Route 13 - Repulse Bay Road (No. 12 Repulse Bay Road Cheng Yu Tung’s Mansion)－Beach Road－Repulse Bay Flashcards
Route 13 - Points to mention
(Repulse Bay Road (No. 12 Repulse Bay Road Cheng Yu Tung’s Mansion)－Beach Road－Repulse Bay)
(this section ends when the coach parks at Repulse Bay)
4 sites + information - 8 minutes
- Southern District (front)
- Repulse Bay (right)
- The Repulse Bay (left)
- The Lily (left)
- Information of walking tour
Southern District
1. Introduction:
* One of Hong Kong’s 18 districts.
* Facing the Pacific Ocean, the Southern District is located in the southern part of Hong Kong Island.
* Also known as Hong Kong South
* It covers an area of 4 000 hectares, constituting nearly half of Hong Kong Island.
* Stretching from Big Wave Bay in the east to Pok Fu Lam in the west, it spans areas such as Shek O, Tai Tam, Stanley, Chung Hom Kok, Repulse Bay, Wong Chuk Hang, Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau.
* The eastern half of the district is semi-rural, with some of Hong Kong’s most popular beaches.
* The western half of the district is partly residential and partly industrial.
* As at 2021, the District has a population of around 263 000.
2. History:
* Home to indigenous inhabitants and boat people before Hong Kong became a port.
3. Population:
* Diverse: Working-class, middle-class, and wealthy residents.
4. Housing:
* Half live in public housing and Home Ownership Scheme flats, while others reside in luxury areas like Shouson Hill, Deep Water Bay, Repulse Bay, and Stanley.
* High income area: Median monthly household income among the highest in Hong Kong.
5. Spots of Interest:
* Greatest number of famous beaches (12),
* Four country parks,
* Ocean Park, an animal theme park,
* Aberdeen fishing harbour
6. Luxury culture:
* Home to Hong Kong’s elite lifestyle, including high-end housing and distinguished cars.
* License Plate Auctions: Hong Kong was the first city in the world to implement license plate auctions in 1973.
* Plates are auctioned for millions—record price: HK$26 million for “W” (Winner) in 2021.
Repulse Bay
1. Location:
* Southern coast of Hong Kong Island, within the Southern District.
2. Historical Background:
* The origins of the bay’s English name have become extremely obscure. There are, however, many stories. One is that it was purportedly named after a British Royal Navy ship, HMS Repulse, while its apt Chinese name, Tsin Shui Wan means ‘shallow water bay’.
* Established as a beach destination in the 1910s, with the island’s first public bus service launched to cater to both swimming and beach enthusiasts.
* The Repulse Bay Hotel, built in 1920, was a notable landmark; though demolished, its colonial architecture is mimicked by a boutique shopping mall on the original site.
3. Residential Area:
* Known as one of the most exclusive and expensive residential areas in Hong Kong.
4. Beach:
* The beach was extended artificially, and thus the sand closer to the shore is coarser in texture than the sand further away.
* It is one of the longest beaches in Hong Kong with a length of 292 metres (960 feet).
6. Attractions:
* Kwun Yam Shrine with its distinctive statues and the Longevity Bridge.
* The Pulse, a five-story shopping mall offering a variety of dining and retail options.
7. Transportation:
* Accessible via multiple bus routes from Central, Causeway Bay, and other parts of Hong Kong Island.
8. Cultural Significance:
* The Painted Veil (1925) – W. Somerset Maugham. This classic novel is partly set in Repulse Bay. It follows a British couple in 1920s Hong Kong and China, dealing with betrayal, love, and redemption.
* Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing (1955). A classic Hollywood romance starring William Holden and Jennifer Jones, partly filmed in Hong Kong, including scenes in Repulse Bay.
The Repulse Bay Building
1. Location:
109 Repulse Bay Road, Hong Kong
2. History:
* Constructed on the site of the former Repulse Bay Hotel (1920–1982), a renowned colonial-style establishment frequented by notable figures such as George Bernard Shaw and Marlon Brando.
* The original hotel was demolished in 1982, and a replica of its lobby was built on site in 1986.
3. Architecture:
* Features four luxury residential towers with a distinctive curved double-layer façade facing the sea, ensuring ocean views for all units.
* The towers vary in height, creating a stepped profile that complements the mountainous backdrop. The building is 37 floors high at its tallest.
* A notable square “hole” in the structure, often referred to as the “Dragon Gate,” is believed to enhance feng shui by allowing dragons from the mountains to access the water.
4. Design Inspiration:
* The building’s wave-patterned sea-facing façade echoes Repulse Bay’s irregular coastline.
* Curved elements are incorporated into the clubhouse courtyard and corridors, creating dynamic three-dimensional spaces.
5. Facilities:
* Offers luxury serviced and unfurnished apartments.
* Houses a shopping arcade with various restaurants, including The Verandah and Spices.
The Repulse Bay stands as a landmark blending historical significance with modern architectural excellence, offering residents a luxurious lifestyle amidst Hong Kong’s scenic south side.
The Lily
1. Location:
129 Repulse Bay Road, Hong Kong
2. Architecture:
* Built in 2010
* Developer: Chinachem Group
* Architect: Sir Norman Foster (HSBC, HK International Airport)
* Uses mechanical principles for stability and elegance
* Inspired by a blooming lily, gradually opening from bottom to top.
3. Structure:
* Appears as one tower but consists of four towers, one of which is serviced apartments.
* 30 stories tall (28 residential + 2 underground), with 100 apartments both simplex and duplex.
* All units have unobstructed sea views.
* One of Hong Kong’s most prestigious residences.
4. Awards:
First Hong Kong project to win an architectural award at the International Property Awards
5. Facilities:
* Indoor swimming pool (all-weather)
* Gym and BBQ area
* Children’s playground
* Conference rooms
* Private shuttle service for residents.
Information on Walking Tour
3 Bulletpoints
1. Introduction:
After discussing so much about Repulse Bay, I know everyone wants to experience it.
2. Tour route:
We’ll soon get off the bus to walk through Repulse Bay’s Tin Hau Temple Park and have some free time.
3. Duration of the tour:
It’s now 2 o’clock, and we’ll stay here for about 1 hour.
4. Safety Instruction:
* Please note my phone number XXXX XXXX and our bus number XXXX. * Remember to take all your valuables and prepare to get off.
5. Tour Instructions:
When we get off, please follow me first as I’ll introduce and explain things, and show you
* where and when we will meet to board the bus again later,
* restroom facilities, etc., before your free time begins.
