Sheung Wan & PMQ
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PMQ - by Koreval
Description
Sheung Wan is part of the Central and Western District of Hong Kong Island, it was one of the very first British settlement areas. In fact, the site of the original occupation of the island by British forces in 1842 was at Possession Street, between Hollywood Road and Queen's Road Central - further to reclamation work this is no longer on the shoreline. The area is well known as a trendy neighbourhood with plenty of coffee shops, restaurants as well as designer and antique shops. The Antiquities and Monuments Office has designed a "Sheung Wan Route" that covers 35 historic buildings and sites in Sheung Wan. PMQ, formerly the Police Married Quarters, is a reconverted mixed-use venue for arts and design located at the corner of Hollywood rd and Staunton st. The building residential units (for married junior policemen) were turned into studios, shops and offices after several years of disuse and opened to the public as "PMQ" in 2014.
Access & Transport
The area is served by the Island line MTR as well as the tram and plenty of bus services and is then best explored through a leisurely walk. PMQ is halfway up the rather steep Aberdeen st.
Instructions & Recommendations
A little planning beforehand to decide particular spots you may wish to visit is really all you need. Once there you can explore streets and shops at random and no need to worry about food, it is a great place for a coffee, lunch or dinner. This activity is best combined with a visit of Man Mo Temple and Tai Kwun Center.
Environmental & Social
Urban concrete neighbourhoods are never the most environment friendly, by their very nature (high concentration of mercantile activities, little green spaces) This is a mix of traditional and modern / trendy neighbourhood that rely on both tourists and locals for business without too much downside on the community as this has traditionally been a commercial area.
Conclusion
The Sheung Wan area is one of the historical centers of the city and is rich in colourful stores and old buildings. It is gritty, so not everybody will enjoy this very urban setting, but it is nonetheless remarkably interesting. PMQ is a successful reconversion and is worth a quick tour, even for those not inclined to shop.
Key positive
Slightly gentrified but still an authentic neighbourhood
Good transport options
Plenty of trendy coffee shops and restaurants
Key negative
narrow streets with uneven pavements and car traffic
most of the buildings look run down, the neighbourhood is interesting but certainly not beautiful
Suitability
Accessible for people with reduced mobility but challenging at times as the pavement can be tricky to negotiate and some steep streets and staircases may warrant some detours
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:3h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo