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.
-
Rosanna Ma & Ben Leung
Zeta store owners
“We opened our shop first on Lan Fong Road in 1986, and then we moved to Lee Garden One in 2005, so we’ve had this shop for 32 years. We have seen Causeway Bay change over these years, and we have built up so many memories here.”
-
James Robertson
Founder of El Grande Concepts
Chances are you’ve eaten at one of El Grande Concepts’ many bars and restaurants. They include Hong Kong favourites Grappa’s and Inn Side Out. Founder James Robertson…
-
Mr Cheng
Owner, Paris Cotton Singlets Company
My father and I were refugees who came to Hong Kong in 1948. At first, he worked at a construction site for HK$5 a day. We rented half a store and set up a…
-
Chien Lee
Chairman of Bei Shan Tang Foundation
For Chien Lee, Chairman of the Bei Shan Tang Foundation, a passion and support for Chinese culture and the arts has always been in his blood. Grandson of Lee Hysan and son of Dr. Jung Sen Lee…
-
May Fung
Founder, Arts and Culture Outreach
Long before there was Art Basel Hong Kong, long before international galleries opened their doors and jet-setting collectors began coming here…
-
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…
-
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.”
-
Four Generations of the Lee Family
At the historic opening of Lee Garden Three in November 2018, Irene Lee, Chairman of Hysan Development remarked, “We have four generations of the Lee family here today to celebrate the opening of Lee Garden Three…
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.
-
May Fung
Founder, Arts and Culture Outreach
Long before there was Art Basel Hong Kong, long before international galleries opened their doors and jet-setting collectors began coming here…
-
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…
-
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.”
-
Four Generations of the Lee Family
At the historic opening of Lee Garden Three in November 2018, Irene Lee, Chairman of Hysan Development remarked, “We have four generations of the Lee family here today to celebrate the opening of Lee Garden Three…