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.
-
Mr Cheung
Owner, Ambassador Barber Parlour
I’ve worked here for over 50 years, 30 in this location and 20 in the last. I came to Causeway Bay in 1978 and when my old bosses retired…
-
Charmaine Choi
Shopper in Causeway Bay
“I just finished shopping at Victoria’s Secret; I was really excited when I found out they were opening as I’d always go there with my girlfriends when I studied overseas…
-
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…
-
Craigengower Cricket Club
188 Wong Nai Chung Road
Founded in 1894 and originally located on Bonham Road, the Craigengower Cricket Club was constructed for the students of Victoria English School.
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Irene, Snowie & Kolar
Husky owner
“I grew up in Causeway Bay and used to live in Tai Hang, so this area has always been my home. This is Snowie and Kolar. I’ve had Kolar for a long time; he’s 11 now while Snowie is five years old…
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Irene, Snowie & Kolar
Husky owner
“I grew up in Causeway Bay and used to live in Tai Hang, so this area has always been my home. This is Snowie and Kolar. I’ve had Kolar for a long time; he’s 11 now while Snowie is five years old…