Name(English): Island House
Name(Chinese): 元洲仔自然環境保護研究中心
Category: Historical Site
Phone Number: +852 2651 0276
Address(English): Island House Conservation Studies Centre, Island House Lane, Tai Po, New Territories
Address(Chinese): 大埔大埔公路元洲仔段
Address Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/iD3FvhZsSQzgVL5k9
Address Longitude and latitude: 22.44596053788479, 114.17873971186316
Nearest MTR Station: Tai Po Market MTR Station Exit B
Nearest MTR Station Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/UC5qh2c4j7gMgDux7
Nearest MTR Station longitude and latitude: 22.444271039097128, 114.17056263366392
How far from the nearest MTR Station: 15 mins from Tai Po Market MTR Station Exit B
Opening hours:
MON Closed
TUE Closed
WED 10:00 – 18:00
THU 10:00 – 18:00
FRI 10:00 – 18:00
SAT 10:00 – 18:00
SUN 10:00 – 18:00
Recommended Time to Visit: 11:00-15:00
Accessibility Note: Easy access
Can you imagine that in the middle of Yuen Chau Tsai islet, there hid an elaborated British-styled house?
You may be awed to discover how much the landscape of the islet has changed in the beginning of 20th Century. Before the colonial era, Yuen Chau Tsai Islet was just a barren island sparsely populated by villagers. Due to its strategic significance, the quiet islet was later developed by the Hong Kong Government into the administrative headquarter of the New Territories. The Island House was erected as the official residence of the District Commissioner of the New Territories. The building was declared a heritage monument in 1983 and now serves as a conservation studies centre operated by WWF to promote Education for Sustainable Development.
Most people are impressed by the red-brick facades of Island House. But as you approach it, you would also find delight in the harmony between the open verandahs and the English-styled gardens. Inside the gardens, the arrays of native and ornamental plant species still flourish after witnessing the end of colonial era.
Now connected to land by a causeway after land reclamation, Yuen Chau Tsai is part of Tai Po New Town in the Tai Po District. Once deserted by the colonial officers, the Island House has now revitalized under the management of WWF Hong Kong. WWF hosts different tours and workshops. This secret gem on Yuen Chau Tsai is now made known to the wider public. Visitors can pay a visit to the designated area in the Island House with a reservation.
If you are interested in visiting Island House, do check out the following events organised by WWF on their website:
- The Secret House and English Garden on the Islet + Sustainable plant pot workshop
Want to know more about the architectural history and the first-hand sustainable lifestyle tips from the WWF staff? Go join this tour in which you can hear the most authentic story related to the Island House and admire the rare species through different senses, and even make your own sustainable plant pot!
2. The Secret House and historic coastline on the Island
If you are an outdoor-person, and historical discovery isn’t enough for you, then go for this tour! You will be able to explore the beautiful coastline along the island, and learn more about the ecosystem there, including the organisms that hid in rocky shore, mangrove and sandy shore, etc.
3. The Secret House and Gardens on the Island
Do you enjoy the companionship of the nature? This tour will be your best fit! You will be guided around the English-styled gardens, and learn to appreciate the vibrant collection of native and ornamental plant and tree species. You may also come across some lively “residents” in the garden, including the energetic birds that enjoy playing around!
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