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.

  • Zoroastrian Prayer Hall in Causeway Bay


    Neville Shroff, President, and Ervad Homyar Nasirabadwala, Priest of The Incorporated Trustees of the Zoroastrian Charity Funds of Hong Kong, Canton & Macao

    Zoroastrianism is known as the oldest practiced religion in the world: originating in ancient Persia over three thousand years ago…

    Interviews
  • 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
  • Ms Lam


    Flyer lady

    “I’m from Sun Wui and live in Kowloon. I’m just helping a friend to pass out flyers for a few days. I stand here and get to see lots of different people on this…

    Streetsnaps
  • Uke


    Performer of Causeway Bay

    “I’m wearing makeup and costume that I bought in Indonesia for performances and competitions. I’ve just finished buying something here in Causeway Bay…

    Streetsnaps
  • Anita & Miga


    Social media strategist & make-up artist

    Anita (right): “I moved to Hong Kong when I married my husband, who is Australian Chinese. Miga and I grew up in Taiwan. She’s my cousin and also my best friend…

    Streetsnaps
  • Sim Sim


    Owner, Jardine Bazaar stall

    “I’ve been here for 47 years. I love the women who like my stall. They bring their relatives and friends to visit and I’ve watched them grow from young women…

    Streetsnaps
  • 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…

    Interviews
  • You You & Vicky


    Sisters

    “We usually go home to get changed for after-school classes, but today we’re relaxing at the park. We love playing in Victoria Park…

    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.

  • Anita & Miga


    Social media strategist & make-up artist

    Anita (right): “I moved to Hong Kong when I married my husband, who is Australian Chinese. Miga and I grew up in Taiwan. She’s my cousin and also my best friend…

    Streetsnaps
  • Sim Sim


    Owner, Jardine Bazaar stall

    “I’ve been here for 47 years. I love the women who like my stall. They bring their relatives and friends to visit and I’ve watched them grow from young women…

    Streetsnaps
  • 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…

    Interviews
  • You You & Vicky


    Sisters

    “We usually go home to get changed for after-school classes, but today we’re relaxing at the park. We love playing in Victoria Park…

    Streetsnaps