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…
-
Uncle Leung
Street vendor
“We picked this spot on Leighton Road today because it’s spacious and we aren’t in peoples’ way. We’ve been here for over 40 years. We used to roast chestnuts…
-
Hong Kong Street Snack Stalls
Hong Kong street snack stalls are peppered throughout the city’s densest districts, serving office workers, hungry shoppers, teenagers and tourists. Each stall has its own specialty. In Causeway Bay, many of them are busy all day ladling out their signature siu mai and curry fishballs…
-
You You & Vicky
Sisters
“We usually go home to get changed for after-school classes, but today we’re relaxing at the park. We love playing in Victoria Park…
-
Daniel Man
Professional football player
“I’m a professional football player. I used to play for Lee Man FC and before that I played at the Hong Kong Football Club in Happy Valley for over ten years…
-
St. Mary's Church
Local Landmark
St. Mary’s Church is an Anglican church that began in 1911 as a chapel for those at the Eyre Diocesan Refuge. Much of the early work depended on volunteers and donations…
-
Jimmy Lee
Owner, Red Pepper
“In 1967, I worked as an apprentice at an architecture office by day and then went to night school. I worked on the first floor of the Lee Garden building…
-
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…
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.
-
Daniel Man
Professional football player
“I’m a professional football player. I used to play for Lee Man FC and before that I played at the Hong Kong Football Club in Happy Valley for over ten years…
-
St. Mary's Church
Local Landmark
St. Mary’s Church is an Anglican church that began in 1911 as a chapel for those at the Eyre Diocesan Refuge. Much of the early work depended on volunteers and donations…
-
Jimmy Lee
Owner, Red Pepper
“In 1967, I worked as an apprentice at an architecture office by day and then went to night school. I worked on the first floor of the Lee Garden building…
-
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…