Noonday Gun
A beloved tradition
A loud ‘bang’ echoes from the Causeway Bay waterfront at precisely 12pm every day. It’s the Noonday Gun, a three-pound artillery gun mounted overlooking the harbour, which has been fired at this time every day since the 1860s. This tradition dates back to colonial days when Jardine Matheson owned a number of large warehouses in the area that is now Causeway Bay. Back then, the company had a policy of firing a one-gun salute from this location every time the head of Jardine sailed into Hong Kong. The story goes that a Royal Naval Officer, who was new to Hong Kong, took offence at the practise because gun salutes were meant only for military commanders, not for civilians, no matter how important. As punishment, the Officer required that Jardine fire the gun every day at noon to help the public keep track of the time, and the tradition has continued more than 150 years to the present day.
More Stories
Causeway Bay: Then & Now
Feature
Causeway Bay embodies the many facets of Hong Kong – the fast pace, fascinating contrasts and dynamic energy. From the city’s very beginning to the present day, its diversity and vibrancy makes it a beloved neighbourhood.
-
Sandy Ki
Owner, Old San Yang
It’s difficult to imagine Causeway Bay as anything but a bustling metropolis, but Sandy Ki has witnessed the neighbourhood evolve into the burgeoning business and shopping hub it is today…
-
Mr Cheng
Owner, Paris Cotton Singlets Company
My father and I were refugees who came to Hong Kong in 1948. At first, he worked at a construction site for HK$5 a day. We rented half a store and set up a…
-
Liza Wang
Accomplished artist
It was just last year that Liza Wang, Hong Kong’s most beloved diva, actress, and Cantonese Opera artist, celebrated the 50th year of her glorious career. Having mesmerised a whole generation of Hongkongers…
-
Lindsey McAlister
Founder, Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation (YAF)
If there is such a thing as kismet, Lindsey McAlister believes it’s what brought her to Hong Kong. Nearly 30 years ago, the young British arts worker…
-
Brian Siswojo & Ball Ng
Founder & Head Barber / Partner, Handsome Factory
Nestled in a quiet corner of Causeway Bay is a street known for its neighbourhood vibe and eclectic mix of independent shops. In 2015, skate shop owner Brian Siswojo…
-
Giselle
Kid of Causeway Bay
“Today I’m with Mummy in Causeway Bay before she takes me to playgroup. We’re enjoying looking at all the plants sold here…
-
Yee Shun Milk Company
506 Lockhart Road
Ask anyone in Hong Kong where to get the best steamed milk pudding, and they will likely point you towards Yee Shun Dairy Company.
-
Yum Sing Bar
Rosalie Carpio and Alex Lai
“You ask me how deep my love for you is. How much do I really love you? My affection is real, my love is real. The moon represents my heart…”
Teresa Teng’s beloved song is an apt choice for Rosalie Carpio’s set list…
Celebrating Causeway Bay
Feature
A neighbourhood in flux, Causeway Bay’s constant evolution keeps residents and visitors coming back for more. Whether it’s fashion, food, film or art, it’s a part of Hong Kong that keeps people mesmerised and inspired.
Causeway Bay: Then & Now
Feature
Causeway Bay embodies the many facets of Hong Kong – the fast pace, fascinating contrasts and dynamic energy. From the city’s very beginning to the present day, its diversity and vibrancy makes it a beloved neighbourhood.
-
Brian Siswojo & Ball Ng
Founder & Head Barber / Partner, Handsome Factory
Nestled in a quiet corner of Causeway Bay is a street known for its neighbourhood vibe and eclectic mix of independent shops. In 2015, skate shop owner Brian Siswojo…
-
Giselle
Kid of Causeway Bay
“Today I’m with Mummy in Causeway Bay before she takes me to playgroup. We’re enjoying looking at all the plants sold here…
-
Yee Shun Milk Company
506 Lockhart Road
Ask anyone in Hong Kong where to get the best steamed milk pudding, and they will likely point you towards Yee Shun Dairy Company.
-
Yum Sing Bar
Rosalie Carpio and Alex Lai
“You ask me how deep my love for you is. How much do I really love you? My affection is real, my love is real. The moon represents my heart…”
Teresa Teng’s beloved song is an apt choice for Rosalie Carpio’s set list…

