FIVE THINGS TO DO IN WONG CHUK HANG
Wong Chuk Hang is an industrial area in the Southern District of Hong Kong Island, and it is also home to Ocean Park, Hong Kong's local theme park. It is a residential area with a number of historical villages that date back to the Neolithic Age. One of them is Wong Chuk Hang Kau Wai, which was previously called Hong Kong Village and is said to be the origin of the name “Hong Kong”, highlighting the significance of Wong Chuk Hang in Hong Kong's history.
1 Finding the Neolithic Monuments
Wong Chuk Hang's history can be traced back to the
Neolithic Age. A stone carving, engraved with three sets of curving and spiral designs reflecting stylised animal eyes, which have been found next to a stream near Nam
Fung Road, is now listed as a declared monument in Hong Kong. Both Wong Chuk Hang Kau Wai and Wong Chuk Hang San Wai are the two oldest villages among others in Hong Kong. The demolished Kau Wai was once called Hong Kong Village where the first troops of the British army embarked, and thus the name “Hong Kong” was born. The Holy Spirit Seminary in Wong Chuk Hang with more than 85 years of history was rated as Grade I Historic Building in Hong Kong. This part-renaissance architecture is one of the 11 major seminaries established in China and is currently the school for training Catholic ministry.
2 Breaking a Sweat
Wong Chuk Hang has a host of major sporting facilities. Located on Wong Chuk Hang Road, the Wong Chuk Hang Sports Centre opened in 1979, and the neighbouring Aberdeen Sports Ground in 1971, which has six standard athletic tracks and a real grass lawn. Not far away, there is Pao Yue Kong Swimming Pool, the only swimming pool in the Southern District. Walk towards the Aberdeen direction for about 10 minutes, and you'll find the Aberdeen Tennis and Squash Centre consisting of 10 squash courts, eight tennis courts, activities rooms, American pool rooms and a fitness room. The outdoor leisure space of the centre is so comfortable and spacious that it attracts many residents to do stretching exercises there, including Tai Chi.
3 Discovering Art
Having been developed since the 1960s, Wong Chuk Hang has, in addition to large public housing estates, many industrial buildings. However, with the gradual decline of some of Hong Kong's industries, many factories have moved to Mainland China. Since then, Wong Chuk Hang has undergone continuous transformation until the opening of the MTR South Island Line, which was a major turning point for the area. Some industrial buildings have either been turned into hotels or reinvented into various top-level stores and co-working spaces. There are a number of household stores including Mirth which sells stylish household items, Brand Equity selling European furniture and LITOOC, which sells wooden furniture. The buildings also house many commercial exhibition spaces and galleries such as Rossi & Rossi from the UK which showcases art pieces from all over the world while Blindspot Gallery focuses on local artists. Both add an artistic touch to this historical industrial area.
4 Savouring Fresh Seafood
Wong Chuk Hang and the area around Aberdeen are the culinary heavens in the southern part of Hong Kong Island. Due to the proximity to the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, there are eateries such as Aberdeen Fishball King and Nam Kee Noodle serving local delicacies. Over time, these shops hailing from Aberdeen have been developed into famous chain stores across Hong Kong. In the vicinity of the typhoon shelter, visitors can still take the small ferries and if they are lucky enough, they may find the small boats that sell noodles directly from the fisherman. However, the noodle boats, operated by local boatmen, serve at irregular business hours. The well-known Aberdeen Fish Wholesale Market is also known as “Hong Kong Tsukiji Market”; its canteen is regarded as a hidden gem for seafood delicacies and has attracted local celebrities and movie stars. Along the main street of Ap Lei Chau, there are also restaurants serving value for money seafood dishes.
5 Visit a Locally Grown Theme Park
As Hong Kong's first major theme park, Ocean Park is a major landmark attraction of Hong Kong. Opened in 1977, as its name suggests, Ocean Park is a marine-themed park, and its large aquarium, variety of marine life and popular live shows have become a memory in many Hongkonger's childhood. In the last few decades, the park has gone through several renovations. Currently, it covers an area of 91.5 hectares and has been visited by more than 170 million visitors. Its annual Halloween Fest and Summer Splash events are not only popular among Hong Kong residents but tourists as well. The very first hotel within the park was open in 2018. The water park, including a variety of attractions, is expected to be open in 2021. Due to the pandemic, the park is temporarily closed until further notice.