Ho Man Tin, a predominantly residential district known for its tranquil ambience, has an excellent transport network and a prestigious school net. It was here that the concept of Garden Cities was first experimented in Hong Kong, which was closely related to Portuguese inhabitants.
The Footprints of the Portugese
At the beginning of British occupation of Hong Kong, an influx of British businesses set foot in the colony looking to open branches. The huge demand for translators created work opportunities for the Portuguese in Macao who were proficient in both Chinese and English. In 1912, Francisco Paulo de Vasconcelos Soares, a Portuguese gentleman with a lifelong passion for gardening, suggested the construction of a Garden City in Ho Man Tin for residential purposes.
The Garden City is a concept conceived by British urban planner Ebenezer Howard in his seminal work Garden Cities of To-morrow published in 1898. He proposed to build self-contained satellite towns encircled by green belt land, thereby combining the efficient urban transport system and pleasant rural living environment.
At that time, Ho Man Tin, the area between what is now Argyle Street and Waterloo Road, was a large expanse of undeveloped wetland conveniently located on the eastern side of the Kowloon- Canton Railway route. It was an ideal spot to implement Soares’ plan. With the endorsement from his fellow Portuguese community and the local government, the residential project was brought to life in the early 1920s, only to be gradually demolished in the 1950s following the departure of the Portuguese communities after World War Two. Yet, the overall street layout remains.
A few blocks away lies another Garden City – the Kadoorie Hill – whose design differs somewhat from Soares’ version. Developed by J.P. Braga, a Portuguese who served as the Chairman of China Light and Power Company, alongside the Kadoorie family in 1931, the project intended to turn the once barren land into green spaces with luxurious low-density residences. Thanks to their ambition nearly a century ago, the serene neighbourhood now boasts abundance of greenery, attracting tenants from various sectors, including multinational enterprises, local politicians, businessmen, and socialites.
Hidden Messages Behind the Street Names
Undoubtedly, Soares’ vision has shaped the character of Ho Man Tin, earning him the title “the Father of Ho Man Tin”. While his Garden City no longer exists, traces of his legacy are still be found around the former site. Soares Avenue, Emma Avenue, and Julia Avenue were named in honour of Soares, his wife, and his daughter respectively; and to pay homage to his love for horticulture, these names were translated into Chinese using plant-related words.
Besides, at the early stage of the construction, Soares named three main streets Victory Avenue, Peace Avenue, and Liberty Avenue to commemorate the end of World War One.
The Origin of the Name “Ho Man Tin”
Next to Soares’ Garden City stood Ho Man Tin Village, from which the district derives its name. Legend has it that the landowner, allegedly called Chan Ho-man, christened the field with his first name. (Note: In Chinese, “Tin” literally translates to “field”; thus, the word-to-word Chinese translation of “Ho Man Tin” means “Ho-man’s field”). Another saying is that the village was collectively owned by three tribes with the surnames Ho, Man, and Tin.
Due to urbanisation, the village, which had roots dating back to the mid-19th century, disappeared between the 1920s and 1930s.
Legacy and Literacy
The plentiful of heritage buildings, which are acknowledged by the Antiquities and Monuments Office, gives Ho Man Tin an air of classical elegance. These include declared monument Maryknoll Convent School (completed in 1937); Grade 1 Historic Building CLP clock tower (completed in 1940); Grade 2 Historic Buildings including Diocesan Boys’ School (built in 1924), Kowloon Hospital (built in 1925), and King George V School (built in 1936); and Grade 3 Historic Buildings including Heep Yunn School (completed in 1937) and Tang King Po School (completed in 1953).
Photo: Diocesan Boys’ School
Over the years, the prestigious school net in Ho Man Tin has made it one of the most sought-after districts for parents. It is home to an array of kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, many of which are considered elite schools. In addition, the neighbourhood houses two tertiary institutions: Hong Kong Metropolitan University and the privately funded Tung Wah College (Ma Kam Chan Memorial Building).
Photo: Maryknoll Convent School
Scenic Landmarks in Close Proximity
Dotted with ample public and green spaces, Ho Man Tin is where Red Light Hill, the highest point in South Kowloon, stands. The 106-meter-high hill earned its name from the red aircraft warning lights it used to flash during the Kai Tak airport era. Today, the trail is a favourite spot for locals to exercise in the mornings, offering breathtaking city views and a chance to unwind on the lawn at the Ho Man Tin High Level Service Reservoir Playground. The nearby Ho Man Tin East Service Reservoir Playground is also equipped with jogging tracks, fitness equipment, and a lawn for the public to enjoy.
Photo: Red Light Hill
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