Route 1 - Hong Kong City Hall－Gloucester Road－Fleming Road－Expo Drive East Flashcards
(11 cards)
Route 1 - Points to Mention before the bus starts
1. Self-introduction: (3)
* Hello everyone and welcome to Hong Kong.
* I am your tour guide Alexandra Martin, and
* I am pleased to have the opportunity to show you around this vibrant city today.
2. Itinerary introduction: (2)
* Today’s itinerary includes Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, Tin Hau, The Peak, Deep Waterbay, Repulse Bay, Stanley, Aberdeen, Pok Fu Lam, and the Western District.
* Should you have any questions during this trip, please feel free to ask.
3. Notification of driver to start the tour: (1)
* This is our driver …., and together we will start the tour now.
Route 1 - Points to mention
(Hong Kong City Hall - Gloucester Road - Fleming Road - Expo Drive East)
8 (+1 optional) sites - 8-9 minutes
- City Hall (left)
- Chinese People’s Liberation Army Forces HK Building (left)
- Admirality (front)
- Central Government Complex (left)
- HK Academy for the Performing Arts (Left)
- HK Convention and Exhibition Centre (left)
- Golden Bauhinia Square (front)
- Wan Chai Ferry Pier (left)
- Star Ferry (optional)
Hong Kong City Hall:
1. Location (1)
2. Historical Significance (3)
3. City Hall Complex (3)
4. Building’s Architecture (2)
5. Building’s Function(2 =3 + 4)
6. Memorial Garden (2)
2 minutes
1. Location: (1)
* Hong Kong City Hall occupies an area of 11,000 square metres on the reclaimed seafront of Edinburgh Place, in Central.
2. Historical Significance: (3)
* Hong Kong City Hall opened in 1962 as a multi-purpose cultural complex.
* It has served as a key venue for arts and public life, hosting concerts, plays, exhibitions, and community events for decades.
* City Hall was declared a monument in 2022 and is now protected under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance.
3. The City Hall Complex: (3)
* The complex consists of two buildings: the Low Block and the High Block.
* It also includes a memorial garden.
* A three-storey car park serves the complex and nearby areas.
4. Building’s Architecture: (2)
* The architecture follows a modernist style, characterized by simplicity and clean lines, reflecting the mid-20th-century trend towards urban modernism.
* The design emphasizes functionality and spaciousness, contrasting sharply with the previous colonial architecture in Hong Kong.
5. Building’s Function: (6)
* The Low Block houses (3) the City Hall Concert Hall, an exhibition hall, and a mid-sized theater .
* The High Block features (4) a recital hall for smaller performances, an exhibition gallery, the marriage registry, and the City Hall public library.
6. Memorial Garden: (2)
* The Memorial Garden covers 4,950 square meters.
* It is dedicated to soldiers and civilians who defended Hong Kong during World War II.
China People’s Liberation Army Forces HK Building(left):
1. Location (2)
2. Structure (4)
3. History (4)
4. Current Function (2)
2 minutes
1. Location: (2)
* The next building on your left is the China People’s Liberation Army Forces HK Building.
* It sits adjacent to the City Hall Complex, making it a prominent landmark in the Central area.
2. Structure: (4)
* The PLA Headquarters building stands 113 meters tall and comprises 28 floors.
* It features a unique architectural design resembling a microphone or a wine glass.
* The wine glass shape serves a security purpose, allowing the entire structure to be rapidly sealed off in the event of an emergency.
* Due to its unusual silhouette, it is often referred to colloquially as “the upside-down Gin bottle,” referencing its resemblance to a bottle of Gordon’s Gin.
3. History: (4)
* The building was originally constructed in 1979 to serve as a headquarters for the British Royal Navy.
* It was part of the former HMS Tamar naval base, which served as a key British military installation in Hong Kong.
* It was previously called the Prince of Wales Building, a name reflecting its British colonial heritage.
* After the 1997 Handover, it became the head office of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison, signifying the shift in sovereignty.
4. Current Function: (2)
* Today, the building functions as the military headquarters for the PLA Hong Kong Garrison, which is supported logistically by a base in Shenzhen.
* It includes administrative offices, staff quarters, and operational facilities for Chinese military personnel stationed in Hong Kong under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework.
Admiralty
1. Location (2)
2. History (2)
3. Name (2)
4. Current Function (4)
2 minutes
Transition:
As we move on from the PLA Headquarters, we remain in the district of Admiralty, a place with deep historical roots and modern strategic importance in Hong Kong’s urban landscape.
1. Location: (2)
* Admiralty is a district situated between Central and Wan Chai, forming a central part of Hong Kong Island.
* It serves as the eastern extension of Hong Kong’s Central Business District (CBD), bridging commercial and government activity.
2. History: (2)
* The area was originally developed in the 19th centuryas a British military zone, reflecting its colonial strategic significance.
* Key military facilities included the Wellington Barracks, Murray Barracks, Victoria Barracks, and the Admiralty Dock, which shaped the district’s early identity.
3. Name: (2)
* The English name “Admiralty” comes from the now-demolished Admiralty Dock, once used by the British Royal Navy.
* The Cantonese name “Gāmjūng” (金鐘) translates to “Golden Bell”, referring to a bronze bell used for timekeeping at Wellington Barracks.
4. Current Function: (4)
* Today, Admiralty is a vital extension of the Central Business District, continuing to serve as a major hub of activity.
* It has evolved into an important commercial and administrative center, housing both private sector offices and government departments.
* The area is lined with office buildings, shopping malls, government complexes, and luxury hotels, showcasing its multifunctional role.
* Admiralty is also home to green urban spaces, including Hong Kong Park, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the skyscrapers.
Central Government Complex
1. Location (1)
2. Reason for new complex (3)
3. Design Concept (3)
4. Main Components (4)
5. Public Access (2)
6. Civic Importance (1)
2:12 minutes
1. Location: (1)
* To your left, located in the heart of Admiralty, on the former Tamar site, you can see the strikingly modern Central Government Complex, the centerpiece of governance in the Hong Kong SAR.
2. Civic Importance and Main Components: (5)
* The complex serves as the administrative and legislative core of the Hong Kong SAR government, symbolizing the seat of political power.
* The Office of the Chief Executive is housed within the complex.
* It also includes the Central Government Offices (CGO), part of the Executive Branch.
* The Legislative Council Complex (LegCo) is the seat of Hong Kong’s legislative body.
* Tamar Park, a landscaped public area, connects and links all the buildings.
3. Reason for New Government Complex: (3)
* The complex was built to centralize government offices, enhance administrative efficiency, and symbolize a more transparent and accessible government.
* The former government buildings at Murray Building and the Old Central Government Offices were considered too small, outdated, and costly to maintain.
* The new Central Government Complex officially opened in August 2011.
4. Design Concept: (3)
* The structure was designed under the concept of “Door Always Open,” representing transparency, openness, and public accessibility in governance.
* It features a modern architectural style with …
* Environmentally friendly features, including green roofs, energy-efficient systems, and landscaped open spaces.
5. Public Access: (2)
* Tamar Park is fully open to the public, offering green space and a peaceful environment amidst government buildings.
* Certain parts of the government offices allow public access, including guided tours and official visits.
What makes the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts unique?
0. Transition (1)
1. Design (1)
2. Establishment (2)
3. Funding (3)
4. Significance (4)
5. Campuses (2)
1:50
0. Transition: (1)
* Right next to the Central Government Complex, we find Hong Kong’s leading institution for performing arts training — the Academy for Performing Arts.
1. Design: (1)
* The exterior resembles a steel-framed grand piano, giving the building its avant-garde appearance.
2. Establishment: (2)
* The Academy was founded in 1984 by the Hong Kong government.
* It is the city’s only public institution dedicated to performing arts training.
3. Funding: (3)
* The total construction cost was HKD 380 million.
* The land and HKD 80 million were provided by the Hong Kong government.
* The Hong Kong Jockey Club was the largest investor, contributing HKD 300 million.
4. Significance: (4)
* The Academy remains Hong Kong’s only public institution focused on training talent in the performing arts.
* It is also Hong Kong’s highest academic institution in the arts field.
* It offers practice-based diploma, advanced diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs in Chinese opera, music, dance, drama, entertainment arts, and film and television.
* It is widely recognized as Asia’s leading higher education institution for performing arts.
5. Campuses: (2)
* While the main campus is located in Wan Chai,
* a second campus, the Béthanie Heritage Campus in Pok Fu Lam, houses the School of Film and Television’s training facility.
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC)
0. Transition (1)
1. Overview (3)
2. Architects (1)
3. Expansion (2)
4. Major Events (2)
5. Historical Significance (2)
6. Cultural Significance (2)
2:35
0. Transition: (1)
* As we move further along the Wan Chai waterfront, you’ll notice on your left one of the city’s most iconic modern landmarks—the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).
1. Overview: (3)
* It is one of Hong Kong’s two major exhibition venues, alongside AsiaWorld–Expo near the airport.
* The original building was completed in 1988, built on reclaimed land off Gloucester Road, and topped with the Renaissance Harbour View Hotel, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, and Harbour View Apartments.
* The second phase, constructed from 1994 to 1997, sits on an artificial island and features a roof of five curved panels, resembling a bird’s wings.
2. Architects: (1)
* The centre was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the same renowned firm behind the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
3. Expansion: (2)
* Initially, Phase Two was connected to the original structure via a sky bridge, but now the two are joined by a spacious exhibition hall.
* From 2006 to 2009, an additional 19,400 square meters of space was added, bringing the total to nearly 83,000 square meters of exhibition area and over 92,000 square meters of rentable function space.
4. Major Events: (2)
* HKCEC hosts over 45 international trade fairs each year, including the world’s largest leather fair and the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair.
* It also holds popular public events such as Art Basel, book fairs, wedding expos, and pet shows.
5. Historical Significance: (2)
* HKCEC was the venue of the 1997 Hong Kong handover ceremony, a pivotal moment marking the end of over 150 years of British colonial rule.
* The event was broadcast worldwide and remains a significant chapter in Hong Kong’s modern history.
6. Cultural Significance: (3)
* Beyond international functions, HKCEC holds a personal place in local hearts.
* Many locals fondly remember attending their first book fair, excited to buy stationery and books.
* Others recall life milestones, from wedding expos to cultural experiences like Art Basel. No
What is the Golden Bauhinia Square, and why is it significant?
1. Location (2)
2. Name (3)
3. Daily Events (2)
4. Special Events (2)
5. Tourist Attraction
2:15 Start talking about Golden Bauhinia Square, when the bus turns left towards it.
1. Location: (2)
* Just in front of you, a few steps from the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, you’ll find one of the city’s most symbolically significant public spaces—the Golden Bauhinia Square.
* Facing Kowloon across Victoria Harbour, it forms part of the Expo Promenade and it offers scenic views and photo opportunities.
2. Name: (3)
* The square is named after a six-metre-tall gilded Bauhinia flower sculpture, a gift from the Central Government in Beijing to commemorate Hong Kong’s 1997 handover.
* The Bauhinia blakeana, also known as the Hong Kong orchid tree, is the city’s official flower and featured on the regional flag and emblem.
* Locals have affectionately nicknamed the sculpture the “Golden Pak Choi” due to its large, stylized petals.
3. Daily Events – Flag-Raising Ceremonies: (2)
* Every day at 8:00 AM, five uniformed police officers conduct a flag-raising ceremony, accompanied by the national anthem of the People’s Republic of China.
* A flag-lowering ceremony is held each day at 6:00 PM, though without the anthem.
4. Special Events: (2)
* Golden Bauhinia Square is a central site for major civic celebrations, such as Hong Kong SAR Establishment Day on July 1 and China’s National Day on October 1, attended by dignitaries, consuls, and guests.
* On key dates like New Year’s Eve, the second day of Chinese New Year, and National Day, the area becomes a prime viewing spot for Hong Kong’s famous firework displays.
5. Tourist Attraction: (3)
* The square is a popular photo stop, especially due to its scenic harbor backdrop and symbolic significance.
* It has become a must-visit destination for Mainland Chinese tourists, particularly for the early flag-raising ceremonies.
* Many visitors believe the square brings good luck and prosperity, making it a spiritual stop as well as a patriotic one.
Start talking about Golden Bauhinia Square, when the bus turns left towards it.
Wan Chai Ferry Pier
0. Transition (1)
1. Location (1)
2. History (1)
3. Service (1)
0:45 minutes
0. Transition: (1)
Before we leave this waterfront, let’s take a quick look at the Wan Chai Ferry Pier, a historic gateway connecting Hong Kong Island to Kowloon.
1. Location: (1)
* It is situated right on the Wan Chai waterfront, close to a MTR Station, a bus terminal and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
2. History: (1)
* Thanks to successive land reclamation projects, the current pier, completed in 2014, is actually the third generation, following earlier versions built in 1929 and 1968.
3. Service: (1)
* The pier operates the iconic Star Ferry route, providing scenic and affordable transport between Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui.
Hong Kong’s Star Ferry
0. Transition (1)
1. History (4)
2. Unique Features (5)
3. Routes (1)
4. Cultural Significance (3)
5. Tourist Tips (4)
3 minutes
0. Transition: (1)
* Now that we’ve seen the Wan Chai Ferry Pier, let’s talk about the legendary ferry service that operates there — the one and only Star Ferry.
1. History: (4)
* The Star Ferry was launched in 1880 by a Parsee entrepreneur with a steamboat named Morning Star, though service paused on Mondays and Fridays for coal refueling.
* By 1888, a small fleet of ferries were already running every 40 minutes to 1 hour between Pedder Street in Central and Kowloon Point in Tsim Sha Tsui,
* In 1898, the fleet was bought by Sir Catchick Paul Chater, who then founded the Star Ferry Company.
* Today, the Star Ferry remains one of Hong Kong’s oldest and most iconic transportation services.
2. Name: (2)
* The name “Star Ferry” was inspired by a line from Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem Crossing the Bar: _“Sunset and evening star, and one clear call for me.”
2. Unique Features: (5)
* The current fleet consists of nine double-ended boats, all named after celestial bodies, such as Morning Star, Evening Star, and Rising Star.
* They are mainly painted in bottle-green and ivory.
* Their design dates back to the 1950s, preserving a strong sense of maritime nostalgia.
* Ferries are double-decked, with open-air sides and wooden seats on the upper deck.
* The interior retains vintage charm, with brass fittings, wooden paneling, and a distinctly old-school feel.
* Each bench has a reversible backrest, allowing passengers to always face forward, as the ferry doesn’t turn — it simply sails back and forth.
3. Routes: (1)
* The Star Ferry connects Hong Kong Island (Central and Wan Chai) with Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui), offering a short but scenic journey.
4. Cultural Significance: (3)
* This humble ferry is a symbol of Hong Kong’s cultural identity, linking its past and present.
* It’s beloved by both locals and tourists for its affordable fares and nostalgic charm.
* The ride offers unforgettable views of Victoria Harbour, especially during sunset or at night.
5. Tourist Tips: (4)
* The Star Ferry was named one of the “50 Places of a Lifetime” by National Geographic Traveler.
* The best time to ride is in the evening, when you can enjoy the Symphony of Lights show across the harbour.
* Fares are incredibly cheap, starting at just under HKD 4, making this one of the most budget-friendly attractions in the city.
* The upper deck gives better views, while the lower deck lets you ride closer to the waves.
