Two historic buildings declared as monuments (with photos)

     The Government today (October 20) gazetted a notice announcing that the Antiquities Authority (i.e. the Secretary for Development) has declared the Tin Hau Temple at Joss House Bay (the Temple) in Sai Kung and the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong in Sheung Wan as monuments under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance.
      
     The Temple, commonly known as "Tai Miu", is located on the northern shore of Joss House Bay, Sai Kung. It is one of the oldest and largest Tin Hau temples in Hong Kong and among the few existing Tin Hau temples which are close to the seashore. The inscriptions on the rock at the back of the Temple suggest that the Temple is linked to the Southern Song dynasty. The Temple retains many historic architectural and decorative elements, including granite columns, murals at the incense pavilion, screen doors, timber cornice boards and floor tiles. The Temple is of significant historical and social value, as it represents the traditional religious practices of fishermen and other members of the seafaring community, and exemplifies the significance of Tin Hau belief in Hong Kong.
      
     The Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong at Bridges Street, Sheung Wan, currently known as the Bridges Street Centre, was built in 1918. It was the first headquarters building of the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong until the association moved its headquarters to Waterloo Road, Kowloon in 1966. The building retains the indoor heated swimming pool and the elevated wok-shaped timber running track supported by a cantilever structure, which are the first of its kind in Hong Kong. Since the opening of the building, the association has been providing a wide range of social services there, witnessing the development of social services in Hong Kong. At present, rehabilitation services for the mentally disabled and other social services are provided in the building.
      
     Information on the two monuments is available on the website of Antiquities and Monuments Office (www.amo.gov.hk/en/historic-buildings/monuments/index.html).
 
Ends/Friday, October 20, 2023
Issued at HKT 10:40

The Government gazetted today (October 20) the declaration of the Tin Hau Temple at Joss House Bay (the Temple) in Sai Kung as a monument under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance. Photo shows the front facade of the Temple.The Government gazetted today (October 20) the declaration of the Tin Hau Temple at Joss House Bay in Sai Kung as a monument under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance. Photo shows the sea-facing temple.The Government gazetted today (October 20) the declaration of the Tin Hau Temple at Joss House Bay (the Temple) in Sai Kung as a monument under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance. Photo shows the statues of Tin Hau on the altar in the rear hall of the Temple.The Government gazetted today (October 20) the declaration of the Tin Hau Temple at Joss House Bay (the Temple) in Sai Kung as a monument under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance. Photo shows the sculptures of two guardian assistants of Tin Hau, the Thousand League Eyes (right) and Wind-Flavouring Ears (left) in front of the altar in the rear hall of the Temple.The Government gazetted today (October 20) the declaration of the Tin Hau Temple at Joss House Bay (the Temple) in Sai Kung as a monument under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance. Photo shows the boat-shaped wooden panel dated 1925 above the screen doors of the Temple.The Government gazetted today (October 20) the declaration of the Tin Hau Temple at Joss House Bay (the Temple) in Sai Kung as a monument under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance. Photo shows the residential chamber of Tin Hau in the Temple.The Government gazetted today (October 20) the declaration of the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong in Sheung Wan as a monument under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance. Photo shows the Tuscan columns and green glazed tiled eaves at the front facade of the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong.The Government gazetted today (October 20) the declaration of the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong in Sheung Wan as a monument under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance. Photo shows the foundation stone at the front facade of the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong.The Government gazetted today (October 20) the declaration of the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong in Sheung Wan as a monument under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance. Photo shows the auditorium in the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong.The Government gazetted today (October 20) the declaration of the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong in Sheung Wan as a monument under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance. Photo shows the fireplace on the ground floor of the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong. The emblem of the YMCA and couplets inscribed on a marble plate and slabs are on top of the mantel.The Government gazetted today (October 20) the declaration of the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong in Sheung Wan as a monument under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance. Photo shows the elevated wok-shaped timber running track supported by a cantilever structure in the gymnasium of the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong.The Government gazetted today (October 20) the declaration of the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong in Sheung Wan as a monument under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance. Photo shows the indoor swimming pool in the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong. The original brass rail is still in use.


Back