Battlefields Historical Walk
World War Two battlefield sites lie scattered across the territory. Hong Kong’s extensive wartime legacy is one of the city’s lesser-explored heritage aspects and a guided visit to these locations provides a rewarding, thought-provoking experience.
On this full-day tour we will visit the tunnels of the Inner Line (the so-called “Gin Drinker’s Line”) at Shing Mun in the hills above Kwai Chung, the gun battery and redoubt at Sai Wan Hill, above Shau Kei Wan, pillboxes and bunkers along the water catchment at Wong Nai Chung Gap, St. Stephen’s College and the Military Cemetery at Stanley the Sai Wan Bay Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery near Chai Wan.
The diplomatic and political circumstances that led to the outbreak of the Pacific War in the Far East, with special reference to Hong Kong, will be discussed, as well as conditions in Hong Kong from the time of the all-out Japanese attack on China in 1937 until the invasion of Hong Kong in 1941.
Defence preparations, civilian conditions and economic changes are all discussed and put in context. The Japanese attack on Hong Kong on 8th December 1941, and the series of battles that ensued, and the final British surrender on Christmas Day 1941 are all fully detailed and explained. The subsequent occupation period is discussed as well, from perspectives viewed from both inside and outside prisoner of war and civilian internment camps.
The tour is conducted in a group (maximum 24 people) and point-to-point travel will be facilitated by a chartered air-conditioned mini-bus. Background information on Hong Kong during the wartime period, details of individual sites to be visited and a comprehensive reading list will be provided.
Please Note: Participants should bring a packed lunch and plenty of water. While transport point-to-point is by minibus this trip requires a reasonable level of physical fitness as the walk is quite hilly in parts. Please wear sensible walking shoes, appropriate clothing and a hat. Also bring insect repellent and a torch (flashlight) as we will be entering the tunnels at Shing Mun.
Meeting Point:
Meet at City Hall, Central 08:30 for 09:00 SHARP departure.
Finish Time / Point:
Central at approximately 5pm.
Price:
$675HKD per person for a scheduled day trip. For private group booking enquiries please contact us.