Pok Fu Lam where the past meets the future

The significance of Pok Fu Lam Village, widely acknowledged as the earliest settlement on the Island before the birth of modern Hong Kong, is somewhat incomparable in the territory’s history. It therefore makes much sense to start our heritage tour from Pok Fu Lam Village, which is at the centre of the district. The Village, situated next to Chi Fu Fa Yuen, is the only one of its kind on the Island and still home to thousands of residents. In 2014, it was included on the World Monuments Watch together with other renowned sites including Venice, a powerful testament to its conservation value.

With a traditional layout, the Village is divided into three parts: Wai Chai (the village centre), The Vegetable Garden as well as Long Tzutu (the village tail). Wai Chai’s 18 oldest houses, nicknamed The 18, formed the once-thriving market place of the Village. Nowadays, the original foundations and walls are still there. The wooden frame and tile roof of some houses are also retained. Strolling along its complex network of narrow alleys enables you to get a taste of the villagers’ simple lifestyle as well as their customs.

Revitalised Pokfulam Farm

Most of us may not know that there was a farm on the Island. Formerly the Old Dairy Farm Senior Staff Quarters known as Braemar, this Grade I historic construction has been converted into an exhibition hall where visitors may gain some fascinating insights into the history of the Farm and its connection with the surrounding settlement.

Pok Fu Lam Village’s development is closely related to the Old Dairy Farm. Located in an excellent geographical location, Pok Fu Lam remains cool and breezy even on the hottest days, and this explains why the old milk company decided to set up its farm here in 1886. During its golden age, the Farm fed almost 2,000 milk cows. As many farmworkers chose to live close to their workplace, it helped boost the Village’s cultural and economic growth.

Following the Farm’s closure a few decades ago, buildings on the site were demolished one after the other. Fully supported by the villagers, the century-old abandoned dormitory has been given a second life and is officially open to the public by appointments from March 2023, with free guided tours available over weekends and public holidays. Not only can visitors learn more about the Farm’s glorious past but also enjoy the fun of milking a cow statue. Through concerted efforts, the attraction promotes a love of nature and sustainable lifestyle.

Pokfulam Farm
141A Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong

Pok Fu Lam Reservoir - Hong Kong’s First

Situated just next to University Hall, Pok Fu Lam Reservoir is another must-see. The path encircling the Reservoir, where you can see many wartime relics of the British Army and old stone bridges, can take you to the nearest Family Walk. It takes less than an hour to return to your starting point – Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road. Strolling along the wooded reservoir path, you will be greeted by beautiful hills, forests and fascinating ecosystems. All of them contribute to Hong Kong’s unique natural landscape.

Completed in 1863 and subsequently extended to ensure a stable water supply for increasing population, Pok Fu Lam Reservoir is the first public water storage facility in Hong Kong. The architectural work not only reminds us of countless precious memories, but is also a real milestone in the city’s early planning and development initiatives. Six of its major structures were declared historic monuments in 2009, including the neoclassical Former Watchman’s Cottage (currently Pok Fu Lam Management Centre) at the main entrance, the Gauge Basin and four Mansory Bridges.