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.
-
Tia Antiyas
Indonesian domestic helper
“I’ve been in Hong Kong for 10 years and I feel it’s great here. It’s so much better because it’s so hard to make money in Indonesia. A lot of Indonesian domestic…
-
Rosanna Ma & Ben Leung
Zeta store owners
“We opened our shop first on Lan Fong Road in 1986, and then we moved to Lee Garden One in 2005, so we’ve had this shop for 32 years. We have seen Causeway Bay change over these years, and we have built up so many memories here.”
-
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…
-
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…
-
Gwyneth
Shop owner
“I studied design and used to work in marketing. One day, I did a fashion show and one of the sponsors asked why I wasn’t in fashion because I seemed to have a sense for it…
-
Grace Lam
Fashion stylist
Causeway Bay has always been part of life for Grace Lam. Growing up in Hong Kong, she attended St. Paul’s Convent School for kindergarten…
-
Mr Cheng
Owner, Paris Cotton Singlets Company
My father and I were refugees who came to Hong Kong in 1948. At first, he worked at a construction site for HK$5 a day. We rented half a store and set up a…
-
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…
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.
-
Gwyneth
Shop owner
“I studied design and used to work in marketing. One day, I did a fashion show and one of the sponsors asked why I wasn’t in fashion because I seemed to have a sense for it…
-
Grace Lam
Fashion stylist
Causeway Bay has always been part of life for Grace Lam. Growing up in Hong Kong, she attended St. Paul’s Convent School for kindergarten…
-
Mr Cheng
Owner, Paris Cotton Singlets Company
My father and I were refugees who came to Hong Kong in 1948. At first, he worked at a construction site for HK$5 a day. We rented half a store and set up a…
-
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…