey -style structure with a tower in the middle.
The market was demolished again in 1937, this time replaced with a Bauhaus structure. Construction was completed in 1938, and cost HK$900,000. The market re-opened on 1 May 1939.
During the Japanese Occupation of Hong Kong between 1941 and 1945, the Chinese name of the market was changed from 中環街市 to 中央街市 . The Chinese name displayed at the Des Voeux Road Central entrance was not restored until 1993. Central Market was the biggest meat markets in Southeast Asia and the then-Governor of Hong Kong made a visit to the market in 1967. The importance of the market attracted another Governor to pay another visit.
In 1994, the western part of its second floor was converted into the Central Escalator Link Alley Shopping Arcade, an access between Central Elevated Walkway and Central-Mid-Levels escalator. It was managed by the Urban Council until its dissolution in 1999. The market was then closed in March 2003.
Structure
The market is housed in a 4-storey reinforced concrete structure, and contains 200 booths inside. The market is spacious with a central court, high ceiling and window walls for natural light and ventilation. There are two entrances of the market. The Des Vouex Road Central entrance is one the ground floor while the Queen's Road Central entrance bridges the first floor. In the early days, the root floor were offices and quarters of hygiene inspectors and other staff.
Current
The building is largely abandoned with few stores by a renovated pedestrian corridor inside, Central Escalator Link Alley Shopping Arcade . The corridor is linked by two footbridges to Hang Seng Bank New Headquarters Building and Central Elevated Walkway, and another footbridge to the Central-Mid-Levels escalator. Shops in the arcade include tailors, Seven Eleven, cleanser, collectors and other trades. On Sunday, one side of the corridor is a popular gathering place among Filipino maids.
The building has been planned for re-development many times. The land is going to be sold and the market may be demolished.
Blue House (Hong Kong)
Blue House, refers to a 4-storey balcony-type tenement block located at 72-74A Stone Nullah Lane, Wan Chai. It is named for the brilliant blue colour painted on its external walls. It is one of the few remaining examples of Tong Lau of the balcony type in Hong Kong.
It is classified as .
The building was the original site of the first hospital 'Wah To Hospital' , which was built in the 1870s in Wan Chai.. The hospital, which provided Chinese medical services to local Chinese, was possibly the first hospital in the district.
After the hospital closed in 1886, the 2-storey building was then used as a temple for Wah To , the revered Chinese physician from the Three Kingdoms period.
The building was demolished around late 1910s or early 1920s. It was turned into four 4-storey tenement blocks in mid 1920s. The building was subsequently used as a martial arts school in the 1950s by Lam Cho, the nephew of Lam Sai Wing , and as an osteopathy clinic in the 1960s.
The construction was acquired by the Government in the 1970s, and the outer walls painted blue, and was thus named the Blue House.
All the upper floors of Blue House, Apart from 72 Stone Nullah Lane, are of timber structures. The two wooden stairs, with all the original elements intact, are well maintained.
The building was part of a HK$100 million plan, unveiled by the and the Urban Renewal Authority, to preserve nine Chinese-style buildings in Wan Chai that were constructed during the 1920s.
In 2007, the Urban Renewal Authority and the Development Bureau jointly announced that the residents of the Blue House, will be allow to stay if they hope so.
It is classified as .
Historic background
The building was the original site of the first hospital 'Wah To Hospital' , which was built in the 1870s in Wan Chai.. The hospital, which provided Chinese medical services to local Chinese, was possibly the first hospital in the district.
After the hospital closed in 1886, the 2-storey building was then used as a temple for Wah To , the revered Chinese physician from the Three Kingdoms period.
The building was demolished around late 1910s or early 1920s. It was turned into four 4-storey tenement blocks in mid 1920s. The building was subsequently used as a martial arts school in the 1950s by Lam Cho, the nephew of Lam Sai Wing , and as an osteopathy clinic in the 1960s.
The construction was acquired by the Government in the 1970s, and the outer walls painted blue, and was thus named the Blue House.
Future Revitalisation
All the upper floors of Blue House, Apart from 72 Stone Nullah Lane, are of timber structures. The two wooden stairs, with all the original elements intact, are well maintained.
The building was part of a HK$100 million plan, unveiled by the and the Urban Renewal Authority, to preserve nine Chinese-style buildings in Wan Chai that were constructed during the 1920s.
In 2007, the Urban Renewal Authority and the Development Bureau jointly announced that the residents of the Blue House, will be allow to stay if they hope so.
Blake Pier Hong Kong
Blake Pier is a public pier in , Hong Kong. The name originally referred to a ferry pier in Central, Hong Kong. The pier was named after Sir Henry Arthur Blake, the twelfth governor of Hong Kong. It was originally located at the site of the project.
The top structure of the pier was later transferred to the open-air oval theatre in Morse Park, in between Wong Tai Sin and Lok Fu. In 2006, the structure was once again transferred next to the Murray House in Stanley, itself dismantled brick by brick and relocated from .
The pier was recommissioned in Stanley on July 31, 2007
Technology in digital recording of structures was applied to capture the 3D images of the roof structure.
The top structure of the pier was later transferred to the open-air oval theatre in Morse Park, in between Wong Tai Sin and Lok Fu. In 2006, the structure was once again transferred next to the Murray House in Stanley, itself dismantled brick by brick and relocated from .
The pier was recommissioned in Stanley on July 31, 2007
Technology in digital recording of structures was applied to capture the 3D images of the roof structure.
Wan Chai Market
The Wan Chai Market was constructed in 1937.It is located at 264 Queen's Road East Wan Chai,Hong Kong Island. It is a Grade III Historic Building.
Its architectural style is influenced by Streamline Moderne architecture, a popular style of building of the 1930s. It is often erroneously referred to as a Bauhaus-style building.
During , the basement of the Wan Chai Market was occupied by the Japanese troop for the storage of corpses.
In 1961, the Market underwent a renovation to improve its facilities
and environment so that the Market could compete with other market places in the district.
The Land Development Corporation obtained approval from the to acquire land in Wan Chai, including this site, for redevelopment as part of an urban renewal project. A consortium was formed comprising Chinese Estates , Kwong Sang Hong , Chi Cheung Investment and .
Chinese Estates, controlled by , agreed with the Urban Renewal Authority in 1996 to jointly redevelop the site into a luxury residential-commercial complex. Phase two of the project, which requires the demolition of the building, was scheduled to start early 2008 and completion by mid-2011.
In 2007, the Urban Renewal Authority and the Development Bureau jointly announced that the facade and the front part of the historic market building will be preserved in the redevelopment project; the front part will be used as a
shopping centre. A residential building will stand at the back of the market building.
There is a basement and staff quarters in the building.
In the successful video game by , ''Deus Ex'', Wan Chai Market is used as the basis for a portion of the game.
Its architectural style is influenced by Streamline Moderne architecture, a popular style of building of the 1930s. It is often erroneously referred to as a Bauhaus-style building.
History
During , the basement of the Wan Chai Market was occupied by the Japanese troop for the storage of corpses.
In 1961, the Market underwent a renovation to improve its facilities
and environment so that the Market could compete with other market places in the district.
The Land Development Corporation obtained approval from the to acquire land in Wan Chai, including this site, for redevelopment as part of an urban renewal project. A consortium was formed comprising Chinese Estates , Kwong Sang Hong , Chi Cheung Investment and .
Chinese Estates, controlled by , agreed with the Urban Renewal Authority in 1996 to jointly redevelop the site into a luxury residential-commercial complex. Phase two of the project, which requires the demolition of the building, was scheduled to start early 2008 and completion by mid-2011.
In 2007, the Urban Renewal Authority and the Development Bureau jointly announced that the facade and the front part of the historic market building will be preserved in the redevelopment project; the front part will be used as a
shopping centre. A residential building will stand at the back of the market building.
Facilities
There is a basement and staff quarters in the building.
In Popular Culture
In the successful video game by , ''Deus Ex'', Wan Chai Market is used as the basis for a portion of the game.
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