Declared Monuments

Many fascinating Chinese and colonial heritage sites still exist in Hong Kong, reflecting more than 5,000 years of Chinese and more than 150 years of British colonial heritage. The following is a list of important heritage sites that are easily accessible. An * denotes they are not open to the public. Government House is open on special occasions.

Easily Accessible Declared Monument :

Duddell Street Steps & Gas Lamps Tin Hau Temple (Causeway Bay) Old Stanley Police Station The Exterior of the Old Supreme Court The Exterior of the Main Building Flagstaff House Former French Mission Building Law Uk Hakka House Old Wan Chai Post Office Western Market The Exterior of the Main Building Central Police Station Compound Former Central Magistracy Victoria Prison Compound The Exterior of University Hall The Exterior of Hung Hing Ying Building The Exterior of the Tang Chi Ngong Building Government House St. John's Cathedral HONG KONG ISLAND3 <COLONIAL>
1. Duddell Street Steps & Gas Lamps (Central)
These fine wide stone steps connect Ice House Street with Duddell Street. The lamps at the head and foot of the steps, built between 1875 and 1889, are surmounted on either side by the only four gas lamps remaining in Hong Kong.
Directions :
MTR to Central station and take The Landmark shopping mall exit. Once outside cross the narrow part of Ice House Street, then Queen's Road Central at the lights and the upper part of Ice House Street, also at the lights. Walk west along Queen's Road Central, Duddell Street is the first small street on the left.

Temples
2. Tin Hau Temple (Causeway Bay)

The temple was built by the Tai family probably in the early 18th Century. They often went to Causeway Bay to gather grass and some family members found a statue of Tin Hau near the shore. They erected a shelter for the statue and, as it became more popular, a proper temple building was built with donations from local boat people.
Directions :
Bus no. 25 from the bus terminus outside Pier no. 7 in Central, alight at Tin Hau Temple Road. Or take the MTR to Tin Hau station (Exit B), cross the road and walk along Tin Hau Temple Road. The temple is on the right.

3. Old Stanley Police Station (Stanley)
Built in 1859, this simple but attractive two-storey structure, with verandas at the front and back, is one of the oldest surviving police stations in Hong Kong.
Directions :
Bus no. 6 or no. 260 from Exchange Square bus terminus, Central, Hong Kong Island, or bus no. 973 from Concordia Plaza bus terminus, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon. Get off at Stanley bus terminus, then walk along Stanley Village Road for about a minute.

4. The Exterior of the Old Supreme Court (Central)*
Opened on 15 January, 1912, the former Supreme Court was converted in 1985 to house the Legislative Council chambers. The two-storey granite structure is neoclassical in style. (Not open to the public.)
Directions :
From the Star Ferry, Central, walk across Connaught and Chater roads; or MTR to Central and take the Legislative Council Building exit.

5. The Exterior of the Main Building, the University of Hong Kong (Pok Fu Lam)*
The Main Building of the University of Hong Kong is the oldest of the university's structures. Construction began in 1910 and was completed in 1912. (Not open to the public.)
Directions :
Bus no. 3B from the bus stop in front of Jardine House, Connaught Road Central; bus no. 23 from outside Pacific Place, Admiralty; or bus no. 40 from Wan Chai Ferry Pier. Alight when you see the university buildings at Bonham Road and Hing Hon Road.

6. Flagstaff House (Central)
Located in Hong Kong Park, Flagstaff House was built in 1846 and until 1932 was used as the residence of the Commander of the British Forces in Hong Kong. It now houses the Museum of Tea Ware. Open daily 10am-5pm, except Tuesday and some public holidays.
Directions :
MTR to Admiralty station, exit at Queensway Plaza. Walk over the covered bridge to Pacific Place, then take the escalator up to the entrance of Hong Kong Park.

7. Former French Mission Building (Central)*
This 150-year-old building was acquired by the French Mission in 1915. A small granite plaque on an external wall states extensive rebuilding was carried out in 1917. The building now houses the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal. (Not open to the public.)
Directions :
MTR to Central and exit at The Landmark shopping mall (or walk from Star Ferry to The Landmark). Cross the narrow part of Ice House Street, then cross Queen's Road Central at the lights. Take Battery Path immediately on the left and walk to the end. The building is on the left.


Chinese Heritage
8. Law Uk Hakka House (Chai Wan)
Law Uk (meaning the house of the Law family) is the only original village house left intact in Chai Wan. Built about 200 years ago, it is a typical medium-size Hakka village house. Restored in 1989, the house is now a folk museum, open 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm Monday to Wednesday, Friday to Saturday, and 1pm- 6pm Sunday and public holidays. Closed Thursday.
Directions :
MTR to Chai Wan station. Take Exit B and follow the signs to the museum, a walk of about five minutes.

9. Old Wan Chai Post Office (Wan Chai)
The old Wan Chai Post Office is the oldest surviving post office building in Hong Kong. This building was erected between 1912 and 1913. It is now operated by the Environmental Protection Department as a resources centre.
Directions :
Bus no. 6, 6A, 6X from Exchange Square bus terminus, Central. Alight near the cigar-shaped tower of Hopewell Centre on Queen's Road East.

10. Western Market (Sheung Wan)
Completed in 1906, the market has walls of red brick on a granite base, a large, handsome granite arch over its main entrance, and four corner towers highlighted in "bandaged" brickwork. In 1991, the market was stylishly refurbished and is now home to small handicraft shops, fabric merchants and a Chinese restaurant. The market is open 10am-7pm daily.
Directions :
MTR to Sheung Wan station (Exit B or C). Walk 5-10 minutes along Des Voeux Road Central and Western Market is on the left. Or ride the tram towards Kennedy Town and get off at the market opposite the Shun Tak Centre.

11. The Exterior of the Main Building, the Helena May (Central)*
Completed in 1916, the Helena May was the brainchild of Lady May, wife of the Governor of Hong Kong from 1912 to 1919. Intended as a hostel for working women of moderate means, today it provides accommodation for women of all nationalities and is conveniently located opposite the US Consulate. Of particular interest is the exquisitely decorated entrance porch that is flanked on either side by two neoclassical columns, adding to the Baroque-Rococo look of the building. (Not open to the public.)
Directions :
Bus no. 15C from Edinburgh Place near the Star Ferry in Central to the lower terminus of the Peak Tram on Garden Road. From the terminus, walk up the left-hand side of Garden Road for a few minutes.

12. Central Police Station Compound (Central)*
The barrack block was built in 1864, the other blocks being added between 1910 and 1925. This four-storey group of buildings is in the classical style, with the whole of the front and the main architectural features of the back constructed of cement plaster, while the extension facing Hollywood Road is noted for its brick construction and imposing columns in the entrance hall. The police compound is now used as both the Hong Kong Island Regional Headquarters and the Central District Headquarters. (Not open to the public.)
Directions :
From Central MTR station (Exit D1), walk along Pedder Street to Wyndham Street and walk up Wyndham's steep rise, following it to the right as it becomes Hollywood Road. The police station is on the left just past Arbuthnot Road.

13. Former Central Magistracy (Central)*
Another Magistracy dating from as early as 1847 originally stood on this site, but was later demolished to make way for the present building, which was completed in 1914. The Magistracy walls are of Canton red brick faced with Amoy bricks on the outer surface. The finely moulded cement-concrete pillars and other decorative features follow the Greek revival style. A dressed granite archway and pediment adorns the front entrance. (Not open to the public.)
Directions :
From Central MTR station (Exit D1) walk along Pedder Street to Wyndham Street and walk up Wyndham's steep rise, following it to the right as it becomes Hollywood Road. Arbuthnot Road is the first left.

14. Victoria Prison Compound*
Although this was one of the first buildings constructed of durable materials in Hong Kong in 1841, within 20 years the prison space was so inadequate that prisoners had to be moved to an island in the harbour and also to a prison ship. Once additional accommodation was added, the prison reopened and has remained in use to the present day, except for short periods during the 1930s and 1940s. (Not open to the public.)
Directions :
From Central MTR station (Exit D1) walk along Pedder Street to Wyndham Street and walk up Wyndham's steep rise, following it to the right as it becomes Hollywood Road. On the left past the Central Police Station is Old Bailey Street.

15. The Exterior of University Hall, the University of Hong Kong (Pok Fu Lam)*
University Hall, on its imposing hilltop setting, is a charming blend of Tudor and Gothic architectural styles. It was built about 1861 by Douglas Lapraik, a Scottish businessman, who named the two-storey building with its four corner towers Douglas Castle. After the French Mission bought the house in 1894, the building was renamed Nazareth House, and housed a dormitory, a chapel, a library and a large printing house famous for printing about 60,000 books annually in 28 languages. The University of Hong Kong acquired the house in 1956 and converted it into a men's residence hall, renaming it University Hall. (Not open to the public.)
Directions :
Bus no. 7 from the bus terminus outside Pier no. 7 in Central. Get off at the junction of Pokfulam Reservoir Road and Pokfulam Road.

16. The Exterior of Hung Hing Ying Building, the University of Hong Kong (Pok Fu Lam)*
This two-storey red-brick building stands opposite the Main Building and has a distinctive central dome. It was originally designed to house the student union. With the financial support of benefactors such as Sir Paul Chater, the building was finally completed and opened in 1919 by the Governor, Sir Reginald Stubbs. In 1960 the east wing was added and in 1974 the building was converted into the Senior Common Room, only later reverting to administrative purposes. (Not open to the public.)
Directions :
Bus no. 3B from the bus stop in front of Jardine House on Connaught Road, Central, bus no. 23 from outside Pacific Place in Admiralty, or bus no. 40 from Wan Chai Ferry Pier. Alight at the University buildings at Bonham Road and Hing Hon Road.

17. The Exterior of the Tang Chi Ngong Building, the University of Hong Kong (Pok Fu Lam)*
Construction work on this building to house the School of Chinese Language began in 1929 with a generous donation from Mr Tang Chi-ngong, the father of Sir Shiu-kin Tang, a well-known local philanthropist. The building houses the Centre of Asian Studies.(Not open to the public.)
Directions :
Bus no. 3B from the bus stop in front of Jardine House on Connaught Road, Central, bus no. 23 from outside Pacific Place in Admiralty, or bus no. 40 from Wan Chai Ferry Pier. Alight at the University buildings at Bonham Road and Hing Hon Road.

18. Government House (Central)*
Government House was formerly the office and residence of previous Governors of Hong Kong. Construction began in 1851 and took four years to complete. Government House enjoyed harbour views until the present high-rise buildings in the vicinity were constructed. It was originally built in the Georgian style and bore rich colonial characteristics. It underwent a number of large-scale renovations, with the latest undertaken in 1942, during the Japanese occupation, by Japanese engineer Siechi Fujimura, who designed a dominant central tower to link the two original buildings. The roofs were also modified to produce a more Japanese flavour, thus diminishing the strong European style of the mansion, which was then used as the Japanese military headquarters. Since the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Government House has been used by the Chief Executive and the Government to hold important official functions. (Not open to the public except during special occasions. Please contact the Government House enquiries number at +852 2530 2003, or the AMO for details.)
Directions :
From outside Jardine House or Connaught Road, Central, take bus no. 3B and alight at St. Joseph Church on Cotton Tree Drive. Cross to Upper Albert Road, Government House is on the right. Or, take bus no. 15C from Edinburgh Place near the Star Ferry to the lower terminus of the Peak Tram on Garden Road. From the terminus, cross Garden Road and turn right into Upper Albert Road.

19. St. John's Cathedral (Central)
The cathedral is the oldest surviving Western ecclesiastical building in Hong Kong, and is believed to be the oldest Anglican church in the Far East. Built in a style adapted from both the 13th-century Early English and Decorated Gothic styles, construction was completed in 1849 under Bishop George Smith, first Bishop of Victoria. Due to a shortage of funds, the tower was finished a year later. An eastern extension was added in 1873, the foundation stone laid by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. During the Japanese occupation, the cathedral suffered heavy damage; most of the present interior design and furnishings are post-war. It was also during this period that the church was used as a social club for the Japanese community. Open 7am-6pm daily.
Directions :
From Star Ferry in Central, take a short taxi ride. Or, from the Queen's Road Central entrance to the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited Main Building, walk a few minutes up the stone steps on the other side of the road to Battery Path, which leads to the Cathedral.

   

Hong Kong Observatory Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower Former Kowloon British School Remnants of the South Gate of Kowloon Walled City Former Marine Police Headquarters Compound Former Yamen Building of Kowloon Walled City KOW LOON <COLONIAL>
1. Hong Kong Observatory (Tsim Sha Tsui)*
The Hong Kong Observatory was built in 1883. It is a rectangular two-storey, plastered brick structure with arched windows and long verandas, and stands on a small hill in Tsim Sha Tsui. It was declared a monument in 1984 and continues to monitor the weather in Hong Kong. (Group visits by arrangement only.)
Directions :
From either the Star Ferry or Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station (Exit B1), walk north towards Jordan on Nathan Road (Kowloon Park is on the left) and turn right into Observatory Road.

Chinese Heritage
2. Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb (Sham Shui Po)
This ancient tomb was discovered in 1955 when workmen levelled a hill slope to make way for the surrounding Lei Cheng Uk Estate. Around 58 pottery and bronze objects were found inside the tomb, which is believed to have been constructed during the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD25-220). The tomb is now a museum, open 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm daily except Thursday and some public holidays; 1pm-6pm on Sunday and public holidays.
Directions :
MTR to Cheung Sha Wan station (Exit A3). Follow the signs, walking along Tonkin Street for 10 minutes. Or take bus no. 2 from the Star Ferry in Tsim Sha Tsui, alight at Tonkin Street and walk north.


3. Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower (Tsim Sha Tsui)*

The clock tower was completed and came into operation in 1921 as a part of the Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR) Terminus. The terminus was moved to Hung Hom in 1975 and now only the clock tower remains to mark the site of the original railway terminus. Open 10am-6pm every Sunday to the public. Admission free.
Directions :
Ride the Star Ferry or MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui. The tower is located next to the Star Concourse.

4. Former Kowloon British School (Tsim Sha Tsui)*
Completed in 1902, this is the oldest surviving school building constructed for foreign residents in Hong Kong. The architecture is typical of many English schools of the Victorian era. The building houses the Antiquities and Monuments Office.
Directions :
MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui station. Take Exit B1 or B2 to Cameron Road and walk north along Nathan Road.

5. Former Marine Police Headquarters Compound (Tsim Sha Tsui)*

This superb group of buildings, with its commanding position overlooking the harbour, was gazetted as a historical monument in 1994 and has been designated as one of the four oldest surviving government buildings. The Marine Police have been on the site since the construction of the compound in 1884, except during the Japanese occupation of 1941-45. The compound comprises a main building, a stable block and the special feature of a two-storey time-signal tower, where a time ball was dropped at 1pm every day until 1907 to enable ships in the harbour to check their chronometers. (Not open to the public.)
Directions :
The headquarters sits next to the Salisbury YMCA near the junction of Canton Road and Salisbury Road, about two minutes walk from the Kowloon Star Ferry Concourse or the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station.

Chinese Heritage
6. Remnants of the South Gate of Kowloon Walled City (Kowloon City)
The Kowloon Walled City was a garrison town built by the Qing government in 1847 as a military outpost. In 1987, it was announced the Walled City would be cleared and replaced with a park. Archaeological investigations were conducted and revealed foundations of the original South and East Gates were particularly well preserved. The most important discovery was the two stone plaques bearing the characters "South Gate" and "Kowloon Walled City" of the original South Gate. The park is open daily, 6:30am-11pm.
Directions :
Bus no. 1 from Star Ferry Pier, Tsim Sha Tsui, alight at Tung Tau Tsuen Road (opposite the park). Or take the MTR to Lok Fu station (Exit B), then either take a short taxi ride to the park, or walk along Junction Road and Tung Tau Tsuen Road (about 20 minutes).

7. Former Yamen Building of Kowloon Walled City (Kowloon City)
The Kowloon Walled City was a garrison town built by the Qing government in 1847 as a military outpost. The Yamen building, a three-hall structure, was originally the administrative office of the Assistant Magistrate of Kowloon. In 1987, it was announced the Walled City would be cleared and replaced by a park. The Yamen has been preserved and restored. Park open 6:30am-11pm daily.
Directions :
Bus no. 1 from Star Ferry Pier, Tsim Sha Tsui, and alight at Tung Tau Tsuen Road (opposite the park). Or take the MTR to Lok Fu station (Exit B), then either take a short taxi ride to the park, or walk along Junction Road and Tung Tau Tsuen Road (about 20 minutes).

   
 

Man Mo Temple Man Mo Temple Old Tai Po Market Railway Station Old House, Hoi Pa Village NEW TERRITORIES
Chinese Heritage
1. Sam Tung Uk Village (Tsuen Wan)
The Chan clan built this square-walled Hakka village in 1786. After undergoing extensive repairs and restoration, it opened as a folk museum in 1987. Open 9am-5pm daily, except Tuesday and some public holidays.
Directions :
MTR to Tsuen Wan station (Exit E). Follow the signs to the museum, about a 5-10 minute walk.

Temples

2. Man Mo Temple (Tai Po)

Located on Fu Shin Street, the temple was built nearly a century ago by the Tsat Yeuk Community of Tai Po to mark the founding of Tai Wo Shi (Tai Wo Market). The temple serves as a major centre of worship for the Tai Po area.
Directions :
KCR East Rail to Tai Wo station. Walk about 10 minutes through Tai Wo Estate, towards Tai Po Market station. Then cross Tai Wo bridge, turn on to Yan Hing Street, then walk along Fu Shin Street.

3. Old Tai Po Market Railway Station (Tai Po)
Unlike the other railway stations, the station at Tai Po Market was built in the Chinese style in 1913. Declared a monument in 1984, the station now houses the Hong Kong Railway Museum, which displays old rolling stock and railway memorabilia. Open 9am-5pm daily, except Tuesday and some public holidays.
Directions :
KCR East Rail to Tai Wo station. Walk about 10 minutes through Tai Wo Estate, towards Tai Po Market station, cross Tai Wo bridge and turn into Yan Hing Street, then turn left onto On Fu Road. Or take a short taxi ride from the station.

4. Old House, Hoi Pa Village (Tsuen Wan)
Hoi Pa Village was originally a Hakka settlement. The old house, built in 1904 with rammed earth, bricks and timber, is a fine example of traditional southern Chinese village architecture. It is currently an environmental resources centre. The site, together with the adjacent area, has now been developed into a park.
Directions :
MTR to Tsuen Wan station. Follow the pedestrian bridge, then walk along Shiu Wo Street and Tsuen Wan Market Street to reach the park (about 20 minutes).

   

Rock Carving On Cheung Chau OUTLYING ISLANDS
Archaeological Sites
1.
Rock Carving On Cheung Chau
This 3,000-year-old rock carving, reported by a geologist in 1970, is located at the southeastern end of the island, immediately below the Warwick Hotel. It consists of two groups of similar designs, serveral carved lines surrounding small depressions.
Directions :
Ferry from Pier no. 6 in Central to Cheung Chau. Follow directions on the mapboard at the pier and walk to the Warwick Hotel. The rock lies just below the hotel..

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