NEIGHBOURHOOD

WANDERING IN WAN CHAI

From traditional ancient temples and colonial buildings to revitalised theme projects and stylish communities, Wan Chai offers a host of great architecture to behold. One of Hong Kong’s earliest settlements, Wan Chai has continually evolved from a small fishing village to the modern and culturally diverse area it is today. Wander along Queen’s Road East and you can explore and discover this neighbourhood’s century-long history amidst the bustling backdrop of Hong Kong.

The East

Linking together the retail floors of Hopewell Centre, QRE Plaza, Wu Chung House and GARDENEast, The East offers a fine array of culinary choices from world-class restaurants to stylish casual eateries, plus a host of lifestyle shops and outlets, making it the trendiest dining and entertainment hub in Wan Chai.

The Pawn

No. 60A-66 Johnston Road

Constructed in the early 20th century, the wide verandah on this building was created in response to the local tropical climate for better air ventilation. The Pawn had been carrying out normal pawn shop business until its acquisition by the Urban Renewal Authority. The Pawn’s sign has been restored to its original design.

Lee Tung Avenue

Lee Tung Avenue is a new, modern 200-meter tree-lined pedestrian walkway and home to sidewalk cafes and chic restaurants plus local and overseas fashion retail outlets. Lee Tung Avenue offers convenient access and provides the casual ambience of a local community. As a major development in the Urban Development Authority’s efforts to revitalise this traditional part of Hong Kong, it has become a focal point in the southern section of Wan Chai.

Hung Shing Temple

Grade 1 Historic Building
No. 129-131 Queen's Road East

Hung Shing Temple was built before 1847 against a big natural boulder that protrudes inside the structure and is used as an altar table. Despite its small size, the temple’s layout contains all the proper worshipping essentials, including the ‘Shiwan’ ceramic pottery decorations on the roof. The adjacent Kwan Yin Temple was built later in the in 1910s.

Gresson Street Open Market

Gresson Street

Opened in the 1950s, this rather short street offers both wet and dry goods.

Li Chit Street Archway

Li Chit Street

Li Chit pai lou (archway) is yet another typical 3-storey pre-war tong lou building in Wan Chai. The archway we see today is actually a replica of the building at its original address, it is also known as the Wan Chai version of the Ruins of St. Paul – a famous landmark in Macau. The pai lou sits right next to a private residence - Li Chit Garden, surrounded by a small elegant garden planted with trees and features a sitting-out area.

Comix Home Base/Green House

Grade 2 Historic Building
Comix Home Base/Green House Grade 2 Historic Building No 1-11 Mallory Street and No 4-12 Burrows Street

Built in the early 20th century, Green House’s narrow reinforced concrete balcony as well as the cast iron pillars, iron balustrade and French windows reflect its historic Western influence.

Green House is now used as Comix Home Base, a collaborative redevelopment project from the Hong Kong Arts Centre and the Urban Renewal Authority. It is not only a popular cultural spot in Wan Chai, but also the first arts community for home-grown comics and animation in the Territory.

Former Wan Chai Post Office

(Wan Chai Environmental Resource Centre)
No. 197-213 Queen's Road East

The former Wan Chai Post Office built in 1915 has been refurbished recently by the Environmental Protection Department as the Environmental Resource Centre. The interior has not been much altered; wherewith its signature pigeon holes are still preserved.

Wan Chai Market

Grade 3 Historic Building
No. 264 Queen's Road East at Wan Chai Road crossing

Redeveloped in 1937, the Wan Chai Market was built in a ‘stream-line’ style. The curved façade and slim canopies were influenced by curvilinear design trends of the early 20th century to replace the grand classic décor.

Blue House

No. 72-74A Stone Nullah Lane

Built in 1920, the Blue House is a four-storey, Lingnan-style building, combining both Eastern and Western architectural traditions. In addition to the iconic blue façade, the wooden doors of the old shops, the steep wooden stairs, the beams, handrail, and other woodworking details have all been beautifully restored. It’s not only a rare example of a traditional tong lau (tenement building) with a balcony that offers a genuine witness to history, but also houses the Wan Chai Livelihood Museum, where visitors can visit the former living quarters.

Pak Tai Temple

Grade 1 Historic Building
Stone Nullah Lane

Built in 1862 and renovated in 2005, this temple houses various gods and statues of high aesthetic value. It was constructed with Chinese stone/wood carvings and lime sand mouldings. The ’Shiwan’ pottery roof displays Cantonese opera stories that are characteristic of Lingnan architecture.

Lovers’ Rock

Bowen Road

Situated on the hillside of Bowen Road, Lovers’ Rock resembles a stone pen sticking out of a stone base. This extraordinary rock formation is said to have long granted happy marriages to devoted worshippers, and still attracts plenty of men and women who seek everlasting love.

Cross Street /Tai Yuen Street Open market

Cross Street / Tai Yuen Street

Street hawkers were common after World War II, providing cheap daily goods and food to local residents. This open market was a popular setting for films, like The World of Suzie Wong. Moreover, Tai Yuen Street is famous for its toy shops, a paradise for many toy-lovers.

Nam Kou Terrance

Grade 1 Historic Building
No. 55 Ship Street

Built in 1918 by the tycoon Mr. To Chun-man, Nam Kou Terrace is special in its fusion of Western and Chinese architectural styles. It is also called the “Red House” due to its red brick exterior.

2/F Wu Chung House,
213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

852-2808-0882
reservation@junon.com.hk

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