MEI HO HOUSE ALUMNI NETWORK ACTIVITY:
SHAM SHUI PO KAIFONG GUIDED TOUR
Sham Shui Po preserves the most vintage-looking and indigenous street scenes of Kowloon. From the traditional temples with long history to the iconic Garden building, from pre-war shophouses, police station, public dispensary to the original location of New Asia College of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sham Shui Po is a district full of interesting history and culture.
“Sham Shui Po Kaifong Guided Tour” was held by Mei Ho House Alumni Network on 11 June 2017 (Sun). Guided bythree experienced docents who born and bred in Sham Shui Po, Mr Yung, Mr Mak and Ms Lam, participants could listen to the all-encompassing stories of the community and the docents’ compelling personal experience either in big streets or small lanes.
Docents brought us to Sam Tai Tze Temple (pictured above) and Kwan Tai Temple built in Qing dynasty. The Sam Tai Tze Temple is the only temple in Hong Kong in which Na Cha (also known as Sam Tai Tze) is the main deity, while Kwan Tai Temple is the only temple in Kowloon in which Kwan Tai is the main deity. These two temples are Grade III and Grade II historic building respectively.
Is there a mistake in the Chinese writing of Sham Shui Po Public Dispensary ? The docents explained the origin of its name in the tour.
Apart from the public dispensary, this distinctive pre-war shophouse is also a historic building in Yee Kuk Street. The white wall is full of the words “Yick Ping” colored in red, either in horizontal and vertical. “Yick Ping” was indeed a company name of a picture-frame maker Suen King-sun that was opened in 1950s.
The docents introduced the history of Sham Shui Po Police Station as well as Sham Shui Po Barracks.
One of the docents led the participants to her alma mater. She gave them unique insights into the group of Precious Blood buildings, and also shared tidbits of growing up here.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the participants, Hoi Bun Heritage Docents Society and the Kaifong docents’ dedication. Looking forward to seeing all of you next time!
