Causeway Bay
Causeway Bay epitomizes high-end shops, teeming crowds and constant consumerism to many residents and visitors. But numerous lesser-known historical details survive and await discovery and are the more enjoyable for being so numerous – and unexpected.
After meeting outside the Sogo Department Store, on the corner of Hennessy and East Point Roads, we will walk to Victoria Park. Here under the trees we will discuss the development of Causeway Bay in the early British period in Hong Kong’s history. Then known as East Point, the key developmental role of local conglomerate Jardine, Matheson and Co. in Causeway Bay’s transformation and later growth will be discussed. Along the way we will visit the statue of Queen Victoria, now located at the Causeway Road entrance to Victoria Park, and learn something of the statue’s eventual journey from Central to Causeway Bay – via Japan.
From Victoria Park, we pass by Queen’s College, one of Hong Kong’s premier government boy’s schools, where the evolution of English-medium education from the nineteenth century onwards will be briefly discussed. Then we will walk up to the very old Tin Hau Temple, and then afterwards proceed to the Lin Fa Kung, where the annual Tai Hang Fire Dragon Festival takes place.
From the Lin Fa Kung we will proceed via a small but interesting Fook Tak Chi, to the St. Paul’s Hospital compound, briefly taking in the St. John Ambulance Headquarters Building and the ornate, Chinese-style St. Mary’s Anglican Church.
Within the grounds of St. Paul’s Hospital, we will visit the lovely old chapel of Christ the King, and then proceed along Leighton Road to the Po Leung Kuk, established in 1878 to protect women and girls. The current building dates from 1931 and is now a protected building.
Along the way, we will see some unexpected, mostly-ignored built reminders of the Pacific War. After a brief pause at St. Margaret’s Church on Broadwood Road we will finish the walk up at the marvellously-unexpected Racecourse Fire Memorial, hidden away on the hillside behind the Hong Kong Stadium.
Please note: All walks require appropriate footwear for walking. Please remember to carry water. We also suggest insect repellent, sunscreen, hat and an umbrella.
Meeting Point:
In front of Sogo Department Store, corner of Hennessy and East Point Roads.
Price:
$325HKD per person for a scheduled walk. For private group booking enquiries please contact us.