Heritage and Museums

Hong Kong’s rich cultural heritage is being preserved for the education and benefit of all. This article provides information on heritage conservation efforts, heritage activities you can enjoy, online resources, the museums managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and efforts to safeguard our intangible cultural heritage.

Heritage Conservation

It is the Government’s policy to protect, conserve and revitalise as appropriate historical and heritage sites and buildings through relevant and sustainable approaches for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. In implementing this policy, due regard should be given to development needs in the public interest, respect for private property rights, budgetary considerations, cross-sector collaboration and active engagement of stakeholders and the general public.

For more information, you can visit the website of the Commissioner for Heritage’s Office -

Heritage Activities

The best way to experience Hong Kong’s built heritage is to get out and see it. There are three main ways to do this.

Heritage Trails and Heritage Hiking Routes

If you are keen to tour our heritage areas, a number of heritage trails will allow you to visit key monuments or historic sites in all districts. There are five main trails for you to enjoy:

1. Central and Western Heritage Trail
   1. Central Route
   2. Sheung Wan Route
   3. Western District and Peak Route
2. Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail
3. Ping Shan Heritage Trail
4. Tai Tam Waterworks Heritage Trail
5. Wan Chai Heritage Trail

You can also head out further into the countryside and experience the heritage hiking routes of the New Territories:

Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre

For a convenient and educational overview of Hong Kong’s heritage treasures, you can visit the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre. Occupying part of the former Whitfield Barracks in Kowloon Park, the Centre offers thematic exhibitions, lectures, educational activities and a reference library, all at no charge.

Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery cum Heritage Trail Visitors Centre

As one of Hong Kong’s longest settled areas, Ping Shan in the Yuen Long district houses a wealth of heritage sites. The Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery cum Heritage Trail Visitors Centre is the focal point of the Ping Shan Heritage Trail that links these sites. It also hosts thematic exhibitions and houses relics from the Tang Clan, one of the major clans in the New Territories since the 12^th century. Admission to the Centre is free.

More Heritage Activities

You may also find more heritage activities at the website of the Commissioner for Heritage’s Office -

Museums

The LCSD manages a number of museums, offering a composite picture of Hong Kong’s art, cultural, historical and natural heritage. Each of the museums under LCSD management has different characteristics and objectives. Together, they provide ideal environments for the conservation and display of collections and large-scale exhibitions. Also on offer are activities such as lectures, classes, film shows, guided tours, demonstrations, workshops and travelling exhibitions. Some of the museums have facilities for hire.

Other Museums

Museums not under LCSD management also offer interesting exhibitions and valuable resources. The following should be of particular interest:

Exhibitions

Hong Kong’s museums offer a wide range of permanent exhibitions, with something on display sure to please you. Large-scale thematic exhibitions are also held year round to add variety. The aim is to develop interest in and a better understanding of arts, science, technology, astronomy, archaeology and Hong Kong's history and culture. A menu of the latest exhibitions is available through the following link.

Intangible Cultural Heritage

With the enforcement of UNESCO’s Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2006, an Intangible Cultural Heritage Unit was set up in the same year under the establishment of the Hong Kong Heritage Museum to undertake necessary work in compliance with the Convention. In May 2015, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department upgraded Intangible Cultural Heritage Unit to the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office to heighten its endeavours on the identification, documentation, research, preservation, promotion and transmission of intangible cultural heritage.

For more information and activities on the intangible cultural heritage of Hong Kong, you can visit the website of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office.