Menu

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.

  • 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…

    Interviews
  • 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.

    Streetsnaps
  • eslite


    A platform for culture

    Renowned Taiwanese filmmaker and actress Sylvia Chang’s latest play “Why We Chat” was inspired by the classic Chinese literary collection Liaozhai Zhiyi…

    Interviews
  • Olaf


    The dog

    “I’m nearly 2 years old now. I love going out and always wear my rain coat in bad weather. Today, I’m at Fashion Walk and we are stopping for a break at…

    Streetsnaps
  • Christopher DeWolf


    Journalist

    Ever since he was a teenager, Christopher DeWolf has been fascinated by cities: “I’ve always been interested in them and what makes them tick….

    Interviews
  • 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…

    Interviews
  • 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…

    Interviews
  • Paul & Jocelyn


    Lovebirds of Causeway Bay

    Jocelyn: “I moved to Hong Kong from the Chicago suburbs at the age of 11. Causeway Bay was a total assault on the senses in the best way possible – there is so much energy and vibrancy, but also an an instant connection to the pulse of Hong Kong.”

    Streetsnaps

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.

  • Christopher DeWolf


    Journalist

    Ever since he was a teenager, Christopher DeWolf has been fascinated by cities: “I’ve always been interested in them and what makes them tick….

    Interviews
  • 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…

    Interviews
  • 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…

    Interviews
  • Paul & Jocelyn


    Lovebirds of Causeway Bay

    Jocelyn: “I moved to Hong Kong from the Chicago suburbs at the age of 11. Causeway Bay was a total assault on the senses in the best way possible – there is so much energy and vibrancy, but also an an instant connection to the pulse of Hong Kong.”

    Streetsnaps