1920s Hong Kong | Gwulo: Old Hong Kong

1920s Hong Kong

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Submitted by ca.giles on Thu, 2019-09-12 23:29

Hello there

I'm lucky enough to be returning to HK next month after a 25 year absence - anything changed? :)

I lived there between 1992 and 94 and am so excited about visiting again and seeing old (and new) sites. Im particularly interested in colonial HK and the police force as it would have been in the 1920s.

Could you recommend the best places to visit to see colonial buildings and/or the history of the police force from that period? I did see a youtube video about the old Central Police Station opening as a museum - would that be worth a visit?

Of course, we have also been seeing news coverage of the protests over here on UK TV - should we be concerned or aware of anything during our visit, as it is so difficult to get a realistic picture of events from the TV?   There are only 2 adults travelling on this occasion.

I hope to add some photos to the Gwulo site on my return, as I have some of my late dad (visited with the RN in the early 1950s) and myself from the 1990s.

I love this site - I could read it for hours! 

Many thanks,

Carol

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General
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1920s
colonial Hong Kong
police
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Submitted by David on Fri, 2019-09-13 17:22.

Hi Carol,

For 1920s buildings that are still standing, a visit to Tai Kwun (the old Central Police Station) is well worth it, possibly with lunch at the adjacent What To Eat! Also read through the birthday buildings pages and look at any that are 100+ years old for ideas about what's still standing.

For the police at that time, visit the police museum, and also read Patricia's book.

For general information try the 1920s gallery of photos, and the memoirs that cover those years.

So far, the main impact of the protests on my daily life has been to occasionally stop public transport. The Citymapper app is good at routing you around stoppages. And it's best to stay clear of any areas where protests are underway - they tend to be in the evening on weekdays or any time at the weekend. They pop up in different places, so it'll be good to check with your hotel about your travel plans each day, and ask if any protests will affect those areas. With common sense you're unlikely to face any problems.

Have a good visit, and we'll look forward to seeing your photos from the 50s & 90s.

Regards, David

Submitted by ca.giles on Sun, 2019-09-29 23:23.

Hello there

Thanks so much for all the information and I will definitely be getting Patricia's book on my return as it looks like just what I need!

We fly out on Thursday so I'm keeping an eye on the news, as I know the 1st Oct could be a bit of a flashpoint - I have the Citymapper app and we generally know the areas of Hong Kong, so fingers crossed all will be well. I'm very excited now!

I have a list of possible places to visit to see how much of colonial Hong Kong is still around and hope to post photos on my return.

Thanks so much again and all best wishes,

Carol