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.
-
Otto Leong
A childhood spent at Lee Theatre
Lee Theatre was once one of the city’s most glamorous institutions. Standing at the very edge of Percival Street, it opened to the public in 1927 and hosted a range of shows from Cantonese opera to film screenings, and even the Miss Hong Kong pageant during its heyday…
-
May Fung
Founder, Arts and Culture Outreach
Long before there was Art Basel Hong Kong, long before international galleries opened their doors and jet-setting collectors began coming here…
-
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…
-
Christ the King Chapel
33 Caroline Hill Road
Dedicated to Christ the King, this chapel is part of the St Paul’s compound in Causeway Bay which also houses a convent and hospital. Its history can be traced back to 1848, when four Sisters of St Paul of Chartres arrived in Hong Kong…
-
Daniel Man
Professional football player
“I’m a professional football player. I used to play for Lee Man FC and before that I played at the Hong Kong Football Club in Happy Valley for over ten years…
-
Jimmy Lee
Owner, Red Pepper
“In 1967, I worked as an apprentice at an architecture office by day and then went to night school. I worked on the first floor of the Lee Garden building…
-
Hong Kong Street Snack Stalls
Hong Kong street snack stalls are peppered throughout the city’s densest districts, serving office workers, hungry shoppers, teenagers and tourists. Each stall has its own specialty. In Causeway Bay, many of them are busy all day ladling out their signature siu mai and curry fishballs…
-
Scott Chou
Fan of President Theatre
“I’m a huge fan of the movies. I go to the cinema at least once a week and the President Theatre is really my favourite place to go. I guess it all comes from when I was young…
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.
-
Daniel Man
Professional football player
“I’m a professional football player. I used to play for Lee Man FC and before that I played at the Hong Kong Football Club in Happy Valley for over ten years…
-
Jimmy Lee
Owner, Red Pepper
“In 1967, I worked as an apprentice at an architecture office by day and then went to night school. I worked on the first floor of the Lee Garden building…
-
Hong Kong Street Snack Stalls
Hong Kong street snack stalls are peppered throughout the city’s densest districts, serving office workers, hungry shoppers, teenagers and tourists. Each stall has its own specialty. In Causeway Bay, many of them are busy all day ladling out their signature siu mai and curry fishballs…
-
Scott Chou
Fan of President Theatre
“I’m a huge fan of the movies. I go to the cinema at least once a week and the President Theatre is really my favourite place to go. I guess it all comes from when I was young…
