Menu

Wan Chai Fire Station


435 Hennessy Road

Wan Chai Fire Station is the oldest fire station still standing in Hong Kong. Its maroon facade and retro-style balconies distinguish it from other fire stations in the city, which have followed a standard design since 1958. In 1966, Hong Kong experienced a drought so severe that the Water Authority put a ban in place, during which fire stations had to share their water supply with the general public and would only receive water every four days until the drought ended.

Wan Chai Fire Station stands next to the Canal Road flyover on Hennessy Road. Evelyn Phoa would pass by the Wan Chai Fire Station every day on her way to school. “I couldn’t help but wonder what was happening behind those doors,” she says. The four-storey building houses offices, a canteen, dormitory for on-duty firemen, a recreation room, kitchen and bathroom, married quarters and more.

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.

  • Auntie Chiu


    Villain hitter

    I’m from Dongguan and my family, we had a lot of farms there. I was really busy planting mandarins, we had pigs, cows and chickens…

    Interviews
  • Grandma Poon


    Resident of Causeway Bay

    “I was born on Lockhart Road back in 1933. I was 20 years old when I was sent to Cuba to be married and have a family. We came back in 1960 and later bought property…

    Streetsnaps
  • James Robertson


    Founder of El Grande Concepts

    Chances are you’ve eaten at one of El Grande Concepts’ many bars and restaurants. They include Hong Kong favourites Grappa’s and Inn Side Out. Founder James Robertson…

    Interviews
  • Alison and Eden


    Residents of Causeway Bay

    Alison: “He loves to exercise, I like to sleep. He has OCD and I’m easy going. He likes to cook, I love to eat. It works out perfectly…

    Streetsnaps
  • Clement Ng


    Salesperson, Journalize

    “We aren’t really like other stationery stores and people started noticing us when we were mentioned in a blog. We slowly developed our own style of running a store…

    Streetsnaps
  • Gabriel


    Kid of Tai Hang

    “I’m happy because I’m on holiday today and I’m going to the market! My bag is full of snacks and water…

    Streetsnaps
  • Brother Fai


    Fire Dragon Commander-in-Chief,
    Tai Hang Residents’ Welfare Association

    Tai Hang is still a village, even if it is being swallowed up by the high-rise city that surrounds it. Walk through its narrow grid of streets and you’ll find…

    Interviews
  • Penn Law


    Fan of Gentle Monster

    “I’ve been living in Happy Valley since the day I was born — I’m used to living there and I wouldn’t want to leave. On my days off, I walk my dog from…

    Streetsnaps

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.

  • Clement Ng


    Salesperson, Journalize

    “We aren’t really like other stationery stores and people started noticing us when we were mentioned in a blog. We slowly developed our own style of running a store…

    Streetsnaps
  • Gabriel


    Kid of Tai Hang

    “I’m happy because I’m on holiday today and I’m going to the market! My bag is full of snacks and water…

    Streetsnaps
  • Brother Fai


    Fire Dragon Commander-in-Chief,
    Tai Hang Residents’ Welfare Association

    Tai Hang is still a village, even if it is being swallowed up by the high-rise city that surrounds it. Walk through its narrow grid of streets and you’ll find…

    Interviews
  • Penn Law


    Fan of Gentle Monster

    “I’ve been living in Happy Valley since the day I was born — I’m used to living there and I wouldn’t want to leave. On my days off, I walk my dog from…

    Streetsnaps