Route 12 - Stubbs Road (Bradbury School)－Wong Nai Chung Gap Road－Repulse Bay Road (No. 12 Repulse Bay Road Cheng Yu Tung’s Mansion)

Question 1

Route 12 - Points to mention

(Stubbs Road (Bradbury School)－Wong Nai Chung Gap Road－Repulse Bay Road (No. 12 Repulse Bay Road Cheng Yu Tung’s Mansion)

This section ends at Cheng Yu Tung’s Mansion

3 sites + one sports-related subject - 7 minutes

Answer 1

1. King Yin Lane (left)
2. Race Course (left)
3. HKCTA Tennis Centre
4. Hong Kong Cricket Club (left)
5. Outstanding HK athletes and sports items

Question 2

King Yin Lei

Answer 2

1. History:
Built in 1937 for Mrs Shum Li Po-lun, the first owner, whose husband, Shum Yat-chor, was a notable merchant and philanthropist in Guangdong province.

2. Architectural Significance:
* Chinese Renaissance-style residence,
* Blends traditional Chinese and Western design, symbolizing East-West cultural fusion.

3. Features:
* Green tiled roof, red columns, and intricate wood carvings.
* Elegant courtyards and traditional Chinese interior detailing.

4. Cultural Significance:
* A luxury historic home on Hong Kong Island, King Yin Lei reflects the pre-WWII rise of the Chinese elite and the development of Mid-Levels as an upper-class residential area.
* King Yin Lei has been featured in several films and TV productions. Due to its elegant Chinese Renaissance architecture, its historic charm and distinctive design make it a popular choice for period films and dramas.

5. Heritage Conservation:
* Nearly demolished in 2007, but public outcry led to government intervention.
* Declared a Declared Monument in 2008 and fully restored.

6. Public Access:
Occasionally open for heritage tours, showcasing Hong Kong’s commitment to preserving cultural landmarks.

Question 3

Race Course

Answer 3

1. History:
* It was first built in 1845 to provide horse racing for the British people in Hong Kong. It was one of the first sporting venues on HK Island.
* The area was previously swampland, but the only flat ground suitable for horse racing on Hong Kong Island.
* To make way for the racecourse, Hong Kong Government prohibited rice growing by villages in the surrounding area.
* The first race ran in December 1846.
* Historic Event: 1918 fire during a race ended in one of Hong Kong’s worst disasters. A temporary grandstand collapsed, knocking over hot food stalls that set bamboo matting ablaze. In the fire that ensued at least 590 people died.
* Over the years, horse racing became more and more popular among the Chinese residents, leading to the construction of a second racecourse in NT.

2. Management:
* Operated by: Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), a major charitable organization.
* Racing Nights: Famous for Wednesday night races, attracting locals and tourists. Also, many major events like Season Opening Day, New Year’s Day, and Lunar New Year races are held here.
* Modern Experience: Features world-class facilities, restaurants, and entertainment, making it a major hub for Hong Kong’s horse racing culture.
* There’s also a beer garden where people can enjoy drinks and relax.

Question 4

HK Tennis Centre

Answer 4

1. Location:
Broadwood Road between French International School and Hong Kong Cricket Club

2. Management:
It’s currently managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

3. Opening:
In 1982, serving as one of Hong Kong’s premier tennis facilities.

4. Facilities:
* Includes 12 outdoor courts, including hard, clay, and grass courts, and
* basic facilities including restrooms, changing rooms, and storage lockers.
* Features a central court with seating for over 2,000 spectators.

5. Significant Events:
Hosts major international tournaments like the Hong Kong Tennis Open.

6. Role: A hub for both recreational players and professional athletes, contributing to Hong Kong’s tennis culture.

Question 5

The HK Cricket Club

Answer 5

1. Established:
1851, making it one of Hong Kong’s oldest sports clubs.

** 2. Location:**
* Originally on the military parade grounds that are now Chater Garden in CBD
* In 1975, the Club gave up its site in the middle of the bustling Central District and moved to the greener Wong Nai Chung Gap.

3. Historical Significance:
* One of the first cricket club outside Britain.
* Initially exclusive to Europeans and Americans; opened to Chinese members in 1968.

4. Facilities:
* Cricket grounds, lawn bowls, golf practice ranges, bowling alleys.
* Members can enjoy a host of sports and activities - from Cricket to Tennis, from Bridge to Yoga - encompassed in a modern clubhouse with cricket ground, sports annexe and swimming pool in verdant surroundings.

5. Membership
Over 2,300 members, with short-term membership costing around $480,000 HKD.

6. Role Today:
A premier private club promoting cricket and other sports in Hong Kong.

Question 6

HK outstanding athletes and sports items

Answer 6

1. Siobhan Haughey (Swimming)
   * Born in Hong Kong with Irish heritage, she is Hong Kong’s first Olympic silver medalist (Tokyo 2020, 100m & 200m freestyle).
   * Holds multiple Asian records.
   * First Hong Kong swimmer to hold a world record.
2. Lee Lai-shan (Windsurfing) – Won Hong Kong’s first-ever Olympic gold medal (Atlanta 1996).
3. Sarah Lee Wai-sze (Cycling) – Olympic bronze medalist (London 2012, Keirin), multiple world champion in track cycling.
4. Cheung Ka-long (Fencing) – Won Hong Kong’s first Olympic gold in fencing (Tokyo 2020, Men’s Foil).
5. Rex Tso (Boxing) – Undefeated professional boxer, known as “The Wonder Kid.”
6. Ng On-yee (Snooker) – Three-time Women’s World Snooker Champion.