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Star Ferry, Peak Tram and Hong Kong Tramways –
The
green-and-white boats of The “Star” Ferry Company
Limited, which began carrying passengers across
Victoria Harbour in 1898, still offer a million-dollar view
for just a couple of Hong Kong dollars. The Peak Tram,
operating since 1888, remains a favourite with tourists.
The street trams that have run along what was once
Hong Kong Island’s northern shoreline since 1904 give
visitors an up-close and leisurely look at a bustling city
(see Transport, page
J-10 ).
Western Market –
This handsome Edwardian brick
building was constructed in 1906 and declared a
historical monument in 1990. Today, it houses shops
and a restaurant with a dance hall.
Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan
Western Market
Kowloon
1881 Heritage –
This was the Former Marine Police
Headquarters from 1880 to 1996. Several buildings and
artefacts of historical interest have been preserved and
restored. It now features a shopping mall, a heritage
hotel, and an exhibition hall. The buildings’ unique
Victorian architecture epitomises the compound’s rich
colonial background. Free guided tours can be arranged
at reservation hotline +852 2926 8000.
Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Clock Tower –
Alongside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre
and the Star Ferry Concourse stands the Clock Tower of
the former Kowloon-Canton Railway terminus. The tower
came into operation in 1921, and was the only structure
left behind when the station was demolished in 1978.
Star Ferry Concourse, Tsim Sha Tsui
Clock Tower
Lui Seng Chun –
Built in 1931 and now listed as a
heritage site, the building is a good example of a tong
lau, or Chinese shophouse, with features typical of
the verandah style of construction common before
the Second World War. In 2008, the building was
transformed into the Hong Kong Baptist University
School of Chinese Medicine – Lui Seng Chun. The
public can visit the herbal tea shop by registering online
at
scm.hkbu.edu.hk/lsc/en.
Lai Chi Kok Road, Kowloon
SCAD Hong Kong –
The seven-storey building housing
the SCAD Hong Kong was formerly the North Kowloon
Magistracy and was revitalised into a tertiary institution
with important historic elements of the building
preserved, including courtrooms and prison cells. Online
registration for a free guided heritage tour is available at
visitscadhk.hk/en/.
Tai Po Road, Kowloon
The Peninsula –
This historic hotel, with its famous
gilded, columned lobby, first received guests in 1928.
Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
C-03