Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tsim Sha Tsui's only temple is a smoke-filled hole in the wall with a hot tin roof. Little is
known about its ancestry except that it was built as a shrine in the Qing dynasty and renov-
ated in 1900. Before WWII, worshippers of its Earth God were the coolies from Kowloon
Wharf nearby, where the
Ocean Terminal
now stands. Today most incense offerers are octo-
genarians - the temple specialises in longevity.
MOSQUE
KOWLOON MOSQUE & ISLAMIC CENTRE
5am-10pm; Tsim Sha Tsui, exit C2)
This structure, with its dome and carved marble, is Hong Kong's largest mosque. It serves
the territory's 70,000-odd Muslims, more than half of whom are Chinese, and accommod-
ates up to 3000 worshippers. The mosque was originally established to serve the Indian
Muslim troops of the British army who were stationed at what is now Kowloon Park.
Muslims are welcome to attend services, but non-Muslims should ask permission to enter.
Remember to remove your footwear.
HISTORIC BUILDING
FORMER KOWLOON BRITISH SCHOOL
The oldest surviving school building for expat children is a listed Victorian-style structure
that now houses the
Antiquities and Monuments Office
(). Established in 1902, it was
subsequently modified to incorporate breezy verandahs and high ceilings, prompted pos-
sibly by the fainting spells suffered by its young occupants.
CHURCH
ST ANDREW'S ANGLICAN CHURCH
7.30am-10.30pm, church 8.30am-5.30pm; Tsim Sha Tsui, exit B1)
Sitting atop a knoll, next to the Former Kowloon British School, is a charming building in
English Gothic style that houses Kowloon's oldest Protestant church. St Andrew's was built
in 1905 in granite and red brick to serve Kowloon's Protestant population; it was turned into
a Shinto shrine during the Japanese occupation. Nearby you'll see the handsome former
vicarage with columned balconies (c 1909). Enter from the eastern side of Nathan Rd via
steps or a slope.
BUILDING
INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE CENTRE
from 10am; Kowloon, exit C)
