UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
Established on 30th March 1911, to take over
The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam
focusing on liberal arts and religious studies
the Hong Kong College of Medicine (founded in
1887) (Early Years, n.d.).
The campus covers 177,000 square metres; the
buildings are the remaining remnants of British
Colonial architecture in Hong Kong. The
University of Hong Kong was also the first team
to successfully isolate the causative agent of
SARS (University of Hong Kong, n.d.).
Governor Sir Frederich Lugard founded it; he
wanted to establish a university to compete
with other universities opening in
China (Early Years, n.d.). The
University was incorporated
in Hong Kong as a self-
governing body of scholars
and is the first University
established by the British
in East Asia. It had its
official opening ceremony
on 11th March 1912. It was
founded as an all-male
institution, and women were
admitted ten years later. Opening
with three founding faculties, arts, engineering,
and medicine, emulating the University of
Manchester, emphasising the sciences over the
humanities (University of Hong Kong, n.d.).
Lugard was inspired by the civic movement in
England, which established universities in cities
like Manchester (Early Years, n.d.). The
difference between the older universities was
that this new generation of academic
institutions was more dedicated to science and
engineering, the fields that could be put to good
use in an industrialised society, instead of
(Dewolf, 2020).
A little about the architecture: The main
building is the University's point of origin; it is
an open, luminous building, representing the
ideals behind Hong Kong's first University. A
team led by Alfred Bryer designed the first
edifice; the design was typical of its era;
Edwardian Baroque. There are classical
columns two-story or higher with a rusticated
base, a central tower, a red brick wall, and a
formal entrance in the central axis of the
composition emphasised by the triangular
pediment. The Edwardian style is not the only
influence; they also incorporated another
subset of structures; red brick universities. In
addition to the rough-hued stone, colonnades,
frilly towers, and arched pediments, the
building uses red brick as part of its symbolic
significance. Another point of influence would
be American public schools. It was inspired by
the schools designed by St. Louis school
commissioner William B. Ittner, which pushed
for open spaces and natural lighting, allowing
for light in classrooms and ventilation
chimneys. There was also quick outdoor access
(in case of fires) (Dewolf, 2020).
Even as the University has grown into a packed
warren of interconnected buildings, climbing
the hill above Shek Tong Tsui. It is now
primarily dominated by high-rises, but the main
building still stands today (University of Hong
Kong, n.d.).
 SHEK O VILLAGE
Shek O Village Road, Shek O, Southern District, Hong Kong Island
The entire area is a peninsula on the
southern coast of Hong Kong Island.
The name quite literally means "rocky
bay" (Shek O, n.d.). Shek O village was
first established by fishermen of the
Chan, Lau, Li, and Yip clans. The
village has a history of 200 years and
was once famous for its lobster. In
1841, the village with Hok Tsui Village
and Tai Long Village had a population
of around 200. The people primarily
lived on the land that the Shek O
Country Club presently occupies,
where it was forcibly removed
(Zanzanaini, 2016).
Today, Shek O Village is the closest
you will find to a European beach
town in Hong Kong. Sitting in the
heart of this village is a maze of low-
rise buildings painted in vibrant
colours; bright yellows, mint green,
coral, and pastel purple (Shek O, n.d.).
You will also find many historic
structures, including Tin Kau Temple,
The Modernist, and the memorial
archway. The Tin Kau temple was
built in 1891 and is listed as a grade III
historic building; the Chinese Temples
Committee delegates its management
to the Shek O residents Association.
The Modernist is a bus terminus
constructed in 1955; it was designed
by Hsin Tieh Architects and founded
by Chinese architect Su Gin Djih. This,
however, is not the oldest bus service
to Shek O. The oldest one dates back
to the 1920s; the oldest one is the
route between the Hong Kong Hotel
and Big Wave Bay (Ngai, 2021).
Shek O is also host to plenty of
outdoor activities. It is home to one of
the most scenic and popular beaches
in Hong Kong, rocky cliffs for sports
climbing, Big Wave Bay (a popular
destination for surfers), The Dragon's
Back (one of Hong Kong's only
paragliding sites), and golf (Shek O,
n.d.).
 SUNSET PEAK
Southern Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Sunset Peak is the third-highest peak
in Hong Kong at 869 metres; the Hong
Kong Tourism Board rates this hike as
"very difficult", with an average hiking
time of 4.5 hours and a distance of
9km (South China Morning Post, n.d.).
From its fields of Miscanthus
floridulus, also called silver grass, to
the ridgeline dotted with old
missionary huts from the 1900s on
the plateau below the summit, the
hike is not only challenging and scenic,
but it's also popular (Sunset Peak,
n.d.).
The hike up Sunset Peak
The hike beginning at Pak Kung Au
and ending at either Mui Wo or Tung
Chung is the most accessible and
straightforward. To reach Pak Kung
Au, you would need to take bus 3M or
11; the trail begins on the same side of
the road that the bus stop is on, which
is very convenient. Also, the starting
point for Lantau Peak is just across
the street. Ensure to look out for signs
pointing to Sunset Peak (SUNSET
PEAK, 2022).
The first 2.5km includes plenty of
steep steps with little shelter.
However, Sunset Peak will be
rewarding after you rise above the
Tung Chung gap, even if it's pretty
early on. Afterwards, this part will be
the steepest and most challenging; it
is a long way to go; however, the hike
will be far less demanding from here
on out. You will quickly arrive on the
first ledge, from where you will cross a
valley between two hills.
Here, you will see the rolling hills
covered with silver grass, particularly
Instagrammable rock formations; you
will notice that this side of the
mountain is comparatively more
mellow. Continue following the signs;
once you reach the plateau on the
other side of the mountain, you will
finally see the ridge of Sunset Peak
ahead. Hike towards the left by
following any of the paths through the
grass; soon, you will reach the
trigonometry station and the sign
marking the peak. This is the perfect
spot for watching the sunset; it
overlooks Lantau Peak, the airport,
and the sea (Rebane, 2021).
After reaching the trigonometry
station, walk down the back of the
mountain. You will be able to see
about 20 stone huts. If you are short
on time, you can return to Pak Kung
Au the way you came.
However, I highly recommend
the route to Mui Wo; it is much
more scenic. Another route
you can take is the one to Tung
Chung; both entail a gruellingly
long descent with stairs.
(SUNSET PEAK, 2022)
The stone huts
They are collectively known as
the Lantau mountain camp;
they are known to rest
idyllically in a prairie-like
landscape against misty hills
and fields of silver grass.
Although Sunset Peak is
packed with scenic selling
points, you might not expect to
stumble upon rich historical
architecture. These stone
cabins date back to 192,
initially built as a summer
retreat by a ground of foreign
missionaries from Southern
China, allegedly wanting to
seek relief from the sweltering
heat and refuge in the high
altitude.
Before settling into Sunset
Peak, they attempted to make
their base out of wood.
However, they were destroyed
in a typhoon the same year it
was built. Learning from their
past mistakes, they made a
much sturdier and more
weather-proof hut. A total
12 were planned.
They are each equipped
with a 16-inch stone wall
and a six-inch reinforced
concrete roof.
After a decade of the
camp being a blissful
vacation spot, ironically,
it found itself entangled
in warfare following the
outbreak of the Second
World War.
During the 1940s, it was
taken over by military
units and was used as a
base for intelligence
operations. Thus, the
camp was a significant
target for guerilla
activity. Following the
Japanese invasion, it was
heavily vandalised by
the troops.
After the war, the camp
underwent major
renovation and
expansion work; new
facilities were
introduced, such as a
dining hall, swimming
pool, and numerous
add-ons like water tanks
and pipes (Peters,
2021).


LUK YU TEA HOUSE

This Michelin-star restaurant: Luk Yu Tea House dates back to the 1930s; it is one of
24-26 Stanley St, Central

Hong Kong's most historic restaurants (obsessedwithnoodles, 2016).

Holding a reputation for refined, well-preserved Cantonese dishes. It was named after
the Tang dynasty poet Lu Yu (733-804), who wrote "The Classic of Tea''. He is said to
be the father of tea ceremonies, describing the history and culture of Chinese tea
(obsessedwithnoodles, 2016). The tea house was founded over 80 years ago, on
Wing Cut street, in a former bank. A restaurant manager and bank employee
founded it, wanting a tea house that served quality Cantonese cuisine
incorporated with tea culture (Luk Yu (restaurant), n.d.).
During the twenties and thirties, Guangzhou was the centre of culture and
cuisine; in Lingnan culture. Emulating that trend in their cooking and decor.
Inside, you'll find antique wooden furniture (mahogany pear sandalwood
furniture), white tablecloths, stained glass windows, elegant staircases, renowned
Chinese calligraphy, paintings, and Shanghainese art deco, which are vintage items
(obsessedwithnoodles, 2016).

Food to try: The tea house is known for its colonial style, tradition,
Sweet and sour pork and loyal long-time customers. It comprises three
Crispy chicken with floors—for which the entire first floor is unofficially
glutinous rice reserved for regular customers. It is said that regular
Pin-yi noodle soup customers have access to a secret menu only
with crabmeat available to them.
Double-boiled pig's The tea house often draws in opera singers,
lung soup with government officials, celebrities, artists, and business
almonds tycoons. Among these were entrepreneurs, actors,
Shrimp toast tradespeople, and artists who frequented the tea
house, often gifting paintings as a token of goodwill.

A fun piece of history:

Harry Lam, director of
one of Asia's most
prominent golf resorts,
was shot dead at point-
blank range while eating
breakfast at Luk Yu Tea
House on the 30th of
November 2002.
 SAI KUNG
The unique geographical feature and Culture History
Sai Kung Town,Hong Kong

the landmass of Sai Kung have made it

Interestingly, urbanisation posed During the Second Sino-Japanese
the "back garden of Hong Kong." This
complex challenges to the original War, the hills and countless bays of
back garden has contributed to the
residents of Sai Kung. Like many Sai Kung sheltered the guerrillas of
cultural, social, and infrastructural
places, there was a gradual decline in the Hong Kong Independent Battalion
aspects of Hong Kong numerous times
fishery and agriculture during the to attack the Japanese army and save
in history (Sai Kung, n.d.).
1960s, when many younger residents those that were engaged in cultural
moved to urban areas or overseas. work. This proved to be successful, as
Nowadays, it's known for its fishing
However, those who have moved they rescued countless prisoners-of-
villages, hiking trails, beaches, islands,
away made an effort to keep in touch war numerous times. The "Memorial
and stunning scenery. When people
with those still in the village. They Monuments for Sai Kung Martyrs
mention Sai Kung, you will most likely
came back for celebrations, festivals, During World War II" in Sai Kung
think of Sai Kung Town, where Places to go (DISCOVER SAI KUNG, 2021)
and religious activities. Therefore, the marks the close relationship between
fishermen sell what they caught from
traditional culture of Sai Kung plays the residents and Anti-Japanese War
their boats off the pier, and dim sum Go to Yin Tim Tsai, a small island initially
an important role in reuniting people history. Therefore, Sai Kung is an
restaurants; you can find all sorts of populated in the 1740s by a family from
and linking urban and rural areas essential site, especially if you're
seafood in Sai Kung; they select the Guangdong; the descendants then developed
(Cultural Heritage, n.d.). interested in studying the history of
best depending on the season (Sai salt farms and made a living off selling salt;
Hong Kong during the Japanese
Kung Town, n.d.). You get to pick your however, the economy rapidly grew during the
occupation (Fung, 2015).
seafood and bring it to the kitchen to 1960-70s, and the industry began to decline.
How to get here
cook. As Sai Kung is a seaside Thus the villagers left the now derelict island.
neighbourhood, it should be no Minibus (1A)
surprise that some of the top seafood Bus
Go to Tai Long Wan; the four beaches there
restaurants in Hong Kong are here. Taxi
feature Hong Kong's finest beaches, with
MTR - not directly
There are fish tanks and water-filled powdery white sand and crystal-clear water.
displays of freshly caught seafood
outside the seafood restaurants. In
Go to Tikitiki bowling bar for people who
addition to fantastic seafood, many of
would rather stay indoors. The decor features
the restaurants have a beautiful
woven Polynesian-inspired furniture and is lit
harbour view (Sai Kung, n.d.).
with flashy lights. There are ten bowling lanes,
three bars, and a live band.
In addition to the town, Sai Kung has
plenty of nature trails. Most of the
area is covered in country parks, and Go to Splash Hong Kong, and learn how to
the verdant green spaces are a big dive on the weekends! The dive shop offers a
reason Sai Kung has remained wide range of classes, including weekend dive
unspoiled by urbanisation, reserved excursions around Hong Kong and trips to the
for nature conservation (Sai Kung, Philippines, Malaysia, etc.
n.d.).
 KOWLOON CITY
New Kowloon, Hong Kong
Kowloon City, one of the oldest
districts in Hong Kong, is known
for its traditional Hong Kong-style
restaurants with local dishes and
a wide range of cuisine, including
Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian.
Kowloon City occupies the
eastern half of the Kowloon
peninsula; it is as diverse as Hong
Kong gets. Here, you will find
streets that are home to various
cultural communities (Kowloon
City, n.d.). The diversity you see
extends to the area's history; the
landmark dates back to the 13th
century. Nowadays, you can see
remnants of the most densely
packed city in world history that
thrived on anarchy for 30 years;
historic houses have been
converted into coffee shops, old
villages are being revitalised, and
former industrial facilities have
become creative enclaves
(Kowloon City, n.d.).
History
The area was once famous for its
pearl production in the Qin
dynasty (221 BCE - 206 BCE).
During the Song dynasty (960-
1279), the area was a part of
Kwun Fu Chueng, a part of a salt
yard governed by Chinese
officials.
In addition, during the late Song
Dynasty, two emperors, Zhao
Bing and Duanzong, sought
refuge in Sung Wong Toi Garden
to escape from the growing
Mongol Army. Because of this,
there are historical relics and a
temple dating back to roughly
800 years ago (Kowloon City,
n.d.).
Kowloon Walled City
Kowloon city is also where you
would find remnants of the
notorious Kowloon walled City; it
was a Chinese military outpost
where it ultimately grew into the
world's most unusual vertical
slum, which is now Kowloon
Walled City Park (Kowloon
Walled, n.d.).
Initially, it was a Chinese military
fort; however, after the New
Territories were leased to the UK
by China in 1898, it became an
ungoverned and densely
populated de jure Chinese
enclave. During the Japanese
occupation in World War II, the
walled city contained 50,000
residents within its 6.4-acre
borders. From the 1950s to the
1970s, it was primarily controlled
by local triads with high rates of
prostitution, gambling, and drug
use (Kowloon Walled, n.d.).
Ultimately, in January 1987, the
Hong Kong government
announced their plans to
demolish the walled city. After
four months of tedious planning,
the demolition began on 23rd
Match 1993 and concluded in
April 1994. During this time, the
transfer of de jure sovereignty of
the enclave from the Chinese to
Britain occurred (Crawford,
2020).
Finally, the Kowloon Walled city
park opened in December 1995 and
occupies the area of the former
walled city. Including its yamen
building and remnants of its
southern gates, have been preserved
(Crawford, 2020).
Places to go (Top Things, n.d.)
Kowloon walled city park is a
beautiful garden featuring
preserved artefacts from the
former Kowloon Walled City.
There are antique buildings,
small bridges, flowing water,
waterfalls, pavilions, and
many more.
The Whampoa features a
360-foot-long boat located
near the harbour. The design
is a nod to it previously being
on the most prominent and
busiest docks in Asia for much
of the 20th century.
Kowloon bay is filled with
historical sights, museums,
and shopping malls, the
perfect combination.
Ko Shan Theatre, built in
1983, is a hub for Cantonese
opera; like other forms of
Chinese opera, this variety
displays historical epics
performed through song,
martial arts, and acrobatics.