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.
-
Jessica Lau
Program Manager, Sustainable Ecological Ethical Development Foundation (SEED)
A giant satellite dish is not what you’d expect to find in the middle of a farm, but then again, this is no ordinary farm: it’s located on…
-
Co-working in Causeway Bay
Nancy Yip, Area Director, IWG and Thomas Hui, Co-founder & CEO, theDesk
For Thomas Hui, it’s all about building communities. He’s the co-founder and CEO of theDesk, a co-working brand with four offices in Hong Kong, and one upcoming office in Shanghai. For Nancy Yip, it’s about creating a welcoming environment. She’s the Area Director for International Workplace Group…
-
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…
-
Karen See
Co-founder, {embrace} worldwide
“I worked for a global advertising agency as its Chief Communications Officer for many years and used to catch the minibus from Causeway Bay nearly every day…
-
Candy Cheung
Shun Kee Typhoon Shelter Seafood Owner
“We grew up here on the water. In the 1950s and 1960s, the Causeway Bay typhoon shelter used to be filled with these floating restaurants, but by the 90s, they’d begun to disappear. Some of the few that remained eventually shut down and opened up on-land instead…
-
Yiu Fung
3 Foo Ming Street
Established in Shanghai and brought to Hong Kong around 60 years ago, Yiu Fung specialises in Chinese snacks: pickled and preserved fruits, nuts and also dried meat products such as beef, pork and fish…
-
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…
-
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…
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.
-
Candy Cheung
Shun Kee Typhoon Shelter Seafood Owner
“We grew up here on the water. In the 1950s and 1960s, the Causeway Bay typhoon shelter used to be filled with these floating restaurants, but by the 90s, they’d begun to disappear. Some of the few that remained eventually shut down and opened up on-land instead…
-
Yiu Fung
3 Foo Ming Street
Established in Shanghai and brought to Hong Kong around 60 years ago, Yiu Fung specialises in Chinese snacks: pickled and preserved fruits, nuts and also dried meat products such as beef, pork and fish…
-
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…
-
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…
