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.

  • Cindy


    Newspaper vendor

    “I used to be a secretary at HSBC. No one believes me when I say that! This newspaper stand was my uncle’s, but he decided not to work anymore and I took over…

    Streetsnaps
  • 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…

    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
  • Jason Capobianco


    Photographer & filmmaker

    “That small alley of undercover shops inside Leishun Court is a visual masterpiece, a total cinematic moment. Fruit stand, old school printer, dai pai dong…

    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
  • 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…

    Interviews
  • 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.

    Streetsnaps
  • Sam Pinder


    General Manager, Hong Kong Sevens

    Sam Pinder laughs when he is asked why he became a rugby player. “I hail from New Zealand – and I’m pretty sure when you get born there, you get a rugby ball…

    Interviews

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.

  • 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
  • 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…

    Interviews
  • 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.

    Streetsnaps
  • Sam Pinder


    General Manager, Hong Kong Sevens

    Sam Pinder laughs when he is asked why he became a rugby player. “I hail from New Zealand – and I’m pretty sure when you get born there, you get a rugby ball…

    Interviews