A selection of attractions—the Chinese mythology-themed Haw Par Mansion (also known as the “local Disneyland” at the time), the original Peak Tower, and the signature Sung Dynasty Village—remain a crucial part of locals’ and visitors’ memory towards Hong Kong despite having become part of history. Other popular sightseeing destinations, such as the New Territories and the Repulse Bay, introduced visitors to the city’s distinctive charm from other perspectives.
Bygone Scenes
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Bygone Scenes
Sung Dynasty Village The Sung Dynasty Village showed Chinese history to visitors from all over the world.
HKMS154-2-2837
“Orient The Visitors’ Newspaper”, Vol. 8 No. 29, 15–21 June 1979. Traditional art of paper fan-making in the Sung Dynasty Village.
X1000136
“Hong Kong Yearbook 1981” Visitors could put on the refined silken daywear of Sung nobility.
X1000136
“Hong Kong Yearbook 1981” Visitors would meet staff dressed in Sung Dynasty costumes.
HKMS154-1-2619
“Orient The Visitors’ Newspaper”, Vol. 10 No. 15, 6–12 March 1981. A typical marketplace re-created in the Sung Dynasty Village.
HKMS154-1-2619
“Orient The Visitors’ Newspaper”, Vol. 10 No. 15, 6–12 March 1981. A Chinese ritual performance in the Sung Dynasty Village.
HKMS154-1-262
“Hong Kong One of Life’s Great Adventures”, 1982. Performance in the Sung Dynasty Village revived locals’ and visitors’ interest in Chinese traditional culture.
HKMS154-1-328
“Hong Kong Discovery Guide”, 1985. Peak Tower Development proposals for the area around the Upper Peak Tram Station. (1960)
HKRS896-1-97 Development proposals for the area around the Upper Peak Tram Station. (1960)
HKRS896-1-97 “Block X” (the Peak Tower later), indicated in the layout plan of the Upper Peak Tram Station, was proposed as an extension of the Peak Tram Station to provide offices, gift shops, cafe and restaurant, etc. (1960)
HKRS896-1-97 The original Peak Tower, housing a post office, restaurants, supermarkets, a viewing area and other shops. (c.1970s–1990s)
HKRS365-1-429-2 The original Peak Tower, providing a panoramic view over both sides of the Victoria Harbour. (c.1970s–1990s)
HKRS365-1-429-4 The original Peak Tower.
HKMS154-1-2843
“Hong Kong The Newspaper for Visitors”, Vol. 6 No. 26, 26 September–2 October 1983. Haw Par Mansion An aerial photo of Haw Par Mansion. (c.1949–1950)
HKRS41-1-6034 The seven-storey White Pagoda, part of the Haw Par Mansion. (c.1959)
HKRS365-1-38-1 A performance in celebration for the Year of the Monkey in the Haw Par Mansion.
X1000134
“Hong Kong Yearbook 1968” Celebratory events for the Year of the Monkey in the Haw Par Mansion.
X1000134
“Hong Kong Yearbook 1968” A guidebook introducing Tiger Balm Gardens and its transportation.
HKMS154-2-711
“Hong Kong Tourist Association Official Guidebook”, 1975. Colourful statues inside the Haw Par Mansion.
HKMS154-1-2985
“Hong Kong The Newspaper for Visitors”, Vol. 11 No. 25, 30 May–5 June 1988.
Some popular sightseeing spots and landmarks in the old days, which have either become history or undergone drastic changes, can only be revisited via old photos and other archival holdings.
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Sung Dynasty Village
Sung Dynasty Village The Sung Dynasty Village showed Chinese history to visitors from all over the world.
HKMS154-2-2837
“Orient The Visitors’ Newspaper”, Vol. 8 No. 29, 15–21 June 1979. Traditional art of paper fan-making in the Sung Dynasty Village.
X1000136
“Hong Kong Yearbook 1981” Visitors could put on the refined silken daywear of Sung nobility.
X1000136
“Hong Kong Yearbook 1981” Visitors would meet staff dressed in Sung Dynasty costumes.
HKMS154-1-2619
“Orient The Visitors’ Newspaper”, Vol. 10 No. 15, 6–12 March 1981. A typical marketplace re-created in the Sung Dynasty Village.
HKMS154-1-2619
“Orient The Visitors’ Newspaper”, Vol. 10 No. 15, 6–12 March 1981. A Chinese ritual performance in the Sung Dynasty Village.
HKMS154-1-262
“Hong Kong One of Life’s Great Adventures”, 1982. Performance in the Sung Dynasty Village revived locals’ and visitors’ interest in Chinese traditional culture.
HKMS154-1-328
“Hong Kong Discovery Guide”, 1985. -
Peak Tower
Peak Tower Development proposals for the area around the Upper Peak Tram Station. (1960)
HKRS896-1-97 Development proposals for the area around the Upper Peak Tram Station. (1960)
HKRS896-1-97 “Block X” (the Peak Tower later), indicated in the layout plan of the Upper Peak Tram Station, was proposed as an extension of the Peak Tram Station to provide offices, gift shops, cafe and restaurant, etc. (1960)
HKRS896-1-97 The original Peak Tower, housing a post office, restaurants, supermarkets, a viewing area and other shops. (c.1970s–1990s)
HKRS365-1-429-2 The original Peak Tower, providing a panoramic view over both sides of the Victoria Harbour. (c.1970s–1990s)
HKRS365-1-429-4 The original Peak Tower.
HKMS154-1-2843
“Hong Kong The Newspaper for Visitors”, Vol. 6 No. 26, 26 September–2 October 1983. -
Haw Par Mansion
Haw Par Mansion An aerial photo of Haw Par Mansion. (c.1949–1950)
HKRS41-1-6034 The seven-storey White Pagoda, part of the Haw Par Mansion. (c.1959)
HKRS365-1-38-1 A performance in celebration for the Year of the Monkey in the Haw Par Mansion.
X1000134
“Hong Kong Yearbook 1968” Celebratory events for the Year of the Monkey in the Haw Par Mansion.
X1000134
“Hong Kong Yearbook 1968” A guidebook introducing Tiger Balm Gardens and its transportation.
HKMS154-2-711
“Hong Kong Tourist Association Official Guidebook”, 1975. Colourful statues inside the Haw Par Mansion.
HKMS154-1-2985
“Hong Kong The Newspaper for Visitors”, Vol. 11 No. 25, 30 May–5 June 1988.
Holiday Relaxations
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Holiday
Relaxations
New Territories Visitors could take a 20-minute train ride from Tsim Sha Tsui to Sha Tin, where they could wander around interesting village shops. Visitors could also go up the hillside to visit the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Man Fat Tsz). HKMS154-2-711
“Hong Kong Tourist Association Official Guidebook”, 1975. Founded in 1949, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Man Fat Tsz) was one of the promoted destinations. The Monastery consisted of the Man Fat Din, the Man Fat Pagoda and other features. HKMS154-2-711
“Hong Kong Tourist Association Official Guidebook”, 1975. The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Man Fat Tsz) attracted many visitors, in particular those interested in Buddhism and Chinese culture. The Man Fat Pagoda in the background was rated as a Grade 3 historic building in 2010. X1000136
“Hong Kong Yearbook 1977” Aerial photos of Sha Tin, taken at different times, showing the early stage of the new town’s development and the changes of the district.
X1000136
“Hong Kong Yearbook 1974” Aerial photos of Sha Tin, taken at different times, showing the early stage of the new town’s development and the changes of the district.
X1000136
“Hong Kong Yearbook 1983” A pamphlet “The Land Between” introduced to visitors the peaceful villages and traditional farming communities in the New Territories. (1980s)
HKRS276-8-777 A pamphlet “The Land Between” introduced to visitors the peaceful villages and traditional farming communities in the New Territories. (1980s)
HKRS276-8-777 A set of postcards themed “The Land Between” covered scenes of Plover Cove Reservoir, Tolo Harbour, Tai Mo Shan, etc. (1980s)
HKRS276-8-777 A set of postcards themed “The Land Between” covered scenes of Plover Cove Reservoir, Tolo Harbour, Tai Mo Shan, etc. (1980s)
HKRS276-8-777 A set of postcards themed “The Land Between” covered scenes of Plover Cove Reservoir, Tolo Harbour, Tai Mo Shan, etc. (1980s)
HKRS276-8-777 A set of postcards themed “The Land Between” covered scenes of Plover Cove Reservoir, Tolo Harbour, Tai Mo Shan, etc. (1980s)
HKRS276-8-777 A set of postcards themed “The Land Between” covered scenes of Plover Cove Reservoir, Tolo Harbour, Tai Mo Shan, etc. (1980s)
HKRS276-8-777 A set of postcards themed “The Land Between” covered scenes of Plover Cove Reservoir, Tolo Harbour, Tai Mo Shan, etc. (1980s)
HKRS276-8-777 A set of postcards themed “The Land Between” covered scenes of Plover Cove Reservoir, Tolo Harbour, Tai Mo Shan, etc. (1980s)
HKRS276-8-777 Outlying Islands Sightseers making their way up the track to the Po Lin Monastery—a landmark of the Lantau Island.
X1000134
“Hong Kong Yearbook 1965” Sightseers making their way up the track to the Po Lin Monastery—a landmark of the Lantau Island.
X1000134
“Hong Kong Yearbook 1970” Several places in the Lantau Island remained to be explored by visitors at the time.
X1000676
“Hong Kong Tourist Association Annual Report 1969/70” Repulse Bay Repulse Bay, a popular beach well-known for its beautiful sandy beach, was also a popular tourist attraction.
X1000635
“Directory of Commerce Industry Finance, Hong Kong”, 1958. Repulse Bay, a popular beach well-known for its beautiful sandy beach, was also a popular tourist attraction.
HKMS154-2-711
“Hong Kong Tourist Association Official Guidebook”, 1975. The Repulse Bay Beach.
X1000134
“Hong Kong Yearbook 1971” The Repulse Bay Hotel, imbued with an old world charm atmosphere, was opened in 1920 and closed in 1982.
X1000136
“Hong Kong Yearbook 1974” Ocean Park According to a document titled “An Oceanarium for Hong Kong”, the idea of establishing an oceanarium in Hong Kong to serve as a public amenity, a tourist attraction as well as an institute for education and research in the marine sciences was conceived in as early as the 1950s. (c.1965)
HKRS276-7-108 Performing dolphins thrilled an audience at a 4 000-seat open-air theatre in Ocean Park, which was officially opened in 1977.
X1000136
“Hong Kong Yearbook 1978” Feeding the sea lions was one of the many popular activities in the Ocean Park.
X1000136
“Hong Kong Yearbook 1981” Whale performance was a key programme in the Ocean Park.
X1000136
“Hong Kong Yearbook 1989” An aerial photo of the Ocean Park.
X1000084
“Southern District Board 1988–1991”
The then Hong Kong Tourist Association helped visitors to explore Hong Kong’s various facets by recommending to them attraction spots beyond the city’s hustle and bustle, such as the renowned Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Man Fat Tsz) in Sha Tin, which was only a train ride from Tsim Sha Tsui; the Repulse Bay for visitors looking for a relaxing holiday away from the bustle of city life; the marine-themed park in Aberdeen; and a tour to the New Territories or the outlying islands. The evolution of the sightseeing spots demonstrates Hong Kong’s development throughout the years.
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New Territories
New Territories Visitors could take a 20-minute train ride from Tsim Sha Tsui to Sha Tin, where they could wander around interesting village shops. Visitors could also go up the hillside to visit the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Man Fat Tsz).
HKMS154-2-711
“Hong Kong Tourist Association Official Guidebook”, 1975. Founded in 1949, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Man Fat Tsz) was one of the promoted destinations. The Monastery consisted of the Man Fat Din, the Man Fat Pagoda and other features.
HKMS154-2-711
“Hong Kong Tourist Association Official Guidebook”, 1975. The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Man Fat Tsz) attracted many visitors, in particular those interested in Buddhism and Chinese culture. The Man Fat Pagoda in the background was rated as a Grade 3 historic building in 2010.
X1000136
“Hong Kong Yearbook 1977” Aerial photos of Sha Tin, taken at different times, showing the early stage of the new town’s development and the changes of the district.
X1000136
“Hong Kong Yearbook 1974” Aerial photos of Sha Tin, taken at different times, showing the early stage of the new town’s development and the changes of the district.
X1000136
“Hong Kong Yearbook 1983” A pamphlet “The Land Between” introduced to visitors the peaceful villages and traditional farming communities in the New Territories. (1980s)
HKRS276-8-777 A pamphlet “The Land Between” introduced to visitors the peaceful villages and traditional farming communities in the New Territories. (1980s)
HKRS276-8-777 A set of postcards themed “The Land Between” covered scenes of Plover Cove Reservoir, Tolo Harbour, Tai Mo Shan, etc. (1980s)
HKRS276-8-777 A set of postcards themed “The Land Between” covered scenes of Plover Cove Reservoir, Tolo Harbour, Tai Mo Shan, etc. (1980s)
HKRS276-8-777 A set of postcards themed “The Land Between” covered scenes of Plover Cove Reservoir, Tolo Harbour, Tai Mo Shan, etc. (1980s)
HKRS276-8-777 A set of postcards themed “The Land Between” covered scenes of Plover Cove Reservoir, Tolo Harbour, Tai Mo Shan, etc. (1980s)
HKRS276-8-777 A set of postcards themed “The Land Between” covered scenes of Plover Cove Reservoir, Tolo Harbour, Tai Mo Shan, etc. (1980s)
HKRS276-8-777 A set of postcards themed “The Land Between” covered scenes of Plover Cove Reservoir, Tolo Harbour, Tai Mo Shan, etc. (1980s)
HKRS276-8-777 A set of postcards themed “The Land Between” covered scenes of Plover Cove Reservoir, Tolo Harbour, Tai Mo Shan, etc. (1980s)
HKRS276-8-777 -
Outlying Islands
Outlying Islands Sightseers making their way up the track to the Po Lin Monastery—a landmark of the Lantau Island.
X1000134
“Hong Kong Yearbook 1965” Sightseers making their way up the track to the Po Lin Monastery—a landmark of the Lantau Island.
X1000134
“Hong Kong Yearbook 1970” Several places in the Lantau Island remained to be explored by visitors at the time.
X1000676
“Hong Kong Tourist Association Annual Report 1969/70” -
Repulse Bay
Repulse Bay Repulse Bay, a popular beach well-known for its beautiful sandy beach, was also a popular tourist attraction.
X1000635
“Directory of Commerce Industry Finance, Hong Kong”, 1958. Repulse Bay, a popular beach well-known for its beautiful sandy beach, was also a popular tourist attraction.
HKMS154-2-711
“Hong Kong Tourist Association Official Guidebook”, 1975. The Repulse Bay Beach.
X1000134
“Hong Kong Yearbook 1971” The Repulse Bay Hotel, imbued with an old world charm atmosphere, was opened in 1920 and closed in 1982.
X1000136
“Hong Kong Yearbook 1974” -
Ocean Park
Ocean Park According to a document titled “An Oceanarium for Hong Kong”, the idea of establishing an oceanarium in Hong Kong to serve as a public amenity, a tourist attraction as well as an institute for education and research in the marine sciences was conceived in as early as the 1950s. (c.1965)
HKRS276-7-108 Performing dolphins thrilled an audience at a 4 000-seat open-air theatre in Ocean Park, which was officially opened in 1977.
X1000136
“Hong Kong Yearbook 1978” Feeding the sea lions was one of the many popular activities in the Ocean Park.
X1000136
“Hong Kong Yearbook 1981” Whale performance was a key programme in the Ocean Park.
X1000136
“Hong Kong Yearbook 1989” An aerial photo of the Ocean Park.
X1000084
“Southern District Board 1988–1991”