Name(English): Government House
Name(Chinese): 禮賓府
Category: Historical
Phone Number： +852 2878 3300
Address(English): Upper Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong Island
Address(Chinese): 中環上亞厘畢道
Address Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/9MEytwsmFPYrHhSN8
Address longitude and latitude: 22.27872906778165, 114.15744358482152
Nearest MTR Station: Central Station MTR Exit K
Nearest MTR Station Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/Uvp3iWNX3GuDtr1o9
Nearest MTR Station longitude and latitude: 22.281114286150032, 114.15954549235144
How far from the nearest MTR Station: 12 mins walk from Central Station MTR Exit K
Opening Hours:
Open for the public twice per year (Check Schedule)
Recommended Time to Visit: When the flower blossom
Accessibility Note：Some distance from MTR Station
Everyone is always up for a little mystery, and the Government House where the past Governors of Hong Kong and the Chief Executives resided contains too many political secrets that make ordinary people want to sneak into. Perching on the slopes of Upper Albert Road and overlooking Central – the earliest developed district of the colony, the hybrid Japanese-Neoclassical mansion holds a special place in the locals’ hearts, having witnessed the most important historical times of the city.
Embodying the features of both Art Deco and Japanese traditional architecture, the Government House, approached by the Gate-lodges and the Front Garden, does resonate with the two colonial eras. Charles St George Cleverly, who was the second Surveyor-General, was the main man behind the 170-year-old building. But it underwent a few extensive renovations during the Japanese Occupation, including the construction of the central tower and the tiled roofs. The mixed-style architecture is also a venue for receptions of political leaders, ceremonies, and charity events.
The last Governor to reside in the Government House was Lord Patten, and Hong Kongers could never forget the poignant moments when he was stepping out of the mansion, and being drenched by the rain receiving the folded Union Jack flag in 1997. Many waited outside the Gate-lodges for emotional farewells to “Fat Pang” – the nickname of Lord Patten, who was departing the house with no return.
Now that the red flag is up, leading the city to a new path, for better or for worse.
Remarks: It is open to the public twice a year in March and November so seize your chance to dig up the secrets.
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