These historical monuments have truly stood the test of time
Our city has a wonderfully rich history. From its humble origins as a fishing village to over 150 years of British colonial rule, many remnants of the past – both Chinese and Western – can still be found scattered throughout the city. Join us as we head for a trip down memory lane to revisit some of the oldest surviving buildings and structures in Hong Kong.
RECOMMENDED: Let’s not forget about these beautiful buildings that sadly didn’t make it to the present day.
Completed in 1875, Béthanie is a popular venue for wedding ceremonies. Originally a sanatorium for missionaries recovering from tropical diseases, it became an important base for the French Catholic church in East Asia. In 2006, it found new life as the campus for The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts' School of Film and Television. With its Neo-gothic architecture, symmetrical design, and visually stunning chapel, Béthanie was declared a monument in 2013.
Like a page out of a storybook rather than bustling Hong Kong, Cape D’Aguilar provides a picturesque escape from the intensity of the city’s urban environment. The Cape’s lighthouse isn’t just the oldest surviving lighthouse in the city, it’s also among the earliest colonial structures to be built here and was completed in 1875. The declared monument and its magnificent ocean views make for a stunning postcard-worthy photograph.
Tea-drinking is an age-old Chinese tradition, so it's only fitting that one of the oldest buildings in the city is now a tea museum. According to the Hong Kong Antiquities and Monuments Office, Flagstaff House is the longest surviving western building in Hong Kong. Completed in 1846, it originally served as the commander of British forces' office and residence in the territory. It later became the Museum of Tea Ware in 1984 and houses exhibitions, demonstrations, tea gatherings, and lectures that promote Chinese tea-drinking culture.
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The Hakka were the first settlers in Chai Wan, and Law Uk village was one of their first bases. Boasting more than 200 years of history, it's now the only remaining Hakka village on Hong Kong Island. Since being converted into a museum, visitors can view historical furniture vintage decorations and production tools preserved from back in the day and learn more about traditional Hakka culture.
Accidentally discovered in 1955 during construction work, this declared monument is believed to be a tomb built in the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25-220), making it officially the oldest structure in Hong Kong. Though the actual tomb is closed to the public for conservation reasons, visitors can still get a pretty clear view of it through a glass panel. Pop over to the exhibition hall next door to see pottery and bronze wares excavated from the tomb and learn more about the history behind the monument.
Located on Hollywood Road, close to the many nearby antique stores that dot Hollywood and Cat streets, Man Mo Temple is a declared national monument and is said to have been built between 1847 and 1862 by wealthy Chinese merchants. A place of worship dedicated primarily to Man Cheong (god of literature) and Mo Tai (god of martial arts), the temple compound offers a heavily clouded atmosphere that's a world away from the bustle of Central racing past outside.
The Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station is a prime example of Edwardian and Victorian style architecture in Hong Kong. Built in 1922, this three-storey Neoclassical structure is uniquely V-shaped, where the main entrance is set in an indented corner. While the station officially closed in 2016 – with a new station on Yau Cheung Road – a slice of old Hong Kong remains and the grey-blue brick walls make for a great photoshoot background.
A traditional Hakka walled-house now preserved as a cultural-heritage museum in Tsuen Wan, Sam Tung Uk was once the home of the Chan clan, a Hakka clan that migrated to Hong Kong during the mid-18th century. With ivory white walls and coal-grey ceramic tiles, the house stands out among the skyscrapers and the hustle and bustle of Tsuen Wan. You can check out 12 of the original houses at the museum and a collection of agricultural tools and everyday objects of Hakka village life that are on permanent display.
Built in 1849, St John’s Cathedral is the oldest surviving Anglican church in Hong Kong. The cathedral has seen more than a few things as it was briefly turned into a clubhouse during the Japanese occupation and many of its original stained glass windows were stripped out. The cathedral has been a declared monument since 1996.
Tai Kwun has undergone an impressive conservation and revitalisation efforts to give us a world-class independent art space and heritage landmark. The former Central Police Station, Central Magistracy, and Victoria Prison site is a massive 300,000sq ft compound built between 1862 and 1925. It's a place where people get arrested, tried in the magistracy, and sentenced to prison. While the site has since been repurposed to house art galleries and trendy bars and restaurants, you can spot many distinctive Neoclassical features and Roman-style arches.
Along a popular trail that takes you past 10 historical landmarks and heritage sites in the Ping Shan area, sits one of the oldest ancestral halls in Hong Kong. The amazingly well-preserved structure – declared as a monument in 2001 – dates back to 1271 and features two internal courtyards fronted by two drum platforms. Aside from its historical significance, Tang Ancestral Hall is still the go-to spot for traditional festivals and ceremonies in the area.
The historic clock tower, erected in 1915 and part of the sadly demolished Kowloon-Canton Railway terminus, is one of the most famous buildings in Tsim Sha Tsui. A declared monument, the 44-metre-tall red brick and granite tower is a reminder of times past and makes for a fantastic photo-op with Victoria Harbour in the background.
When it comes to the oldest surviving structures in Hong Kong, the Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda in Yuen Long is definitely near the top of the list. Built somewhere around 1368 to 1398, it means it’s at least 650 years old – quite a feat in Hong Kong. The hexagonal-shaped structure consists of three-storeys with a grey brick exterior and houses a Fui Shing statue, a popular deity for those seeking to pass examinations. You can visit the declared monument when travelling along the Ping Shan Heritage Trail.
Located next to the villages of Sheung Ling Pei and Ha Ling Pei, Tung Chung Fort has stood in Hong Kong since the Southern Song dynasty, approximately built between 1174 and 1189. Since smuggling was rampant back then, soldiers were dispatched to Tung Chung where they built the fort. Ironically, after the recall of the troops, the fort was used by various pirates including the infamous Cheung Po Tsai during the Qing dynasty – the government only reclaimed Tung Chung Fort after Cheung’s surrender. It was declared a monument in 1979 and, after several iterations and usages, it now houses the local Rural Committee Office.
A three-storey historic colonial building situated on a prime waterfront location, Murray House boasts not only sweeping views of the sea but also an interesting backstory leading up to its home in Stanley. The 160-year-old Victorian structure was originally a barrack built-in 1846 in Central, and over time, became home to several different government departments. It was later dismantled in the early 1980s, relocated to Stanley, and reassembled in the early 2000s. Now it’s one of Hong Kong’s longest surviving buildings, housing a range of great restaurants and a giant H&M store.
This neoclassical compound dates back to 1880s when it was established as the first land-based headquarters for Hong Kong’s marine police. The main building has since been converted into a boutique hotel, while the stable block, signal tower, and old fire station are home to F&B and retail outlets. Many of its original Victorian architecture remains or has been restored – like the time ball tower – which is why you’ll also often find couples there posing for bridal and engagement photoshoots.
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