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.
-
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.
-
Yau Lee Bean Sauce
1A Canal Road East
Nestled in the bustling Canal Street, Yau Lee Bean Sauce has been a top purveyor of fu yu (fermented bean curd) in Hong Kong for nearly 60 years.
-
Giselle
Kid of Causeway Bay
“Today I’m with Mummy in Causeway Bay before she takes me to playgroup. We’re enjoying looking at all the plants sold here…
-
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…
-
Takeo and Ryuma Iwami
Hong Kong Judo Kan
Over 50 years ago, Ryuma Iwami’s father Takeo came to Hong Kong with the desire to bring with him a part of Japan and its culture: judo. His dojo, Hong Kong Judo Kan, was established in Prince Edward in 1966, and later relocated to Causeway Bay.
-
Brian Siswojo & Ball Ng
Founder & Head Barber / Partner, Handsome Factory
Nestled in a quiet corner of Causeway Bay is a street known for its neighbourhood vibe and eclectic mix of independent shops. In 2015, skate shop owner Brian Siswojo…
-
K1 and Chun
Fans of Danish Bakery
“Places like the Danish Bakery are really special. They’re independent shops and so there’s only one in Causeway. In fact, I think there’s only one in the whole…
-
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…
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.
-
Takeo and Ryuma Iwami
Hong Kong Judo Kan
Over 50 years ago, Ryuma Iwami’s father Takeo came to Hong Kong with the desire to bring with him a part of Japan and its culture: judo. His dojo, Hong Kong Judo Kan, was established in Prince Edward in 1966, and later relocated to Causeway Bay.
-
Brian Siswojo & Ball Ng
Founder & Head Barber / Partner, Handsome Factory
Nestled in a quiet corner of Causeway Bay is a street known for its neighbourhood vibe and eclectic mix of independent shops. In 2015, skate shop owner Brian Siswojo…
-
K1 and Chun
Fans of Danish Bakery
“Places like the Danish Bakery are really special. They’re independent shops and so there’s only one in Causeway. In fact, I think there’s only one in the whole…
-
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…
