WHAT'S NEW
CHINESE GARDEN - HANG HAU MAN KUK LANE PARK (TSUENG KWAN O)
Waterfall in the Chinese Garden
The Chinese Garden in Hang Hau Man Kuk Lane Park, Tseung Kwan O opened on 27th January 2012, adding a dash of traditional ambience to Tseung Kwan O New Town.
Managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), the 1.9-hectare park is located at 6 Man Kuk Lane, Tseung Kwan O. Featuring white walls and grey rooftops, the park epitomises the construction style of Suzhou and Hangzhou. A key feature of the park is the Chinese Garden with a contemporary style nestled in the south-eastern part of the venue.
The water features at the centre of the Chinese Garden provide settings of waterfalls, interplaying with a pavilion that resembles traditional bamboo scaffolds. The stone bridge, rockscape and Zen garden also blend in harmoniously with the water features and pavilion to provide visual enjoyment to park-goers. The traditional construction style of the garden is further enhanced by the presence of Chinese plants including camellia, azalea and changeable rose-mallow. The garden offers visitors the opportunity for tranquillity while taking a leisurely walk in the garden.
The stone bridge in the Chinese Garden
Other facilities of Hang Hau Man Kuk Lane Park, ranging from a bowling green to elderly fitness corners, were opened at the end of 2011.
The 2,000-square-metre bowling green has six lanes and is the first of its kind in Sai Kung District. Bookings for the use of the lanes can be made through booking counters of the LCSD's leisure venues and District Leisure Services Offices, the Internet, telephone and Self-Service Kiosks.
The bowling green is open from 7am to 11pm daily while other facilities at the park, including the Chinese Garden and the elderly fitness corners, are open from 6.30am to 11pm daily.
Hang Hau Man Kuk Lane Park is easily accessible by public transport by MTR to Hang Hau Station or bus routes 91M, 98D, 297, 692, 798, E22A and E22S.
PREHISTORIC STORY ROOM
Prehistoric Story Room
Prehistoric Story Room, a small permanent exhibition depicting Earth's life history through displays of over 100 fossils and models opened in the lobby of Bank of China Tower on 3rd October 2011. The exhibition, which is sponsored by BOCHK Charitable Foundation, is an extension of Hong Kong Global Geopark of China, into the city centre. Themes of the exhibition are;
A. The Origin of Life
B. Fossil Stars - Trilobites
C. Beautiful Jewels - Cephalopods
D. Lords of the Prehistoric Oceans - Fish
E. A Whole New World - Plants
F. The Stars of Prehistoric Story - Dinosaurs G. The Mystery of Dinosaurs and Birds - Archaeopteryx
Exhibits at Prehistoric Story Room
OPENING HOURS - Mondays and Wednesdays to Sundays from 9am to 6pm. Closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of Chinese New Year.
ADMISSION - Free
LOCATION - Lobby, Bank of China Tower, 1 Garden Road, Central
GETTING THERE - MTR Central Station, exit J2, from where building is prominent and visible, about 5 mins walk. Numerous bus routes and all tram routes passing through Central pass Bank of China Tower.
NOTE - The venue has capacity for a maximum of about 30 visitors at any one time. In the event of the venue being full, visitors may be required to queue outside the Bank of China Tower.
WEBSITE - http://www.geopark.gov.hk/phsr/
TAMAR PARK
Tamar Park, which opened on 10th October 2011, was created using the concept of "Land Always Green". Located adjacent to the new Central Government Offices and Legislative Council Complex in the busy central business district, the park provides valuable green open space for residents, particularly those working in the business district, and visitors to escape from the bustling city surrounds. The 1.76-hectare park is managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and is part of the Tamar Development Project. In keeping with the environmentally friendly theme of the project, Tamar Park features large green lawns which visitors are free to stroll, sit and lie on.
Tamar Park provides a tranquil environment for relaxation in the heart of the city
The park was designed with the concept of elegant simplicity and allows visitors to appreciate the spectacular scenery of Victoria Harbour in a spacious environment. The park will also be linked up with the open space to be developed along the northern shore of Hong Kong Island. The park also features a 240-seat amphitheatre which is open for booking by organisations for staging cultural and leisure activities as well as performances primarily. Other facilities in the park to be opened at a later stage upon completion of works include some water features as well as a cafe to be operated by a non-governmental organisation. Other open space at the Tamar Development, not forming part of Tamar Park, is managed by the Legislative Council (LEGCO) and is planned to include a lily pond, artwork installations and trees.
Adjacent to the Central Government Offices at Tamar, Tamar Park's spacious lawn areas provide precious green open space in the bustling central business district
Tamar Park is easily accessed by public transport. It can be reached by MTR (via Admiralty Station Exit A and a short walk along the footbridge) as well as a number of bus routes. For more information on access to Tamar Park see;
http://www.td.gov.hk/mini_site/tamar/content_eng.html
HUNG HOM PROMENADE AND EXTENSION OF TSIM SHA TSUI PROMENADE
Hung
Hom Promenade and an extension of Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade have been
officially opened on 3rd September 2011, creating a 4km long waterfront
promenade stretching from Star Ferry Pier in Tsim Sha Tsui to
Fisherman's Wharf and Laguna Verde at Hung Hom.
The 500-metre Hung Hom Promenade which links the harbour frontages of Tsim Sha Tsui and Hung Hom has opened up a section of Hung Hom waterfront which was previously closed to the public. Hung Hom Promenade and the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade extension are connected to the existing Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade alongside Salisbury Road by the elevated footpath alongside the Hung Hom Bypass flyover in the vicinity of the International Mail Centre and the route between Star Ferry Pier and Hung Hom includes the popular Avenue of Stars tourist attraction. In addition to footpaths for walking or jogging the promenade includes a large section of undulating lawn and will also provide a new vantage point for fireworks displays during festivals.
Work
on the new promenade commenced in July 2010 with the Civil Engineering
and Development Department being responsible for the design and the
project being supported by the Harbourfront Commission and the local
district councils. The project is part of plans to provide waterfront
promenades on both sides of the harbour.
Maps showing details of the new waterfront promenade from Hung Hom to Tsim Sha Tsui are available at Hong Kong Tourism Board Visitor Centres.
TAIPINGSHAN MEDICAL HERITAGE TRAIL
Taipingshan District on Hong Kong Island was, in the 1840's, the earliest district in Hong Kong to be reserved for the Chinese population to reside in. Neighbouring Sai Ying Pun District was developed a decade later. With a rapidly expanding population, these districts quickly became overcrowded and gave rise to poor sanitation. Bubonic Plague first broke out in Taipingshan in 1894 and severely affrected the area. These two districts contain many interesting relics of efforts to provide medical services to the community, including Traditional Chinese and Western medicine, as well as attempts at improving sanitation and public health. The Taipingshan Heritage Trail, opened in March 2011, was developed by Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences and is designed to promote interest in Hong Kong's unique and valuable medical heritage.
The recommended route is about 2km in length and starts at Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences . The trail takes in Caine Lane Garden (site of the former Disinfecting Station and Ambulance Depot), Blake Garden (which includes the site of the former London Missionary Chapel and Nethersole Dispensary), Water Lane, Pound Lane Bath House, Kwong Fuk I Tsz (inside Pak Shing Temple), Tung Wah Hospital, the site of the former Government Civil Hospital (now Tsan Yuk Hospital), site of former Lock Hospital, King George V Memorial Park (site of former Civil Hospital Annex and Quarters for Medical Superintendent), former Chinese Lunatic Asylum (now Methadone Clinic), former Nurse's Quarters and Old Mental Hospital (now Community Complex), the former site of Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, Former Western District Plague Hospital and Chinese Public Dispensary (now Centre for Heritage) and Old Tsan Yak Hospital, Western Street (now Community Centre). For route map see the trail website (details below).
For full details see THE TAIPINGSHAN MEDICAL HERITAGE TRAIL
Pak Sing Temple, on Tai Ping Shan Street, within which is I Tsz, an ancestral hall which housed the dying during the plague in the late nineteenth century, containing ancestral tablets
CHINESE CALENDAR'S 24 SOLAR TERMS ON DISPLAY UNDER CANAL ROAD FLYOVER
The public space under Canal Road flyover at Causeway Bay was opened on 25th February 2011 following the official completion of the Wan Chai District Council (WCDC) beautification project. Descriptions of the Chinese calendar's 24 Solar Terms are displayed on the flyover column, enabling visitors to enhance their understanding of Chinese tradition in a prime location at the same time as enjoying the improved environment.
The project is one of the environmental improvement projects carried out by WCDC's District Works and Facilities Management Committee. Apart from repaving the pavement and installing railings and curved feature walls, the project also wrapped the 12 flyover columns in aluminum cladding on which the 24 Solar Terms and their descriptions are represented in the form of Chinese paper-cuts and illuminated by spotlights. The 24 Solar Terms denote seasonal changes during the Chinese calendar year closely related to agricultural activities in ancient China.
The space under Canal Road flyover has also long been home of the "devil-beating" ritual whereby, for a fee, old lady "devil-beaters" beat a paper devil with shoes whilst swearing and cursing at the image to beat away the devil or put a curse on someone. Whilst the "devil-beaters" are present every day, the tradition is most popular at Chingche or the Feast of Excited Insects which, according to the Lunar Calendar, marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Hundreds of people in the hope that beating away the devil will bring better fortune in the following year with bosses usually being the subject of curses. The ritual is believed to have its origins in rural life when women would carry paper images of the white tiger into the home to scare away rats and snakes. It was also believed that performing such rituals prevented quarrels.
STANLEY MA HANG PARK
Stanley Ma Hang Park was officially opened on 17th January 2011. The attractive 50,000 square-metre park set in a cliffside location near Murray House has been developed by the Housing Authority along with local community and District Council, environmental groups, professionals and relevant government departments.
The park has been designed to blend in with the natural landscape and features of the park include boardwalks, Butterfly Garden, Heritage Corner, Sea View Terrace, Sea Breeze Patio, Fitness Deck, Bird Watching Corner, Educational Trail and Hill Top Plaza. Also within the grounds of the park stands the tiny cliff-edge Pak Tai Temple.
Admission is free and the park is open daily from 7am to 8pm.
More visitor information about Stanley HERE
DHL HONG KONG BALLOON
The DHL Hong Kong Balloon, a passenger carrying tethered hot air balloon, was officially launched on 9th December 2010. The balloon, which is located in front of Hong Kong's tallest building, International Commerce Centre at West Kowloon Cultural District, rises to a height of 100-metres and offers passengers panoramic views over Victoria Harbour. Day flights are available from 10am to 5pm and cost HK$150 for adults and HK$75 for children who must be over 1.2 metres. Night flights between 6pm and 9-45pm cost HK$250 for adults and HK$175 for children. Advance bookings can be made online. For further information see the DHL Hong Kong Balloon website;
HISTORIC KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY BELL RETURNED TO CLOCK TOWER
The bell from the Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower in Tsim Sha Tsui has been returned to the tower after 35 years. The relocation follows the donation of the bell by the Kowloon Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) and the Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC) to the Government. The bell was produced in the United Kingdom and arrived in Hong Kong in 1920. It began operation in the Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower in 1921 as part of the Tsim Sha Tsui railway terminus and chimed round the clock at 15-minute intervals. In 1975 the bell ceased operation when the railway terminus was relocated to Hung Hom. It has been moved several times since then and had been on public display at railway stations in Hung Hom and Sha Tin until 1995 when it was moved to the Railway House in Fo Tan. The bell has been a declared monument since 1990. The donation of the bell also coincides with the 100th anniversary of Kowloon-Canton Railway services. However the bell will no longer chime and sits on the ground floor level of the clock tower on a wooden frame constructed from original timber sleepers from the KCR line. The Tsim Sha Tsui terminus closed in 1978 to make way for Hong Kong Cultural Centre but the clock tower was retained. There is a possibility that the clock tower may be opened to the public in late 2010. The clock tower was previously open to the public until about 1999 but was subsequently closed as the stairs became unsafe. The stairs have since been restored but are unable to handle large numbers of visitors. Currently visitors can view the bell through an external window.
The clock tower bell which can only be viewed from an external window
MA ON SHAN PROMENADE
Ma On Shan Promenade, developed and managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) of the Hong Kong SAR Government, was officially opened on 18th September 2010. Located along the coast of Ma On Shan, the 3.2-kilometre-long promenade covers an area of about 5.2 hectares and was built at a cost of approximately HK$220 million. The construction work was carried out in three phases with phase 1 and phase 2 completed in July 2009 and January 2010 respectively and phase 3 opened to public use in June 2010.
Facing Sha Tin Hoi the Promenade is the second largest promenade in Sha Tin district. It offers an arresting vista of Pat Sin Leng with continuous ridgeline where members of public can take in scenic views of mountains and sea while enjoying the diversified facilities on the Promenade. A cycle track has been provided along the Promenade and the Promenade also offers a wide array of other facilities including children's playgrounds, fitness stations, jogging trails, walking tiles, elderly fitness corners, Tai Chi areas and a bougainvillea garden. In order to promote environmental awareness and to showcase how environmental friendly facilities can be blended in with the park environment three wind turbines to provide electricity to some of the floor lightings as well as two solar and wind hybrid lamps have been installed in the Promenade. In addition the children's play equipment embodies the elements of natural science and environmental protection enabling children to acquire related knowledge while having fun. Ma On Shan Promenade is LCSD's first park with the installation of environmental-friendly facilities featuring wind turbines that generate electricity for some of the floor lightings in the park as well as innovative solar and wind hybrid lamps that utilise natural energy without emission of carbon dioxide.
Ma On Shan Promenade adjoins Ma On Shan Park and is open 24 hours daily throughout the year. It is easily accessible by public transport (bus route nos. 43X, 81C, 85K, 86K, 89C, 286M, 289K, 680, 681, 682 and A41P; public light bus route nos. 26, 808 and 810; or by MTR to Tai Shui Hang Station, Heng On Station or Ma On Shan Station on the Ma On Shan Line.
LIONS NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE GEO-HUB
The Lions Nature Education Centre (LNEC) Geo-hub in Tsiu Hang, Sai Kung opened on 3rd September 2010 merging the Geopark Visitor Centre, Rock Academy, Rock Classroom and Preparation Room for rock, mineral and fossil specimens. LNEC is now a supporting site to the Hong Kong Geopark.
The visitor centre features Hong Kong's first magnetic floating earth, together with the oldest rock in the world (3.9 billion years old) and in China (3 billion years old), a placoderm fossil as well as some 300 fossil and rock specimens. Filled with interactive elements, the centre introduces earth science in an accessible manner. It also has special designs to cater for visitors of all ages. Simple text for children is presented by "Geofolks" on panels. Visitors who wish to learn more about geology can use a speaking pen to listen to in-depth information.
The Rock Academy is the first comprehensive outdoor display of large specimens of Hong Kong's major volcanic, granitic and sedimentary rocks. Visitors can see, touch and learn more about local rocks easily in one place. The interpretation panels are available in Braille to facilitate people with visual impairment. The academy is also wheelchair accessible.
The Rock Academy is the first comprehensive outdoor display of large specimens of Hong Kong's major volcanic, granitic and sedimentary rock
The Geopark Visitor Centre which now forms part of the Lions Nature Education Centre Geo-hub opened in September 2009 and more information about the visitor centre can be found lower down this page. The visitor centre opens daily 9-30am to 4-30pm except on Tuesdays (closed). See also the Geopark website;
JOCKEY CLUB ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION GALLERY (SCIENCE MUSEUM)
The Jockey Club Environmental Conservation Gallery, a new permanent exhibition, opened on the ground floor of Hong Kong Science Museum on 28th August 2010. The exhibition has been funded by a generous donation of HK$15 million from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and features over 40 interactive exhibits, grouped under 10 themes related to environmental protection, including air, water, land resources, energy and waste. The exhibition also highlights the beauty of Hong Kong's natural ecology, and provides some tips on green living.
The new gallery's green ambassador -- a little penguin -- guides visitors through the exhibition, which aims to impart an understanding of various environmental issues from a holistic viewpoint as well as provide a more in-depth look at specific topics. Stepping into the gallery visitors can appreciate the beauty of a blue planet 1.5 metres in diameter representing a view of Earth from space. The programme projected on the large spherical screen gives visitors an overview of the planet's precious natural resources and their importance. Visitors are made aware of the many threats that Earth is facing.
Visitors move on to the polar regions, the cleanest and least polluted places in the world, which are the first places to register the impact of climate change. These places contain invaluable information for scientific research, helping people to understand global environmental changes in the past and predict future climate scenarios. Visitors may also join scientists to learn about their research and their lives at the mock-up polar research station -- the Chinese Great Wall Station. Following latitude and longitude markings on the floor visitors head to other parts of the world where they are be able to visit a British petrochemical plant, a Japanese waste recycling centre, an African national park, an American wind power plant and reservoir as well as a South American desert. At these places visitors explore different environmental issues and their solution such as the impact of pollution on air, water, land resources and life as well as waste treatment and energy regeneration problems.
Two visitors attempt to find out from the exhibit "Ride Smart" what kinds of transport can reduce energy use and emissions
At the end of the trip they will reach a familiar place -- Hong Kong. Despite its small size the territory has a unique ecological environment. Visitors explore the countryside to learn about the varied local wildlife and finally return to their home where the little penguin shares with them some tips on green living illustrating that making small changes to their habits can make their lifestyle more sustainable. For more information see;
http://hk.science.museum/spexh/ecg/en/index.html
NGONG PING PIAZZA
Ngong Ping Piazza on Lantau Island was officially opened on 2nd August 2010. The piazza covers an area of about 1.5 hectares and links Ngong Ping Village and the Ngong Ping 360 cable car with other tourist attractions at Ngong Ping including Po Lin Monastery, the Giant Buddha and Wisdom Path. Construction work began in November 2008 and the project has cost HK$77.5 million. The piazza is designed to have a strong Buddhist character and blend with the religious ambience of Ngong Ping.
The piazza has four components, namely the new Pai Lau, Bodhi Path, Di Tan with four lotus ponds around the perimeter and a Chinese landscaped garden. At the entrance to the piazza is the new Pai Lau. It is built in the Northern architectural style of the Qing Dynasty to match the style used by Po Lin Monastery, characterised by tranquility and solemnity. The new Pai Lau which is 14.1 metres tall and 19.1 metres wide leads to the 122.1-metre Bodhi Path which is flanked by statues of the “12 Divine Generals” and 40 lotus-shaped stone lanterns on both sides. At the end of the Bodhi Path are the piazza centre and the Di Tan, where four lotus ponds have been built around the perimeter to provide a spacious venue for religious ceremonies held by Po Lin Monastery. Nearby is the 1,980 sq metre Chinese landscaped garden, also built in the Northern architectural style.
ASTROPARK
The Astropark established by the Hong Kong Government's Leisure and Cultural Services
Department was opened to the public on 30th January 2010. Situated at
Chong Hing Water Sports Centre, West Sea Cofferdam, High Island Reservoir in Sai Kung (East) Country Park the Astropark, which cost HK$3 million to build, is equipped with stargazing
facilities and managed by the Hong Kong Space Museum. Although Hong Kong is affected by light pollution, there are still some places in remote areas like Sai Kung and Lantau which are good
enough for stargazing. After collecting opinions from astronomy groups, the
Government decided to set up the Astropark in Chong Hing Water Sports Centre to
promote the stargazing culture in Hong Kong and to arouse public awareness of
preserving the dark night sky as a natural resource for future generations. It
will also be a convenient stargazing park with recreational, educational and
astronomical facilities for the benefit, use and enjoyment of the public and
star lovers. Occupying a site of about 1,200 square metres, the
Astropark is divided into three zones: the Educational Zone, Naked-eye
Observation Area and Telescopic Observation Area.
Installed in the
Educational Zone are eight replicas of ancient Chinese astronomical instruments,
including an exact replica of the armillary sphere, star dial, moon dial, upward
looking bowl sundial, gnomon, equatorial sundial, horizontal sundial and
direction determining table. In addition, a shadow sundial there allows
visitors to tell the time by using their own shadows projected on the ground.
The pavilion in which a simulated night sky will be projected allows visitors to
learn about the constellations even when the weather does not allow
stargazing.
In the Naked-eye Observation Area visitors can enjoy
stargazing by lying comfortably on specially designed, reclining stargazing
benches.
The Telescopic Observation Area has four sets of 20 x 80
binoculars (with magnification of 20 and aperture of 80mm) specially designed
for viewing any direction in the sky with ease are installed so that visitors
can use the binoculars to view celestial objects at nighttime.
The park also
provides amateur astronomers with 10 telescope piers to spare them the effort of
carrying heavy tripods when they bring along their own telescopes for
observation. Visitors can also use the two star trackers to take
astrophotographs with ordinary cameras by manually offsetting the diurnal motion
of celestial objects. To enhance public interest in and knowledge of
astronomy the Space Museum will organise different stargazing activities and
guided tours in the park.
The Astropark is open 24 hours and
throughout the year. Admission is free. However, those who want to get a power
supply should make prior bookings as campers at Chong Hing Water Sports Centre
and pay the camp fee. For details of the booking of camping facilities in Chong
Hing Water Sports Centre see;
http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/watersport/en/hiri_book.php
Visitors can take KMB routes 94 and 96R*, or Citybus route 698R*, or Green Minibus routes 7
or 9 to Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung, and then take a taxi to the Astropark.
* Note -bus services 96R and 698R operate on Sundays and public holidays only.
Visitors
can also hire a "kaito" at Sai Kung Pier to and from the
Astropark.
Astropark website;
The Astropark is a theme park with stargazing facilitiesSTONECUTTERS BRIDGE / TSING SHA HIGHWAY OPENED
The new HK$3.7 billion Stonecutters Bridge, a major landmark linking Tsing
Yi with Stonecutters Island and West Kowloon opened on 20th December 2009. Work on the bridge commenced in 2004 and the final span was completed in early
April 2009. The bridge, which is the world's second longest cable-stayed
bridge, forms part of a new Expressway Tsing Sha Highway (Route 8) linking Sha Tin in
the New Territories with Hong Kong International Airport, Cheung Sha
Wan in West Kowloon and Kwai Chung Container Port. The new 7km stretch of highway also includes a new tunnel, the Nam Wan Tunnel at Tsing Yi and connects to the existing Sha Tin to Cheung Sha Wan section of the Tsing Sha Highway at Cheung Sha Wan in the east and Tsing Ma Bridge and Ting Kau Bridge in the west. The new bridge is being used by airport bus services A10, A11, A12 and A22 resulting in reduced journey times of up to ten minutes.
The dual three-lane bridge deck which is 1596 metres long with a main span of 1018 metres is one of the worlds highest at 73.5 metres above the Rambler Channel and 900 metres horizontal clearance to allow capacity for the huge cargo vessels using the channel. The bridge is supported by 224 cables running from two circular tapered towers of almost 300 metres height and the design is based on the winning entry of an international design competition organised by the Highways Department in 2000. Completion of Route 8 has halved the journey time between Sha Tin and the airport to about 35 minutes. The section of Route 8 between Sha Tin and Cheung Sha Wan opened in March 2008 reducing journey time between Sha Tin and Cheung Sha Wan to just five minutes and between Sha Tin and Kwai Chung to 15 minutes. There are two sets of road tunnels along Tsing Sha Highway. The set connecting to Sha Tin comprises Eagle's Nest Tunnel, Tin Heights Tunnel and Tai Wai Tunnel. Toll charge for this set of tunnels is HK$8 for all vehicle classes. The other set is the new Nam Wan Tunnel located in Tsing Yi, which is toll-free.
The bridge was originally scheduled to be completed in
early 2008 but was delayed when it was found that some of the
supporting piers needed to be sunk to a much greater depth than surveys
had indicated. There is a height limit of 68.5 metres for vessels
passing under the bridge. The bridge is toll-free.
HONG KONG GEOPARK
Hong Kong Geopark was officially opened on 3rd November 2009. The Hong Kong Geopark which covers about 50 square kms is made up of eight geo-areas distributed across the Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region and Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region. The park is one of China's 183 national geoparks and stretches from Tung Ping Chau in the north to the Ninepin Group in the south and includes Double Haven, Tolo Channel, Port Island-Bluff Head, High Island, Sharp Island and Ung Kong Group. The mainland government is to nominate the park to UNESCO as a world geopark in 2011.
Eight hiking trails and two boat tours have been developed to enable visitors to appreciate the diverse geological features and landscapes of the National Geopark, For more detailed information see HONG KONG GEOPARK.
1881 HERITAGE (Former Marine Police Headquarters)
The former Marine Police Headquarters at 2A Canton Road (junction with Salisbury Road) in Tsim Sha Tsui which was built in 1884 and occupied by the Marine Police until 1997 (apart from Japanese Occupation 1941-1945) and declared a monument in 1994 has been converted into a 132,000 square foot heritage tourism facility "1881 Heritage". The HK$650 million preservation and redevelopment project has been undertaken by Flying Snow Limited, a subsidiary of Cheung Kong (Holdings) Limited who were awarded a 50-year land grant on the complex in 2003 by the Hong Kong Government. Work was scheduled to have been completed by March 2008 but the project overan by over twelve months and was not officially opened until November 2009 resulting in the developer being fined. The headquarters is one of the four oldest surviving government buildings in Hong Kong and is considered a fine example of typical tropical colonial Victorian architecture. The complex which comprises the main building, stable block and signal tower is being converted into a luxury boutique hotel and shopping complex.
Hullett House Hotel which opened in January 2010 is operated by Aqua Restaurant Group and has just 13 suites and 5 restaurants. Although a small heritage exhibition hall has been built to exhibit aspects of the building's history most architectural features including old fireplaces, a tunnel, a gas street lamp and a stable are in private places and not be open to the public. The stable has been converted into a pub, there is a podium garden, three-storey commercial block in front of the main building connected to the signal tower with a landscaped rooftop garden and also a piazza. About 50,000 square feet is occupied by shops and restaurants. The exhibition hall (open noon to 8pm daily), piazza and podium garden are open to the public. For more information see the 1881 Heritage website;
http://www.1881heritage.com/flash/#/en/home/
INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE CENTRE (ICC), HONG KONG'S TALLEST BUILDING
The 118-storey International Commerce Centre (ICC) at Union Square above Kowloon Station on the West Kowloon waterfront is nearing completion and is Hong Kong's tallest building and the third highest building in the world after Burj Dubai and Shanghai World Financial Centre. The building is also some 60 metres taller than Hong Kong's next tallest building Two International Finance Centre (Two IFC) on the opposite side of the harbour. Construction of the building, which is a joint venture between Sun Hung Kai Properties and MTR Corporation, commenced in 2002 and fitting out is expected to be completed by the end of 2010. Elements Shopping Mall located in the basement opened in 2007, the W Hotel in 2009 and the main tower is already substantially occupied with tenants including Credit Suisse and Morgan Stanley relocating from Central to ICC, which is planned to become Hong Kong's new financial hub. The top 15 floors will be occupied by the 6-star Ritz Carlton Hotel, opening in April 2011, making it the highest hotel in the world and there will be a public observation deck, Sky 100, with food and beverage outlets on the 110th floor. The building has 46 lifts including 2 VIP lifts.
TAI TAM WATERWORKS HERITAGE TRAIL
During 2009 the Hong Kong Antiques Authority on the recommendation of the Antiques Advisory Board has declared some 41 historic waterworks structures as monuments under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance to ensure their important heritage is protected and preserved. These monuments are contained within Tai Tam Group of Reservoirs, Pok Fu Lam Reservoir, Wong Nai Chung Reservoir, Kowloon Reservoir, Shing Mun Reservoir and Aberdeen Reservoir. In September 2009 the 5km Tai Tam Waterworks Heritage Trail set in the scenic and serene surroundings of Tai Tam Country Park was opened. The trail covers 21 of these historic monuments and can be completed in about two hours.
The Tai Tam Group of Reservoirs comprises Tai Tam Upper Reservoir, Tai Tam Byewash Reservoir, Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir and Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir. The structures include dams, pumping stations, valve houses, staff quarters, aqueduct and bridges. The oldest structures on the trail are Tai Tam Upper Reservoir Masonry Bridge, Masonry Aqueduct, Dam, Valve House and Tunnel Inlet built in 1883 - 1888. The "youngest" monument is the Tai Tam Tuk Raw Water Pumping Station which was constructed in 1907. Nowadays most of these historic facilities are intact and still in operation. A total of 10 information stations have been set up en route to explain the function and historic value of these monuments.
For more information see TAI TAM WATERWORKS HERITAGE TRAIL
WAN CHAI HERITAGE TRAIL
Wan Chai is one of Hong Kong's earliest settlements and has an interesting heritage, possessing many fine historic buildings from different periods. The district was once the home of high-class residences for rich Europeans and foreign merchants and shipyards were built along the shores of Wan Chai Bay before reclamation eventually saw the transition from small fishing village to modern urban metropolis. During 2007 in order to address increasing public concern over conservation the Old Wan Chai Revitalisation Initiatives Steering Committee was formed to study the cultural heritage of Wan Chai and on 27th September 2009 the Wan Chai Heritage Trail was launched.
The trail takes in grade one to grade three historic buildings;
Green House (Mallory Street & Burrows Street), Hong Kong Tuberculosis Chest & Heart Disease Association at 266 Queens Road East built in "Bauhaus" architectural style, Wan Chai Market, Blue House (Stone Nullah Lane), Yellow House (Hing Wan Street), 186-190 Queens Road East (Guangzhou Verandah Type Shophouse), 60A-66 Johnston Road (Guangzhou Verandah Type Shophouse), 18 Ship Street, Nam Kou Terrace (Ship Street), Star Street Precinct, Pak Tai Temple (Stone Nullah Lane), Former Wan Chai Post Office, Cross Street/Tai Yuen Street Open Market, Hung Shing Temple on Queens Road East and Gresson Street Open Market.
The trail begins at Mallory Street and touch-screen computers have been installed at various points along the route to allow visitors to view details and obtain information.
For full details see WAN CHAI HERITAGE TRAIL
MTR WEST RAIL EXTENSION (KOWLOON SOUTHERN LINK)
The 3.8km MTR Kowloon Southern Link (KSL) opened on 16th August 2009 and extends the MTR West Rail line from its previous terminus at Nam Cheong via the new Austin Station in West Kowloon and the existing East Tsim Sha Tsui Station to its new terminus at Hung Hom which is now the terminus for both West Rail and East Rail. East Tsim Sha Tsui Station which was previously the terminus for East Rail is now a West Rail Station. The extension allows a direct connection between the Northwest New Territories and East Tsim Sha Tsui with the journey from Tin Shui Wai to East Tsim Sha Tsui taking only 31.5 minutes, 24.5 minutes shorter than the current journey. However passengers from East Tsim Sha Tsui Station wishing to travel to East Rail stations will need to change at Hung Hom.
In conjunction with construction of the new line existing pedestrian subways along Middle Road are being extended westwards to Kowloon Park Drive to improve connectivity between East Tsim Sha Tsui and the Canton Road area. However there has been some critiscism that are no plans to link the new Austin Station to Canton Road and the Hong Kong-Macau ferry pier at China Hong Kong City.
More information on the extension can be found here;
http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/whatsnew/austin.html
NOAH'S ARK
Love for Self and Others Love for the Well-being of the Body and Spirit
Love for Life
Love for the Environment
Love for Learning
Love for Challenges
Love to Serve Others
and is jointly operated by Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong, Anglela Luk's Education Foundation, St James' Settlement, Boy's Brigade Hong Kong and The Media Evangelism Limited.
The attraction features an Ark Garden with some 67 life-size animal sculptures waterfalls and ponds, Ark Expo with 180 degree panoramic 4-D theatre, multi-media presentations, Ark models and nature exhibits, Noah's Adventureland with rope course, swings and rock climbing wall, Treasure House children's museum and education centre, Ark Life Education House with interactive challenges and forums and Nature Garden (in the adjacent Ma Wan Park). The attraction also includes a 650-seat stadium, hotel, sports ground, function rooms, amphitheatre with seating for 200, plaza with event hall, restaurant, gift shops and Noah's Resort Hotel with both luxury rooms and hostel-type rooms.
FOR MORE COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION - SEE NOAH'S ARK
Animals "two by two" in the Ark Garden
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LANTAU NORTH (EXTENSION) COUNTRY PARK
The 2,360 hectare Lantau North (Extension) Country Park was officially opened on 23rd November 2008. The new park is mainly in mountainous and upland valleys covered with natural woodland and unspoiled stream courses, which provide a highly scenic backdrop to the urban development at Tung Chung. The upland areas also offer magnificent views of the airport to the north, rural and wilderness mountainous areas to the south. The well established areas of secondary woodlands, shrubland, grassland and fresh water habitats are of high conservation and landscape value. The park brings the total country park area of Lantau to 10,000 hectares which is about 70% of the area of Lantau.
Lantau supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna. It is home to a large percentage of many of Hong Kong's recorded species including 70% of its herpetofauna, 60% of its dragonfly species and more than 50% of its butterfly species. The island is also home to several plant and animal species which are rare in Hong Kong. These include the Romer's Tree Frog, Striped Bush Hopper, Hong Kong Asarum and Lantau Star-anise. It is a great country destination that blends sightseeing and nature education.
Unveiling of plaque marking the opening of Lantau North (Extension) Country Park at Tai Ho, Lantau Island
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HONG KONG SPACE MUSEUM SAI KUNG iOBSERVATORY
A new developmental project of the Space Museum, the Hong Kong Space Museum Sai Kung iObservatory opened to the public in November 2008. The iObservatory is a three-storey building with a floor area of 270 sq metres situated in Lady MacLehose Holiday Village in Sai Kung Country Park. The project cost HK$7.3 million and the observatory houses a 60 cm Cassegrain telescope, the largest professional telescope in Hong Kong, inside a dome on the roof. Under ideal sky conditions, the telescope has a visual limiting magnitude of 15, meaning that users can observe celestial objects 4,000 times dimmer than those just visible to the naked eye. A professional 11 million pixels CCD camera is attached to the telescope for astrophotography. The main function of the observatory dome is to protect the telescope and other equipment installed on the rooftop from bad weather. The temperature inside the dome is slightly higher than outdoors to prevent condensation on the surface of the equipment. In case of heavy showers, the area affected by rainfall inside the dome, which has only one small opening, will be smaller than that inside an observatory adopting the roll-off design. The iObservatory’s six-metre onion dome allows an unobstructed view of the sky.
The Space Museum will be jointly operating star-gazing activities for the public with Lady MacLehose Holiday Village. Further information will be provided when available. Visitors can also check the Space Museum website for information;
The iObservatory dome. The six-metre-onion shaped dome provides unobstructed views of the sky
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CITY ART SQUARE SHATIN
The "City Art Square", a joint project between the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and Sun Hung Kai Properties Charitable Fund was officially opened on July 22nd 2008.
With an area of 190,000 square feet, the square which is located at Sha Tin Town Hall Plaza features 19 uniquely styled creative sculptures and public art installations by renowned international and local artists including Vivienne Tam, Zaha Hadid, Dennis Oppenheim, Mimmo Paladino, WOKmedia, Thom Thiel, Nina Jobs, Joaquin Gasgonia Palencia, Mathias Bengtsson, Xu Bing, Barrie Ho, Freeman Lau, James Law, Danny Lee, Sara Tse, Mok Yat-san and Man Fung-yi.
Part of the plaza will be converted into a flag plaza during the period of the 2008 Olympic Games (for which Sha Tin is hosting the Olympic Equestrian Events).
Officials and participating guests at the opening ceremony of City Art Square
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LANTAU OLYMPIC TRAIL
The Hong Kong Olympic Trail and Olympic Green on Lantau Island was officially opened on 18 July 2008. The 5.6 km trail for which approval was obtained from the International Olympic Committee runs from Pak Mong Village to Mui Wo and passes through a number of small villages over 200 years old. A tree planting site on a slope near Pak Mong Village has been named the Olympic Green. A number of buildings in Pak Mong Village have been declared monuments including the entrance arch, village wall, Chi Tong and watch house. The Fung Shui woods behind the village is a unique character of an indigenous village. The Olympic Trail is suitable for hiking and family outings.
Hikers and families on the Lantau Olympic Trail
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ABERDEEN COUNTRY PARK TREE CENTRE
The first thematic education centre featuring trees, the Aberdeen Country Park Tree Centre was officially opened on 26th April 2008. The centre was formerly a country park visitor centre and has been converted to further promote tree conservation. The centre presents many interesting aspects of trees with display panels, information kiosks and an interactive games area. There is a large banyan tree model showing tree parts and anatomy and visitors can learn more from the display panels about the function and value of trees, vegetation preservation and the relationship between trees and insects as well as the changes that trees go through during the four seasons. The centre is open from 9am to 5pm daily except Tuesdays and admission is free.
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Aberdeen Country Park Tree Centre
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PEAK VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE
A Visitor Information Centre converted from a heritage tram cabin opened on April 7th 2008. The centre at the Peak piazza provides a full range of visitor information services and was set up under the Peak Improvement Scheme spearheaded by the Tourism Commission. The tram was in service from 1959 to 1989 and the transformed cabin is installed under a Victorian style canopy. The Peak Improvement Scheme cost HK$143 million and includes reconstruction of the Peak piazza, streetscape imrovement to various walking trails, beautification of Mount Austin Playground and the Former Gate Lodge and installation of story boards depicting the history of the Peak. The majority of works have already been completed and any outstanding works are being completed in phases throughout the rest of 2008. The visitor centre is open daily from 9am to 9pm.
The new Peak Visitor Information Centre located in an old Peak Tram
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NGONG PING NATURE CENTRE
The first country park visitor centre on Lantau Island, The Ngong Ping Nature Centre opened at Ngong Ping Village on 1 March 2008. The centre has 3-D display panels in Chinese, English and Japanese. The display features the history and landscape of Lantau, as well as special species found on the island. Visitors can enjoy aerial video footage of Lantau and search for hiking information at the information kiosks in the centre. Admission is free and the centre is open Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 6-30pm, Sundays and Ngong Ping 360 "Special Days" 9am to 6-30pm. The centre is closed during Ngong Ping 360 Servicing Days. Guided tours will be available in Chinese at specified times in Cantonese and during public holidays in English. Phone number for enquiries is (852) 2259 3916.
Ngong Ping Nature Centre, Ngong Ping Village
LAMMA FISHERFOLK'S VILLAGE
Another new attraction on Lamma Island (see Lamma Winds below) is the Lamma Fisherfolk's Village located on a floating platform in Sok Kwu Wan Bay. This exhibition illustrated with demonstrations highlights the local fishing culture and history of the local fishing history in Hong Kong. You can board an authentic fishing junk, handle live fish and attempt hookless fishing which involves attempting to yank mostly impossibly large fish out of the water with bait attached to a line.
Adult ticket prices range from HK$40 to HK$88 (concessions are available) including the short one minute shuttle ride to the village from Sok Kwu Wan Public Pier. For most visitors the HK$40 two hour ticket will be the most suitable.
Sok Kwu Wan can be reached by ferry from Central Ferry Pier 4 or from Aberdeen. Alternatively it can be reached by taking the ferry from Central Ferry Pier 4 to Yung Shue Wan and then following the popular trail across Lamma Island to Sok Kwu Wan (about 75 minutes walk).
More information is available on the village website;
http://www.fisherfolks.com.hk/english/index.php
Lamma Fisherfolk's Village
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AERIAL VIDEOS NOW AVAILABLE
The Government Flying Service has made available to view online 29 short aerial videos of various locations around Hong Kong. See "Videos & Live Webcams"
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ALTERNATIVE BORDER CROSSING FOR VISITORS TO SHENZHENxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The MTR East Rail spur line from Sheng Shui to Lok Ma Chau which opened 15 August 2007 enables rail passengers to use the Lok Ma Chau border crossing as an alternative to Lo Wu. The line enables passengers to connect via footbridge with the Shenzhen Metro Line 4 on the western side of Shenzhen and is intended to relieve congestion at Lo Wu particularly during holidays. The journey time for the spur line from Sheng Shui to Lok Ma Chau is only six minutes. There is a visa office on the Chinese side and visas on arrival for Shenzhen Economic Zone only can be obtained by all nationalities except USA. This visa is a single entry visa valid for 5 days.
Currently the last train reaches Lok Ma Chau Terminus at 22-30 as train services for the Shenzhen Metro Link also close at that time and there will be few other ground transportation facilities across the border.
There are also green minibus, franchised bus and taxi services from Yuen Long to the new public transport interchange at Lok Ma Chau.
DR SUN YAT-SEN MUSEUM
Dr Sun Yat-Sen is often referred to as the "Father of Modern China" and this museum features an exhibition of how Dr Sun was transformed from an aspiring medical student into a renowned revolutionary leader and highlights his time in Hong Kong. As of much interest as the exhibition itself is the building in which it is housed, the splendidly preserved Kom Tong Hall dating from 1914 and which was named after Ho Kom Tong, brother of the magnate of Robert Hotung and comprador of Jardine Matheson and Co.
The museum is located at Kom Tong Hall, 7 Castle Road, Mid-Levels. Castle Road is accessible from the Mid-Levels escalator and is just above Hollywood Road. Several of the surrounding streets have been incorporated in the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Historical Trail.
Opening times are 10am to 6pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. 10am to 7pm on Sundays and public holidays. The museum is closed on Thursdays.
Admission costs HK$10 with half price concessions available for full-time students, people with disabilities and senior citizens aged 60 or above. Admission is free on Wednesdays and on the anniversaries of Dr Sun's birth (12 November) and death (12 March).
Photography is not allowed inside the museum.
For more information see MUSEUMS - HONG KONG ISLAND
Dr Sun Yat-Sen Museum, Kom Tom Hall