Journey to the Victoria City through the Jao Tsung-I Academy and the HSBC Archives

Description

The Jao Tsung-I Academy, named after a renowned master of Chinese culture, is situated in a set of buildings which are the earliest examples of housing in Hong Kong built by the British as dwellings for Chinese labourers. Since then the site in Lai Chi Kok has served as quarantine station, a prison, a hospital and a rehabilitation centre. It has seen over 130 years of change and is now a listed historic building. Before the surrounding land was reclaimed, the site was originally next to the sea and in the late 19th century, the government of the Qing dynasty set up a customs station at this location. Visitors can view the buildings and galleries displaying the works of Jao Tsung-I including his calligraphy and paintings.

The morning tour is followed by a two-course lunch served in the on-site restaurant.

The HSBC archive tour in the afternoon begins with its Archives Gallery which presents the story of HSBC’s rich and eventful heritage in Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific. On display are rare objects, virtual galleries and interactive displays. This is the most important corporate archive in Hong Kong and provides a fascinating opportunity to learn about the bank’s contributions to Hong Kong and the people who have shaped HSBC as we know it today.

After the gallery, there is a rare chance to go ‘behind the scenes’ into the Repository to learn about the inner workings of an archive and see more examples of archive materials and artworks.

Please note that the assembly point is City Hall, Central. To book, please e-mail to events@rgshk.org.hk.