Exploring Hong Kongers’ lifestyle in the past: the Central and Western District Preview

1

Central Market

Central Market was a fresh food market in Central, Hong Kong and the first wet market in the city. It is one of only two existing Bauhaus market buildings in Hong Kong, the other one being Wan Chai Market.After years of disuse, it was reopened to the public on Aug 23, 2021 as a new centre for retailers, eateries and public areas. This was after a major renovation led by the Urban Renewal Authority, which retained some original architectural structures, such as some market stalls and its iconic stairwell.It is located between Jubilee Street, Queen Victoria Street, Queen's Road Central and Des Voeux Road Central. By its side is the first public female toilet and first above-ground toilets in Hong Kong.

2

Pottinger Street

Pottinger Street originally ran from Queen’s Road Central to Hollywood Road. Because of its steepness, it was paved, unevenly, with stone slabs to make it easier to ascend and descend and to allow rainwater to flow down either side. The government named it Pottinger Street in 1858 in memory of Hong Kong's first governor, but local Chinese still refer to it today as 'Stone Slab Street'.

3

Tai Kwun

Tai Kwun, or the Former Central Police Station Compound (CPS Compound) includes three declared monuments in Central, Hong Kong: the former Central Police Station, the Former Central Magistracy and the Victoria Prison. Surrounded by Hollywood Road, Arbuthnot Road, Chancery Lane and Old Bailey Street, the compound underwent a heritage revitalisation and reopened to the public on 29 May 2018 as "Tai Kwun" (Chinese: 大館), a centre for heritage and arts.

4

Dried Seafood and Tonic Food Street

Des Voeux Road West, Wing Lok and Ko Shing Streets are known as Dried Seafood Street and Tonic Food Street. A section of Des Voeux Road West in Sheung Wan is packed with shops selling dried seafood. The origins of the trade in this area go back many decades, to when the products were dried on the rooftops, to be sold in the street-level stores. Black moss, salted fish, sausage, scallops, and more are on display, catering to the demands of local households, especially around Chinese New Year. Nearby on Wing Lok and Ko Shing streets, you'll find stores that stock ginseng and bird's nest, both of which are said to be extremely beneficial to health.

5

Western Market

Western Market is one of the oldest structures in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong. The current structure, built in 1906, was the North Block of the original Western Market. It is the oldest surviving market building in the city. The former South Block was demolished in 1981 and its site is now occupied by the Sheung Wan Complex.