Route 12 - Stubbs Road (Bradbury School)－Wong Nai Chung Gap Road－Repulse Bay Road (No. 12 Repulse Bay Road Cheng Yu Tung’s Mansion)

Question 1

Route 12 - Points to mention

(Stubbs Road (Bradbury School)－Wong Nai Chung Gap Road－Repulse Bay Road (No. 12 Repulse Bay Road Cheng Yu Tung’s Mansion)

This section ends at Cheng Yu Tung’s Mansion

3 sites + one sports-related optional subject - 5-7 minutes

Answer 1

1. King Yin Lei (left)
2. Happy Valley Race Course (left)
3. HKCTA Tennis Centre (left)
4. Hong Kong Cricket Club (left)
5. Outstanding HK athletes and sports items (optional)

Question 2

King Yin Lei
1. Introduction (2)
2. Architectural Significance (4)
3. Cultural Significance (3)
4. Famous Movie Setting (4)
5. Heritage Conservation (5)

3 minutes - When you have almost reached or passed the intersection of Hong Kong Adventist Hospital, you should change the topic to Happy Valley Racecourse

Answer 2

1. Introduction: (3)
* In just a moment, as we continue along Stubbs Road, you’ll catch a glimpse on the left-hand side of one of Hong Kong’s most iconic heritage buildings—King Yin Lei.
* Before we arrive, let me tell you a little about it, so you’ll know exactly what to look for.
* So, keep your cameras ready!

2. Architectural Significance: (4)
* This historic mansion is a rare and beautiful example of what’s called Chinese Renaissance architecture.
* It combines traditional Chinese elements—like red brick walls and green-glazed roof tiles—with elegant Western design features, such as its structure, materials, and layout from the colonial era.
* The red symbolizes joy and celebration, while the green tiles stand for wealth and good fortune.
* It also features elegant courtyards and traditional Chinese interior detailing.

3. Cultural Significance: (3)
* It was originally commissioned by Madam Shum Li Po-lin, a member of a prominent Chinese merchant family from Guangdong province.
* Built in 1937, and originally named Hei Lo – meaning “Joyful Residence,” King Yin Lei reflects the pre-war rise of the Chinese elite and the development of Mid-Levels as an upper-class residential area.
* Later, in the 1970s, it was sold to the Qiu family, who renamed it King Yin Lei, which roughly means “Residence of Splendid Virtue.”

4. Famous Movie Setting: (4)
* But this house isn’t just beautiful—it’s also famous.
* Due to its elegant Chinese Renaissance architecture, its historic charm and distinctive design make it a popular filming location for classic Hong Kong TV dramas and international films.
* Notably, it appeared in the 1955 film “Soldier of Fortune” starring Clark Gable.
* Additionally, the mansion was used in the 1973 Bruce Lee film “Enter the Dragon”.

5. Heritage Conservation: (5)
* Now here’s a little story: in 2007, the public was shocked to learn that the building was at risk of demolition.
* Some parts had already been removed.
* Fortunately, the Hong Kong government stepped in, declared it a provisional monument, and reached a land exchange agreement with the owner to preserve the site.
* After a careful restoration, completed in 2012, the mansion was saved.
* Today, it’s protected, and opens to the public on select heritage days.

When you have almost reached or passed the intersection of Hong Kong Adventist Hospital, you should change the topic to Happy Valley Racecourse

Question 3

Happy Valley Race Course
1. Introduction (2)
2. History (5)
3. Post-War (5)
4. Today (4)

3:20 minutes (when completely presented)

Answer 3

When you have almost reached or passed the intersection of Hong Kong Adventist Hospital, you should change the topic to Happy Valley Racecourse

1. Introduction: (2)
* Now please look down to your lower left—you’ll catch a glimpse of the green oval field of the Happy Valley Racecourse, just behind the large beige building that houses the tribunes.
* This is one of only two horse racing venues in Hong Kong—the other, and much larger, is located in Sha Tin, in the New Territories.

2. History: (5)
* Back in the 1840s, this area was actually a swamp with rice paddies.
* The British army briefly used it as a military camp, but after a plague outbreak, they relocated.
* Since this area was the only flat ground suitable for horse racing on Hong Kong Island, the government then reclaimed and sanitized the land, transforming it into Hong Kong’s first racecourse in 1846.
* It was one of the first sporting venues on Hong Kong Island.
* However, the racecourse also has a tragic history—in 1918, a grandstand collapsed during a crowded race meeting, and fire swept through nearby stalls. Over 600 people lost their lives, making it one of Hong Kong’s worst disasters.

3. Post-War: (5)
* After the Second World War, horse racing took on a new role. What started as an amateur pastime quickly became a part of local culture.
* When thousands of refugees poured into Hong Kong after the Communist takeover in China, the city faced urgent challenges such as housing shortages, poverty, and unemployment.
* The government responded by legalizing betting on horse races, turning it into a powerful tool for public fundraising.
* The Hong Kong Jockey Club became the sole legal operator and evolved into one of the city’s biggest charitable organizations, funding hospitals, schools, and social services.
* As horse racing became increasingly popular among Chinese residents, it eventually led to the construction of a second racecourse in the New Territories, which opened in 1978 and is about four times the size of Happy Valley.

4. Today: (4)
* Today, the Happy Valley Race Course remains a vibrant and much-loved part of Hong Kong life.
* It’s home to night racing, a unique local experience that attracts thousands of locals and tourists every Wednesday evening, with bright lights, roaring crowds, and betting excitement right in the heart of the city.
* Many major events are held here throughout the year, including Season Opening Day, New Year’s Day Races, and the festive Lunar New Year Race Meeting, making it a lively gathering spot for both locals and visitors.
* As horse racing remains one of the few legal forms of gambling in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Jockey Club also remains one of the city’s largest charitable donors.

Question 4

HK Tennis Centre
1. Location (1)
2. Management (2)
3. Facilities (2)
4. Role (1)

1:10 minutes (when completely presented)

Answer 4

1. Location: (1)
* Now, as we pass along Broadwood Road, tucked between the French International School and the Hong Kong Cricket Club, lies one of Hong Kong’s top sporting venues—the Hong Kong Tennis Centre.

2. Management: (2)
* Opened in 1982, this government-run facility is managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
* It is a local favorite for both recreational players and aspiring athletes alike.

3. Facilities: (3)
* The centre features 17 floodlit outdoor courts, including both hard and clay surfaces.
* It also includes two practice walls.
* Basic amenities such as changing rooms and lockers are available for public use.

4. Role: (2)
* While it’s not a stadium for major international tournaments, the centre serves as a community hub where locals come to play, train, and enjoy the sport.
* Whether you’re a recreational player or simply a fan of tennis, this centre plays a big part in keeping Hong Kong’s tennis scene active and growing.

Question 5

The HK Cricket Club
1. Introduction: (4)
2. Facilities (5)
3. Membership (3)
4. Today’s Role (1)

2 minutes (when completely presented)

Answer 5

1. Introduction: (4)
* Just behind the Hong Kong Tennis Centre, nestled in the greenery of Wong Nai Chung Gap, lies one of Hong Kong’s most historic and exclusive sporting institutions—the Hong Kong Cricket Club.
* Founded in 1851, this is one of the oldest cricket clubs outside the UK.
* Originally located on the old military parade grounds in what is now Chater Garden in Central…
* the club moved to this tranquil hillside setting in 1975, trading city bustle for open space and mountain views.

2. Facilities: (5)
While cricket is its beating heart, the club offers far more. Members enjoy a wide range of facilities:
* A prestigious outdoor cricket ground and a modern indoor Cricket Centre,
* Lawn bowls greens, tennis and squash courts, and netball areas,
* A swimming pool, fitness centre, golf simulators, and even indoor bowling alleys,
* The club also features dining and social areas, and…
* Programs for young athletes like Gappers and Ramblers, nurturing future sports talent.

3. Membership: (3)
* Once exclusive to Europeans and Americans, the club opened to Chinese members in 1968, and…
* Today, it boasts over 2,300 members.
* A short-term membership can cost up to HKD 480,000, reflecting its prestige and privacy.

4. Today’s Role: (1)
* More than just a sports club, the Hong Kong Cricket Club is a living piece of history—blending colonial legacy with modern sports culture, right here in the heart of the city’s greenest corridor.

Question 6

HK outstanding athletes and sports items (optional)
1. Introduction: (2)
2. Popular Landbased Sports Activities: (2)
3. Popular Water Sports in Hong Kong: (4)
4. Popular Traditional Chinese Sports: (5)
5. International Athletes: (5)

3 1/2 minutes (when completely presented

Answer 6

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End at Cheng Yu Tung’s Mansion