Wan Chai Environmental Resource Centre

The Wan Chai Environmental Resource Centre is a small office and educational center to enhance the public awareness of environmental protection. The building that the centre housed in, the Old Wan Chai Post Office, is the oldest surviving post office in Hong Kong.

The Old Wan Chai Post Office

After serving the community for 77 years, the post office ceased to operate in 1992. It is now a declared monument.

Dr Sun Yat-Sen Museum

Sun Yat-sen, one of the most influential person in modern Chinese history, was the driving force behind the overthrown of the last imperial dynasty of China. Ofter recognized as the Founding Father of the new China,  as one would imagine, there are many Museums dedicated to such most respected man across Mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Dr Sun Yat-Sen Museum, Hong Kong

Hong Kong Railway Museum

Railway, an important infrastructure for the development of any city, has been in Hong Kong for over 100 years. The former Tai Po Market Railway Station in the New Territories became the Hong Kong Railway Museum: home to old railway tracks, steam and diesel locomotive, and passenger coaches.

Diesel locomotive at the Hong Kong Railway Museum

Recycle Train @ City Garden

I came across this "Recycle Train" at the City Garden residential groups at North Point on the Hong Kong Island. This multi-purpose recycle bin is decorated just like a modern underground train in Hong Kong. 

Recycle Train at City Garden, Hong Kong

In the past decades, the government has been promoting the recycling of paper, plastics and metals. However, the recycling culture in Hong Kong is yet to improve. By having more recycling facilities at the residential areas can certainly encourage residents to recycle.

Antiquities and Monuments Office

The Antiquities and Monuments Office, now housed in the former Kowloon British School, has a responsibility to identify, record and research on buildings and items of historical interest to preserve Hong Kong's monuments under appropriate protection.

Antiquities and Monuments Office, the former Kowloon British School on Nathan Road

The historic building is open to public with guided tours at set times. It is however an office, the area that the public can access is limited.

A Tribute to Christchurch

A tribute to the victims of the Christchurch Earthquake 2011.

On 22 February 2011, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck at a depth of 5km, 10km south-east of the Central Business District of Christchurch, New Zealand's second largest city. This earthquake was shallower and closer to the heart of Christchurch than the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck on 4 September 2010.

While it was a blessing that there were no causalities at the September 4th earthquake; unfortunately, as of today, the confirmed death toll in this recent earthquake stands at 75 with 300 reported missing. A significant area of Christchurch has been destroyed.

May the spirit of Silver Fern be with Christchurch and New Zealand.
 

Sliver Fern, a symbol that represents bravery, courage and New Zealand

Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre

The Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre, Blocks S61 and S62 of the former Whitfield Barracks, is located in the Kowloon Park. The 100 year old building accommodated British Troops until 1967.

Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre at the Kowloon Park of Hong Kong

Today it is the home to a small exhibition hall, lecture hall and reference library. It is open to the public for free.

Pebble Walking Trail @ Hong Kong Park

The Pebble Walking Trail adjacent to the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware combines fun, health and challenge into one. 

Pebble Walking Trail at the Hong Kong Park

Pebble Trail are designed to excite the reactive zones on feet palms to simulate blood circulations. A daily short walk on the trail with thin socks or shoes can improve one's health. 

Seal Carving at The K.S. Lo Gallery

A collection of magnificent seal craving art displays are currently on display at the new wing of the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, the K.S. Lo Gallery.

The K.S. Lo Gallery

Seal Carving involves cultivating and sculpturing rocks or other hard objects. It is an art that combines calligraphy, carving and painting. 

Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware

The Museum of Tea Ware displays a collection of Tea Ware donated by entrepreneur K. S. Lo. The new wing of the Museum, the K.S. Lo Gallery, serves as a "yum cha" tea house; as well as hosting special collection displays.

Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, Hong Kong

The Museum was converted from the Flagstaff House, the oldest British-style building in Hong Kong. Both buildings are located in the Hong Kong Park.

Blue House @ Wan Chai

The Blue House is one of the most photographed traditional Chinese-style ("Tong Lau") building in Hong Kong. First built in the 1920, the Blue House is known for it's unusual colour.

The Blue House, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

It was a pleasant accident that gave Blue House its current colour, as blue paint was the only spare paint the government could found during the 1990 refurbishment. The Blue house has motivated it's neighbour building to change its colour to bright yellow.

Giant Chinese Lanterns @ Elements (Videos)

Today is the fifteenth day in the Lunar Calendar, the last opportunity to collect red packets from the respect seniors. It is also the Chinese Valentine's Day. In the past (i.e. hundreds of years ago), couples would date on this special day and enjoy the pretty lanterns in the markets.

Lanterns at Elements

Opportunities for lovers to meet was rare in the past; things have certainly changed. Fortunately, some artists have preserved the art to create these beautiful decors for modern lovers to admire.

Lion Dance @ The Year of the Rabbit

One of the great events to look for during the Chinese New Year period is the traditional Lion Dance. Martial art practitioners would group in pairs and dress up as "lions" to perform in front of live audiences.

Chinese New Year Lion Dance, Hong Kong

The lion dancers are supported by a life band playing traditional Chinese music instruments. They would play loud and heart-beating music to "scare all the monsters away".

Flower Beds @ Hong Kong Park

On the Valentine's Day, we showed you flowers in the Kowloon Park at the Kowloon peninsula. Today let's admire the flowers at the Hong Kong Park on the Hong Kong Island.

Flower Beds at the Hong Kong Park

The Hong Kong Park is a public park located in Central. A short uphill walk from Hong Kong's busiest business districts Central and Admiralty lead you to a natural heaven. The Hong Kong Park is also the home of the Museum of Tea Ware and the K.S. Lo Gallery.

Colour Garden @ Kowloon Park

A Happy Valentine's Day to everyone! We can be happy about almost everyday for different reasons. You've probably heard and read enough about the St. Valentine's Day in the past few days. Instead of repeating what's being said, let me present a post with these flowers to you.

Flowers at Colour Garden, Kowloon Park

These flowers are still blooming at the Colour Garden of the Kowloon Park.

Peach Blossoms @ Pacific Place

Peach Blossoms, the magic plant that is ideal for enhancing one's popularity, attractiveness to the opposite sex or love relationships in general, is very popular during the Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day period. Shopping malls would usually arrange several of these charming plants to lift the Spring spirits.

Peach Blossoms at Pacific Place, Hong Kong

Rabbit Displays @ 1881 Heritage

The 1881 Heritage at Tsim Sha Tsui put up impressive Christmas displays in 2010. Perhaps the landlord sees that Chinese New Year concept does not fit with the theme of their shopping complex, a smaller scaled Valentine's Day display was set up. It is on displayed since the pre-Chinese New Year period.

Elegant rabbit grass sculptures at 1881 Heritage, Hong Kong

Dessert Displays @ Windsor House

The Windsor House shopping mall, with such a strong "English-Royalty" taste in its name, requires a bit of "out of the box" thinking when it comes to Chinese New Year Displays. This modern mall at Causeway Bay has put up a "food and royal themed" displays to celebrate the Year of the Hare.

Royalty treatment at Windsor House, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Shoppers can take their turn to experience a touch of European Royalty under the Crown during this traditional Chinese festival. Lovers can also share their passion with each other in front of these yummy dessert decors on the coming St. Valentine's day.

Chocolate Trail 2011 @ Harbour City

The Harbour City shopping complex at Tsim Sha Tsui has prepared something sweet for the up coming Valentine's Day: Chocolate Trail 2011.

Chocolate Trail 2011 at Harbour City, Hong Kong

These Chocolate rabbits (that are made of plastic) are on displayed at the various corners of the shopping mall. The common areas were also paved with pictures of irresistible chocolate. There is even a small Chocolate bar maze.

Year of the Rabbit Celebrations (Videos)

Our blog has been reporting how Hong Kong celebrates the Year of the Hare in the past two weeks. While it is just the beginning of the Year of the Rabbit, the Simple Dreamer Chinese New Year series is coming to an end. If you enjoyed the CNY series, you will enjoy this video that featured some of the places & events reported previously.

The 26th Hong Kong Koi Show (Videos)

The 26th Hong Kong Koi Show was held at Kowloon Park on the 22 and 23 January 2011. Koi enthusiast showcased their "best looking fish" to compete for various Championships in different categories.

The Grand Champion at the 26th Hong Kong Koi Show 2011

There were over 100 Koi on display. The smallest Koi can easily fit into a 1.5L soft-drink bottle; the largest Koi is probably as big as a 1.5L soft-drink bottle! The general public and curious tourists like myself had a chance to observe and admire these colourful fishes.

Lobby of Cinemas @ iSQUARE

The Cinemas at iSQUARE of Tsim Sha Tsui is one of the busiest new cinemas in town.  Young audience would rather pay for a dearer ticket to see the same movie with friends at iSQUARE. 

One of the key reasons of its popularity is it's location. Located at the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, young people from different corners of Hong Kong can gather easily. The other reason is it's setup. The lobby of the cinema gives an indication of the class of cinemas' set up.

New Zealand Focus: Home away from Home

G'day, today is the National Day of New Zealand. Commonly known as the Waitangi Day, it is an annual public holiday that commemorates the signing of Treaty of Waitangi on 6 Feb 1840. New Zealanders see this treaty between the British and the Maori as the founding document of New Zealand.

New Zealand Focus, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

As a Kiwi in Hong Kong, I have been wondering what should the post on New Zealand's National Day be? Presenting a "home for all Kiwis" in Hong Kong. The New Zealand Focus shop in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island.

Chinese New Year Displays @ Harbour City

Event: Chinese New Year at Harbour City

Dates: Jan to Feb 2011

Location: Harbour City 海港城
Address: 3-27 Canton Road, Ocean Terminal Forecourt, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

Located at the water front of Tsim Sha Tsui, the Harbour City is a shopping complex as well as a port for international cruises. Harbour City has been famous for its annual Christmas display for decades, the Chinese New Year plus St. Valentine's Day display of this year is simple yet impressive. 

Chinese New Year Displays at Harbour City

Using the love-blooming peach blossoms and their charming pink as a theme colour, the square in front of the Harbour City is filled with joy and love.

World City World Party 2011

On the evening of the Chinese New Year day, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has organized a parade of decorated floats and performers. At the start point of this parade, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Plaza, an outdoor display has been setup to mark the beginning of the party.

World City World Party

The theme of the parade and these displays is "World City World Party". Characters of different ethnic groups in Asia were presented on a rather "Chinese" platform.

Giant Chinese Lanterns @ Elements

The New Year Day of the Chinese Lunar calendar has finally arrived. Since I currently reside in Hong Kong, let me adopt the local tradition and wish everyone a blessed and a prosperous New Year, "Kung Hei Fat Choi"! 

Giant Lantern at the Elements, Kowloon

The whole of Hong Kong has been preparing for this big day in the Chinese calendar to arrive. Shopping malls and public parks have put up either "generic new year themed" or "rabbit themed" displays and decors to welcome the Year of the Hare. This year, Elements, a famous up market shopping mall in Kowloon has installed a giant lantern and an extremely impressive collection of smaller revolving lanterns.

Lunar New Year Fair @ Victoria Park

Lunar New Year Fair, or pre-New Year Fair, usually run for a seven-day period that ends on New Year Eve in the Lunar calendar (i.e. today, for 2011). Entrepreneurs set up stores that offer food, goods and Chinese New Year plants. It is a Chinese tradition to attend these New Year Fair as a family, to purchase little gifts for the children, plants for home or just to browse and have fun.

Chinese God of Fortune at the Lunar New Year Fair at Victoria Park, Hong Kong

There are usually around 12 to 15 Lunar New Year Fair scattered across Hong Kong each year. The Lunar New Year Fair at Victoria Park at Causeway Bay has always been the largest and the center of attention.

Chinese New Year Displays @ The ONE

The Chinese New Year day will soon arrive. Since mid-January, shopping malls in Hong Kong set up decors, displays and exhibits to celebrate this important event in the Lunar Calendar. This is the Year of the Hare or the Year of the Rabbit. Rabbit icons or symbols are usually associated with cute, care, pure, love and clean.

Chinese New Year displays at The ONE shopping mall, Tsim Sha Tsui

The ONE at Tsim Sha Tsui is one of the malls that chose not to put the cute hare into the center of attention. The reason is simple, they are cooperating with movie distributors to promote a New Year Holiday movie.