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Uniquely HK

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Hong Kong Treasure Hunt

Explore Hong Kong’s heritage and rich culture in CityLife’s treasure hunt adventure.

 

Who would miss out on a fun-filled treasure hunt in Hong Kong with pleasant surprises waiting at every turn, and as an enjoyable way to explore the city’s splendid heritage and culture? Welcome to CityLife’s Treasure Hunt Adventure, a journey perfect for the mild October weather in Hong Kong.

We note upfront that the rewards of our treasure hunt are not monetary, but are rather intangible memories and, of course, cool pictures that an intrepid visitor can share on social media.

Our version of Hong Kong Treasure Hunt is simple – each treasure is a destination; a clue that we introduce as a question. We ask that you take a picture of each destination and, if you wish, tag your picture with HKCityLife.

So, without further ado, put on some comfortable shoes and get ready for the CityLife Hong Kong Treasure Hunt!

Where is only working gas streetlamp left in Hong Kong? 

Tucked away atop the 19th-century staircase connecting Duddell Street to Ice House Street in Central is the only working gas streetlamp left in the city, a treasured vestige of the colonial era. The street lamp is under repair currently; you can still take a nice picture of it though. 

 

Can you find a Boundary Stone that defined the limits of the City of Victoria? 

Around 1900, Hong Kong’s main district was the City of Victoria, occupying the western part of Hong Kong Island’s northern shore. Even today, many of the boundary stones that marked the city’s bounds remain in place, easily overlooked while in plain view. You can find one on either Wong Nai Chung Road in Happy Valley along the tram tracks or near the waterfront on Kennedy Town on Sai Ning Street. 

 

Where is the oldest Tin Hau temple in Hong Kong? 

Joss House Bay Tin Hau Temple in Clearwater Bay is the territory’s largest and oldest temple to one of its favourite deities, Tin Hau, protector of seafarers. The original temple was purportedly built in the 13th century during the Song Dynasty. A stone carving from the Song Dynasty is located nearby. Take Green Minibus 16 from Po Lam Station; get off at the Clearwater Golf and Country Club and walk down the stairs. 

 

 

Where can you find a full-size replica of a Biblical ark? 

Noah’s Ark. One of Hong Kong’s real hidden gems, this educational and entertaining theme park tucked away underneath Tsing Ma Bridge on Ma Wan Island features a full-size replica of Noah’s Ark and lifelike animals, plus the city’s only solar planetarium to boot. 

 

 

Where can you find the city’s largest fleet of shiny Rolls Royces? 

The Peninsula Hotel. Hong Kong’s grand dame of hotels owns a fleet of over a dozen emerald- green Rolls Royce Phantoms, offering guests the ultimate riding comfort. Salisbury Road, Kowloon. 

 

Where can you find the city’s largest flamingo pond? 

Kowloon Park. This large urban park located in Tsim Sha Tsui provides a quiet respite for the weary visitor and is home to the city’s largest flock (stand, colony, flurry, flamboyance ..) of flamingos. 

 

Where is the only waterfall in Hong Kong by the sea? 

Waterfall Bay in Pok Fu Lam. This hidden-away cascade right below the Wah Fu Estate near Cyberport is the only waterfall in Hong Kong adjacent to the coast. It was supposedly a main freshwater source for merchant ships plying their trade in southern China in the 18th century. Take bus 4 or 4X from Central to Wah Fu to Waterfall Bay Park and walk down. Check out the several Kwun Yam statues along the way. 

 

Where is Hong Kong’s largest LED TV screen? 

Sogo Department Store in Causeway Bay. This ultra-large LED billboard measures 72 metres by 19 metres and covers the area of five tennis courts, overwhelming the street scape below in the heart of Causeway Bay. 

 

Where can you find a gun that is ceremonially fired every day? 

The Noonday Gun. On the waterfront of Causeway Bay’s Typhoon Shelter, you can observe the firing of the gun (a small artillery piece) at 12 noon each day. The gun is owned and operated by historic Hong Kong company Jardines. The ceremony has been performed almost continuously since 1861, the result of a penalty imposed in perpetuity by a British Naval Officer. 

 

Which hotel inspired the setting for the legendary film The World of Suzie Wong? 

Luk Kwok Hotel. Richard Mason’s novel about Suzie Wong and the subsequent movie starring Nancy Kwan and William Holden were set in Wanchai, then and now a lively entertainment area. Mason stayed at the Luk Kwok Hotel and used it as inspiration for the Nam Kwok Hotel in the novel. The hotel has been rebuilt though carries the same name and more than a little of the aura. Try the dim sum lunch at its excellent Chinese restaurants. 72 Gloucester Road, Wanchai. 

 

Where can you find a large fireboat onshore? 

Alexander Grantham at Quarry Bay Park. Hong Kong’s flagship fireboat which measures 39 metres long was retired in 2006 and converted into an exhibition gallery. Be sure to walk along the promenade and admire the panoramic views of the harbour. Quarry Bay Park, Hong Kong. 

 

Which is the oldest school in Hong Kong

St Paul’s College. Established in 1851, St. Paul’s college is a boy’s school established by the Anglican Church. The current location is adjacent to University of Hong Kong which is worth visiting as well. 69 Bonham Road, Hong Kong.

 

Where is Kong Kong’s oldest Western-style building?

Victoria Prison, Central. Built in 1841 and purportedly Hong Kong’s first western built structure, the prison is now part of the Tai Kwun complex, Hong Kong’s latest heritage and cultural hub. Old Bailey Street, Hong Kong. 

 

Which is Hong Kong’s oldest church?  

St. John’s Cathedral. Completed in 1849, this Anglican Church located in the heart of Central is the oldest church built. This historical church still serves a faithful flock and is open for visitors. 4-8 Garden Road, Central Hong Kong

 

Where is the city’s largest stone wall trees

Forbes Street, Kennedy Town. The peculiar sight of banyan trees with their roots covering masonry walls is uniquely Hong Kong. Forbes Street in Kennedy Town is the site to the largest collection century old banyan trees covering the mason walls. It makes for a compelling sight. 

 

 

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