Tai O Heritage Hotel | Discover | Hong Kong Heritage Conservation Foundation Limited

WATCHING OVER VILLAGE & SEA

Built in 1902, the Old Tai O Police Station occupies a strategic location at the gateway to the bay on the southward slope of Tai O’s western shore. Sitting right where land and sea transport crossed, it was also the first building people saw back in the days when the ferry was a transport link bringing them to the village. A veranda exudes an air of colonial Hong Kong, projecting a strong sense of order over the charming village as well as protecting it.

Disused since 2002, the building won a place in Batch I of the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme in 2008, with the Hong Kong Heritage Conservation Foundation Limited (HKHCF) being chosen to renovate and reintroduce it to the community with a new mission.

The Old Tai O Police Station was assessed as a Grade II historic building by Hong Kong’s Antiquities Advisory Board.

12 ARCHES

The Old Tai O Station is representative of the colonial architecture developed by the British in Southeast Asia during the long colonial period.

The two-storey arcade in the station’s main building features six segmental arched openings with identical modules on each floor, totalling 12 arches. The arcade was designed to increase natural ventilation in hot climates. These shading and sheltering architectural solutions were widely used in residential and public colonial buildings in Hong Kong.

DAYS IN TAI O POLICE STATION

The Old Tai O Police Station oversaw the whole of western Lantau. Its team patrolled the waters in powerboats; for land, with very few roads in those days, Marine Police formed the Village Penetration Patrols, or ‘pangolins’. They had to carry weapons including light machine guns and mortars, radios weighing close to 20kg and other equipment, and to trek to Ngong Ping, Man Cheung Po and further. Villagers who saw the officers with all their equipment thought they looked like armoured pangolins.

‘We were young and full of engery, so running around places like Ngong Ping and Tung Chung, even with full gear, was more fun than torture.’

Mr Tse Kui,

Retired Marine Police

‘We were young and full of engery, so running around places like Ngong Ping and Tung Chung, even with full gear, was more fun then torture.’

Mr Tse Kui,

Retired Marine Police

A NEW ERA

The stilt houses, temples, old shops and historic buildings such as the Old Tai O Police Station represent connections to the past, to the community’s roots, as well as being part of the strong social fabric.

The Tai O Heritage Hotel commenced operation in 2012 with a view to injecting new energies into the community. We are continuing to work with the community and promote Tai O’s culture and tourism.

‘Legacies are passed down bit by bit, and Tai O people’s persistence and selflessness in preserving their traditions and culture allows their unique history to be passed to the generations to come. We are happy to be part of history of Tai O.’

Mr Daryl Ng,

Director of the Hong Kong Heritage Conservation Foundation

Mr Daryl Ng,

Director of the Hong Kong Heritage Conservation Foundation

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