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…
-
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…
-
Irene Lee
Chairman of Hysan Development
There are very few people who know the origin of a suburb, let alone one as integral to Hong Kong as Causeway Bay. But for Irene Lee, granddaughter of Lee Hysan and current chairman of Hysan Development, she can look back on the neighbourhood’s inception…
-
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…
-
Sim Sim
Owner, Jardine Bazaar stall
“I’ve been here for 47 years. I love the women who like my stall. They bring their relatives and friends to visit and I’ve watched them grow from young women…
-
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.
-
Marian
Tourist
“I’m a flight attendant from Holland and I’m here for two nights. I come to Hong Kong a few times a year for work and sometimes I go sightseeing but this time…
-
Andrew Chui
Managing Director, Tai Ping Koon Restaurant Group
Tai Ping Koon started in 1860 during the Qing Dynasty, when Guangzhou was an accessible entrepôt for foreign trade…
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.
-
Sim Sim
Owner, Jardine Bazaar stall
“I’ve been here for 47 years. I love the women who like my stall. They bring their relatives and friends to visit and I’ve watched them grow from young women…
-
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.
-
Marian
Tourist
“I’m a flight attendant from Holland and I’m here for two nights. I come to Hong Kong a few times a year for work and sometimes I go sightseeing but this time…
-
Andrew Chui
Managing Director, Tai Ping Koon Restaurant Group
Tai Ping Koon started in 1860 during the Qing Dynasty, when Guangzhou was an accessible entrepôt for foreign trade…