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.
-
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…
-
Candy Cheung
Shun Kee Typhoon Shelter Seafood Owner
“We grew up here on the water. In the 1950s and 1960s, the Causeway Bay typhoon shelter used to be filled with these floating restaurants, but by the 90s, they’d begun to disappear. Some of the few that remained eventually shut down and opened up on-land instead…
-
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…
-
Zoroastrian Prayer Hall in Causeway Bay
Neville Shroff, President, and Ervad Homyar Nasirabadwala, Priest of The Incorporated Trustees of the Zoroastrian Charity Funds of Hong Kong, Canton & Macao
Zoroastrianism is known as the oldest practiced religion in the world: originating in ancient Persia over three thousand years ago…
-
Boon Yuen
French Bulldog
“I live above Fung Shing Restaurant. Every day I go for a walk at the Happy Valley racecourse then rest by the benches. Then we go for another round before…
-
Gabriel
Kid of Tai Hang
“I’m happy because I’m on holiday today and I’m going to the market! My bag is full of snacks and water…
-
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…
-
Penn Law
Fan of Gentle Monster
“I’ve been living in Happy Valley since the day I was born — I’m used to living there and I wouldn’t want to leave. On my days off, I walk my dog from…
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.
-
Boon Yuen
French Bulldog
“I live above Fung Shing Restaurant. Every day I go for a walk at the Happy Valley racecourse then rest by the benches. Then we go for another round before…
-
Gabriel
Kid of Tai Hang
“I’m happy because I’m on holiday today and I’m going to the market! My bag is full of snacks and water…
-
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…
-
Penn Law
Fan of Gentle Monster
“I’ve been living in Happy Valley since the day I was born — I’m used to living there and I wouldn’t want to leave. On my days off, I walk my dog from…
