Why Wan Chai Heritage Trail?

Wan Chai is one of the most famous districts in Hong Kong. What makes Wan Chai particularly distinctive is its ability to remain culturally significant while also being a commercial hub of the city. It’s rich cultural history of almost 150 years is the reason why this digital gallery is based on it’s heritage trail.

Wan Chai which means “small bay” was initially a fisherman village. Soon after, it was used as a British business base owing to its geographical advantages. It was in the 20th century, that Wan Chai became the military base of the British and during the 1960s that the nightlife saw a rise and gained much popularity which exists to this very day.

It wasn’t long before Wan Chai became a centre of commercial and financial activities. Today, there are several official buildings, markets, historically significant locations and recreational sites present. It is the wide-ranging diversity that sets Wan Chai apart from other areas in Hong Kong.

Aim and Purpose of this digital gallery

Due to concerns about the preservation of Wan Chai, the Development Bureau established the Old Wanchai Revitalisation Initiatives Special Committee to revitalise and conserve several heritage sites including Tai Yuen Street Market, Cross Street Market, Star Street District and more. The OWRISC partnered with The Development Bureau, Urban Renewal Authority, MTR Corp, St James' Settlement and Wan Chai District Office to launch the Wan Chai Heritage Trail. This trail was launched to educate and spread awareness about Wan Chai’s rich heritage.

This digital gallery not only serves the purpose of being educative and enriching, but it also helps in creating a dialogue through “sharing”. With digital galleries like this one, there is an opportunity for easier access and flow of information from one individual to one another