Tips About Visiting Ex-Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir Guided Tour in Hong Kong!
This is the former Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir, located in Sham Shui Po in Hong Kong, not an ancient European temple. It has gained attention and appreciation for its unique historical and architectural significance.
The reservoir was built in the early 20th century (completed in 1904) and was in operation until the 1960s. It played a crucial role in providing fresh water to the rapidly growing population in the Kowloon area during that period.
The reservoir's structure reflects the architectural techniques and materials used in the early 20th century. It consists of brick and granite masonry, with a series of stone arches supporting the roof. The arches create a visually stunning and symmetrical pattern, reminiscent of ancient Roman aqueducts and European cathedrals.
After being decommissioned, the reservoir was left abandoned for decades. This place was discovered because the government tried to demolish the place which they thought it was a water tank. The demolition started in 2020 until photos of the interior became viral in the internet. Demolition was halted and this place was conserved as a historical site for the public to visit now.
The ex-Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir has become a symbol of Hong Kong's heritage preservation efforts. It has been listed as a Grade I historic building by the Antiquities and Monuments Office, which means that it has significant historical value and requires preservation.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in preserving and repurposing the site for cultural and community activities. Various proposals have been made, including turning it into an art park, exhibition space, or urban farm.
Now the Water Supply Department provides free guided tour to the public every day which is opened to a limited number of visitors every day only. They release the quotas of the applicants online on the first business day at 9am every month. The quotas would be gone in minutes shortly after they are released. So if you want to join the tour, you need to check their website and wait in front of the computer on that day.
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