Route 21 - Wong Chuk Hang Road (Aberdeen Promenade)－Shek Pai Wan Road－Pok Fu Lam Road (Béthanie Chapel)

Question 1

Route 21 - Points to Mention:

(Wong Chuk Hang Road (Aberdeen Promenade)－Shek Pai Wan Road－Pok Fu Lam Road (Béthanie Chapel))

This section ends at Béthanie Chapel

8 sites + 1 explanation - 8 minutes

Answer 1

1. Aberdeen (front)
2. Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market (left)
3. Wah Kwai Estate (left)
4. Name of origin of Pok Fu Lam and Bauhinia
5. Pok Fu Lam Village (right)
6. Hotel and Tourism Institute (left)
7. Chinese Culinary Institute (left)
8. International Culinary Institute (left)
9. The Pok Fu Lam Farm (left)

Question 2

Aberdeen

Answer 2

1. Historical Significance: Originally known as “Heung Kong Tsuen” (香港村), meaning “Fragrant Harbour Village,” Aberdeen played a pivotal role in the region’s early history.

2. Incense Trade: During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the area was a hub for the incense trade, exporting fragrant woods like agarwood (a fragrant, dark and resinous wood used in incense, perfume, and small hand carvings) growing in the New Territories. This trade contributed to the name Hong Kong meaning “Fragrant Harbour”

3. Naming Confusion: In the early 19th century, British sailors mistook “Hong Kong” to refer to the entire island, leading to the widespread adoption of the name for the whole territory. Initially, “Hong Kong” only referred to the Aberdeen and Shek Pai Wan (Aberdeen Bay) area, but later expanded to include the whole island, and this area became known as Aberdeen.

4. Renaming to Aberdeen: To honor George Hamilton-Gordon, the 4th Earl of Aberdeen and then British Foreign Secretary, the area was renamed “Aberdeen.”

5. Cultural Legacy: Aberdeen is famous not only to tourists but also to Hong Kong locals for its floating village. The Tanka people, who used to live on boats in the Aberdeen Harbour, are generally associated with the fishing industry, and there are still several dozens of them living on boats in the harbour.

Question 3

Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market

Answer 3

1. Overview:
* Established in 1950, it is the oldest and largest fish wholesale market in Hong Kong.
* Historically supplying over 70% of the city’s live seafood.
* Besides wholesale seafood and fresh fish distribution, the market also provides seawater supply and seafood processing services.

2. Operations:
* The market opens daily at 4:00 AM, bustling with activity as fishermen and vendors trade fresh catches.
* Visitors can observe the seafood industry in action.
* Organized guided tours available in Cantonese to better understand Hong Kong’s fishing industry.
* The on-site canteen offers freshly prepared seafood dishes, providing an authentic dining experience. There’s no menu and no English spoken, so be prepared to gesticulate — you won’t find fresher fish.

Question 4

Wah Kwai Estate

Answer 4

1. Overview: Wah Kwai Estate is a public housing estate situated near Wah Fu Estate on the reclaimed land of Kellett Bay in Pok Fu Lam.

2. Development: Constructed between 1990 and 1991, the estate comprises six residential buildings with a total of 3,716 units..
As of the 2021 Population Census, Wah Kwai Estate had a population of 9,321 residents.

3. Transportation:
* Transport is primarily by bus and minibus. More than thirty bus routes pass through the area.
* Wah Fu station, of the proposed South Island line West Section of the MTR will connect the estate to areas accross Hong Kong island.

Question 5

Name of Origin of
1. Pok Fu Lam
2. Bauhinia

Answer 5

After Aberdeen we are now entering the Pok Fu Lam area.

1. Pok Fu Lam
* “Pok Fu Lam” (薄扶林) is believed to derive from the Cantonese words for a bird common in the area (“pok fu”) and “forest” (“lam”), indicating an area once abundant with birds inhabiting its forests.
It was the place where Hong Kong’s floral emblem, Bauhinia blakeana, was first discovered

2. Bauhinia:
* Full name: Bauhinia Blakeana aka Hong Kong Orchid Tree.
* Discovery: First found near Pok Fu Lam by a French missionary in the 1880s. It was propagated through cuttings as it is a sterile hybrid.
* Named in 1908 by botanist Stephen Troyte Dunn in honor of Sir Henry Blake, Governor of Hong Kong from 1898 to 1903
* Appearance: The Bauhinia has five purplish-red petals, an elegant shape, and blooms prominently across Hong Kong.
* Growth & Habitat: Adaptable and easy to grow, the Bauhinia flourishes in parks and along roads throughout the city.
* Symbolism: Since Hong Kong’s return to China in 1997, the Bauhinia has been the emblematic flower on the Hong Kong SAR flag and emblem

Question 6

Pok Fu Lam Village

Answer 6

1. Location: Situated on Hong Kong Island, Pok Fu Lam Village is nestled between Victoria Peak and Mount Kellett in the Southern District.

2. Historical Significance: * Established in the early 17th century, the village was founded by Hakka Chinese families from Guangdong Province.
* While many villages have declined with urban development, Pok Fu Lam Village remains one of the few surviving ancient villages on Hong Kong Island.

3. Architectural Features:
* Li Ling Fairy Tower: A distinctive five-meter-high pagoda rebuilt in 1916, serving as a landmark of the village.
* Traditional Dwellings: The village comprises narrow lanes and alleys lined with one-story buildings constructed from hay, stone, and traditional pitched roof tiles, some dating back to 1886.

4. Cultural Practices:
Fire Dragon Dance: An annual tradition during the Mid-Autumn Festival, this dance involves a 73-meter-long incense-lit straw dragon and is performed to seek blessings and drive away evil spirits.

5. Cultural Recognition:
Although the government attempted demolition several times, Pok Fu Lam Village successfully applied to be listed on the World Monuments Fund’s watch list in 2014, becoming Hong Kong’s first historic site to be listed, acknowledging its cultural and historical importance.

Question 7

Hotel and Tourism Institute

Answer 7

Next, we have a series of institutes including the
* Hotel and Tourism Institute,
* Chinese Culinary Institute, and
* International Culinary Institute.

1. Overview:
The Hotel and Tourism Institute (HTI) was established in 1985. It provides quality vocational education and training for secondary school leavers offering specialized training programs for the hospitality and tourism industries.

2. Programs Offered:
* Diploma, certificate programs and short courses and workshops.
* Their courses are career-oriented, covering culinary arts, hotel operations, catering, tourism, and event management.
* The content meets industry needs, emphasizing both academic knowledge and practical experience.

3. Campus Facilities:
HTI campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that simulate real-world hospitality environments, including western and eastern training restaurants, mock hotel rooms, and front office setups.

4. Industry Partnerships:
HTI collaborates closely with leading hotels, restaurants, and tourism organizations in Hong Kong, providing students with valuable internship opportunities and industry exposure.

5. Recognition:
Graduates from HTI are well-regarded in the hospitality and tourism sectors, with many securing employment in prominent establishments both locally and internationally.

Question 8

Chinese Culinary Institute and International Culinary Institute

Answer 8

1. Affiliation: Both institutes are part of the Vocational Training Council (VTC) in Hong Kong.

2. Mission: To train and develop talent in Chinese and International culinary arts, wine, and beverage business management, supporting Hong Kong’s status as a premier dining destination.

3. Courses:
Both institutes offer a range of full-time and part-time programs leading to
* Higher Diploma,
* Diploma,
* Certificate programs Chinese cuisine and in various international cuisines, including Japanese, European, and Asian culinary arts.

4. Facilities: Equipped with modern kitchens, wine tasting rooms, and training restaurants.

Question 9

Pok Fu Lam Farm

Answer 9

1. Overview: Pokfulam Farm is a revitalized heritage site that offers visitors a glimpse into Hong Kong’s agricultural and dairy farming history.

2. Historical Significance: Originally established in 1886 as part of the Dairy Farm Company, the site played a crucial role in providing fresh milk to Hong Kong residents. The Old Dairy Farm Senior Staff Quarters, constructed in 1887, is the oldest remaining building associated with the dairy company and has been recognized as a Grade 1 historic building since 2009. ​

3. Revitalization Project: Under Batch IV of the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme by the Development Bureau, the Old Dairy Farm Senior Staff Quarters were transformed into “The Pokfulam Farm.” This project, completed in 2023, converted the old quarters into a living museum, offering thematic guided tours and workshops to showcase the history and operation of the former dairy farm.

4. Visitor Experience:
Exhibitions and Guided Tours: The farm provides various exhibitions, guided tours, and workshops, allowing visitors to delve into the local community’s culture and the history of Pok Fu Lam.

5. Architectural Features: The Main Building is a two-story structure with thick granite walls on the lower level and circular windows for ventilation. The Servants’ Quarters and the Garage Block feature double-layered Chinese pan-and-roll tile roofs, reflecting the architectural style of the era.