Hong Kong CityWalk: old buildings, new fun, check-in destination

Among the high-rise buildings in Hong Kong, many old buildings are hidden in the streets. They record the footprints of time and evolve into various new styles. For example, the historic buildings Tai Kwun and PMQ have been transformed into the most trendy check-in spots for young artists with the strongest cultural and creative atmosphere. Through the "revitalization" plan, old houses have been refurbished into colorful buildings, magnificent mansions have been converted into vibrant music schools, old pawnshops have become trendy food hotspots, and buildings full of Hong Kong's historical significance have been reborn, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in the local culture. Hechang Daba This building with four connected balconies and corridors once housed an old pawnshop called "Hechang Pawnshop". After renovation, it has been transformed into a distinctive dining landmark in Hong Kong. Here you can see many common design elements of pre-war tenement buildings, such as high ceilings on the first floor, light wells, and large French windows connecting to the balcony. This unique building now houses The Pawn, a restaurant that specializes in classic British cuisine. It is a pleasure to taste delicious food and sip fine wine in this fusion of Chinese and Western cuisine! Hong Kong Youth Association Leadership Academy The former Fanling Magistrates' Courts, which opened in 1961, was the first magistrates' court in the New Territories. In 2019, a "revitalization" plan was adopted, retaining many of the original architectural details and transforming it into the Hong Kong Youth Association Leadership Academy. Book a guided tour in advance and, under the guidance of a youth cultural ambassador, relive the court’s history, learn about conservation work, and appreciate how the old court has burst into new vitality through the clever integration of historical architectural aesthetics and modern technology. Lei Shengchun Lui Seng Chun is located in the bustling Mong Kok area. It is a four-storey tenement building with classical European architectural features. It is a statutory monument in Hong Kong. Its arcade-style exterior and curved main facade are very eye-catching. The building was once the residence of the wealthy Lei Liang family in the 1930s. The first floor was a clinic and pharmacy. After a historic site revitalization project, it is now a health care center that integrates historical and cultural exhibitions and a traditional Chinese medicine hospital. When you arrive at Lei Sheng Chun, buy a cup of traditional herbal tea from the shop on the first floor, take it to the herb garden on the rooftop to savor it, then walk around the exhibition hall to learn more about the historical stories behind Lei Sheng Chun. Jao Tsung-I Academy The Jao Tsung-I Academy was established in 2012 and is named after Professor Jao Tsung-I, a contemporary master of Chinese studies. The original site of the building was a customs branch in the late Qing Dynasty. It was a settlement for Chinese workers built by the British. Later, a quarantine station, prison, infectious disease hospital, and even a mental health sanatorium were established. The environment here is quiet and the trees are lush, allowing you to learn about Master Jao Tsung-i's life and artistic works in the embrace of nature. There are also many exhibitions, lectures, art performances and experience activities in the museum with the purpose of "cultural inheritance", allowing you to easily experience traditional culture and take souvenirs home! In addition, you can also go to the Heart Sutra Forest on Lantau Island to appreciate Professor Rao’s extraordinary calligraphy on a large outdoor woodcut group. Blue House Complex The Yellow House, Orange House and Blue House, named after the colour of their exterior walls, are collectively known as the Blue House Complex. The bright colours add a touch of vitality to the hustle and bustle of Wan Chai. The architectural features of the Tang Building were preserved and converted into a vibrant multi-functional venue, thus winning the highest honor of the "UNESCO Asia-Pacific Cultural Heritage Conservation Award". Among them, the four-storey Blue House is of Lingnan style. Its unique balcony design is rarely seen in Hong Kong. It used to be a school, martial arts hall, Chinese medicine hospital and a temple dedicated to the "Divine Doctor Hua Tuo". It is said that only the blue paint was left during the renovation, and thus the eye-catching Blue House was born. It now houses artist workshops, a cafe and bistro, as well as the Hong Kong Story House, which often hosts community cultural events. The activities are also colorful, including movie screenings, art exhibitions, concerts, as well as various DIY projects such as making paper lanterns and mixing wine. Be sure to come and experience them!