Back in February we had a few days in Hong Kong. Normally February weather can be quite bleak, getting ready for the Chinese New Year cold snap. We were surprised this time by how mild it was, we even saw blue skies.
I’ll be linking to Monday Windows and The Changing Seasons hosted by Brian and Ju-Lyn.
There was somewhere particular I wanted to see after spotting it on google maps. It wasn’t too far from our hotel so one morning we took a walk there. Just my luck that the day we went it was closed. Anyway I was still able to take a few photos. It was called simply “The Blue House”.
The building was constructed in 1920 and is a four tier tenement block. It was fully renovated around ten years ago and the original tenants were allowed to stay. The Housing Society came up with a plan of HK$100 million to preserve nine Chinese-style buildings in Wan Chai. I’m glad that money is not just being spent on high rise buildings, it’s great to see a glimpse of the past.
Inside the courtyard of the Blue House – decorated for Chinese New Year
The front of the building is in Stone Nullah Lane.
At the start of the 20th century, shops that processed soybeans were established near Stone Nullah Lane. Because of the unpleasant odour emitted during the processing, this led to protests from residents in the neighbourhood. Eventually, the shops were forced to move to other areas. The nullah, (a water channel made of stone or concrete was located on the street ) which also emitted a foul stench, was culverted in 1959 and relocated underground, where the stream from The Peak still flows today. Although the nullah can no longer be found on the lane, the street name was left unchanged. Source: Stone Nullah Lane.
Disappointed that we couldn’t enter the house that day we wandered down the street to Wan Chai Pak Tai Temple. It was built in 1863 by locals and is dedicated to Pak Tai, a martial deity.
Red framed windows of the temple
I didn’t want to intrude on the people worshipping and praying, so no photos from inside.
Street Scenes
As we wandered back to our hotel I took some photos of everyday street scenes.
Fishmongers hard at work
Orange trees in preparation for Chinese New Year
Every time I visit Hong Kong I always see a different tram.
It was good to spot a mural without graffiti for a change
I’ll finish with this photo that I took from the top of the bus. Another side of Hong Kong. I’m wondering is he homeless or selling some wares? He has a few too many items to pack up.
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Some architectural delights
Thanks Sheree
The Blue House windows are great as are the red windows of the temple. I love the Mario tram, all the sights except the homeless man. A bit of a sad ending Ali.
Thanks for joining in The Changing Seasons and Monday Window 😀 Great double dip
Yes I suppose it was
With all the wealth you wouldn’t think there would be homeless
Not many places that there wouldn’t be homeless
It’s good to see the more traditional side of Hong Kong and both house and temple are beautiful 🙂 I’m sure the man in your last shot is homeless and living on the streets – a sad sight but all too common in many cities these days.
They seem to be well taken care of in HK from what I’ve seen
It’s certainly an interesting place, Ali. I like the traditional Chinese style xx
Yes me to ☺️
Hong Kong seems like a great place
It’s so much more than people think
The orchids in your first photo are gorgeous.
Thanks, bringing a lot of colour to the street
beautiful pictures from around the city! I really love the prayers on the wood 🙂
Thanks Meg 😊
I have heard from friends that HK these days is much quieter than before. Thank you for bringing me through Wanchai through your eyes. I love that you see the street art, the decorated trams, the people at work.
I am sorry you didn’t get to visit the Blue House – I guess you will have to return?
Thanks for your comments Ju-Lyn, yes I will. As small as HK is I always manage to find something I haven’t seen before