The 132 declared monuments are spread out over different parts of Hong Kong (including Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, New Territories, and Outlying Islands). Among these, 72 groups of monuments were declared during the British colonial era (i.e., 1841-1941, 1945-1997), and 62 groups of monuments have been declared since Hong Kong was handed over from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China in 1997 (AMO, 2022).
Monuments that were declared during the British colonial era are shown on the map left in red, while those that were declared after 1997 are highlighted in yellow. For more geographic details, such as name, coordinates, address, district, descriptive websites, and so forth, please click on the map to check.
Before 1997, when Hong Kong was governed by the British, the British government designated monuments mainly for their historical, cultural, and architectural significance. The British government was motivated to declare the monuments for a number of reasons, including the aim to highlight the successes of the British Empire and foster a sense of shared values between colonists and native people.
As a result, there are a large number of British-declared monuments located in urban areas and places of strategic importance, such as Central and Western. These monuments include administrative buildings, public spaces, and military installations that function as tangible reminders of British colonial influences. Additionally, some monuments are declared for their historical and religious significance, such as churches and temples, which aim to emphasize the cultural diversity of the British Empire.
One of the most famous British colonial monuments in Hong Kong is the Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower which was built in 1915 to commemorate the opening of the Kowloon-Canton Railway and declared in 1990. This eye-catching monument is located in Tsim Sha Tsui, a bustling commercial and entertainment district that was developed under British rule, and even nowadays, it is still a site worth visiting. Thus, this location reflects the British government’s desire to modernize and urbanize Hong Kong and create a distinct cultural and architectural identity. Another notable British colonial monument is the Former Kowloon British School, a school for the education of the children of expatriates, which was declared in 1991. As an educational landmark with typical Victorian architecture in Tsim Sha Tsui, it reflects the British government’s desire to assert authority and promote its educational values in Hong Kong (Winchester, 2004). Plus, the British government also declared some monuments to commemorate the contributions of key figures to the city. One such monument is the Main Building, The Helena May (Exterior declared as a monument) as a respite for unaccompanied women arriving in Hong Kong back then.
After the return of Hong Kong to China in 1997, the priorities of monument designation changed under the Chinese government. The monuments that stand for historical and cultural values are still being appreciated, while more monuments that preserve Chinese identity and cultural heritage are being included (Kenworthy & Shing, 2003).
Consequently, the spatial distribution of the monuments declared under Chinese rules is more dispersed since the government aims to find monuments that represent a broader range of historical periods and cultural influences. As a result, there are a lot of monuments which have a strong connection with Chinese culture declared by the Chinese government and can be found in rural areas such as Yuen Long, Southern and North. In addition, there are a lot of Chinese-declared monuments related to revolutionary history, especially those associated with the Chinese Community Party (CCP).
One example of a heritage site in Hong Kong is the Yeung Hau Temple, which is located in the Tai O fishing village on Lantau Island. The temple was built in the 17th century to honour the deity, Yeung Hau. The temple is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike and is an important symbol of the fishing culture and traditions of Hong Kong. The location of the temple in Tai O reflects the Chinese government's desire to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Hong Kong's traditional fishing villages, which have long been an important part of the city's identity. Another heritage site in Hong Kong is the King Law Ka Shuk, which is located in the Sheung Shui District of the New Territories. The site is an important ancestral hall to hold meetings and traditional functions in the village. It also serves as a reminder of the city's rural past and its connection to the family as the root of family development which is one of the important components in Chinese traditional values. In addition, the Residence of Ip Ting-sz is another important monument in Hong Kong, which is located in the Yuen Long district of the New Territories. The residence was built in the early 20th century and is a fine example of traditional Chinese architecture, with intricate carvings and ornate decorations. Besides, it functions as a reminder that Ip’s contribution to the revolutionary campaign.
In a nutshell, the locations of monument declarations under both British and Chinese rules reveal the ways that the governments used architecture and urban planning to assert their authority over Hong Kong. Since some monuments continue to be important landmarks and heritage sites nowadays, they serve as reminders of the complex and cultural diversity of Hong Kong. For elaborate comparisons and discussions, please refer to the later section: Comparisons & Discussions.
In summary, the spatial distribution of declared monuments under British and Chinese rule reflects each government's different priorities and interests. While both governments are interested in preserving sites of historical and cultural significance, the British tend to declare monuments in urban areas and places of strategic importance, such as the Central and Western Districts. And the types of monuments such as monuments include administrative buildings, public places, and military installations, which are symbols of British colonial influence. In contrast, the spatial distribution of monuments declared under Chinese rule is more dispersed, prioritizing monuments that reflect their national identity and cultural heritage. In addition, many of the monuments declared by the Chinese are associated with revolutionary history, particularly those related to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Therefore, the British focus on showcasing the achievements of their empire, while the Chinese government emphasizes a broader presentation of historical periods and cultural influences. The distribution and type of monuments also reflect the colonial and post-colonial governments' different political, social, and cultural goals. Comparisons can provide valuable insight into the values and aspirations of each ruling government.