Travel: Old Town Central in Hong Kong is where arts, culture, and cuisine comes together

As soon as I landed in Hong Kong, I saw the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s office at the airport and casually picked up an illustrated map of the Old Town Central. In hindsight, this was the best thing about my trip.

Old Town call

As I scanned the map, it was quite fascinating to note that there was so much beyond the glitzy skyscrapers that the city had to offer. And on cue, I decided to start my exploration of the old town early in the morning and took the metro from Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel where I was staying, to Central. As I stepped off the train, I realised why this is one of the oldest yet most dynamic districts in the city. With sloped streets and small alleys, Central and Sheung Wan are home to some of the earliest developments of the country’s history. Set in these cobblestone streets are century-old temples, fashion-forward concept stores, authentic tea houses and modern art galleries that rub shoulders with each other, giving the city its mix of the traditional and the contemporary.

Street smart

The best part of Central is that it is easily walkable and brimming with attractions at every nook and corner. Possession Street must be your first stop as it is believed that this is the area where the British navy first arrived and began their 150 years of colonial rule. This area was originally perched on a waterfront and has been given a new lease of life through reclamation. Now there are hip restaurants and boutiques alongside historic stores. Next, head to Pottinger Street as this is where you get an insight into how Central's early dwellers would have been like. The unique feature here is the irregular stone slabs that span the entire street. This was because there were many sections between Possession Street (or Hollywood Road) and Pottinger street that were very steep, and the uneven pavement made it easier for commuters and merchants to walk on it and it also allowed rainwater to flow down. The road is flanked by stores that sell festive costumes or handicrafts.

Museum musings

When in Central, a stop at The Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences is a must. The façade has an Edwardian brick building feel, and this place is a symbol of the development of Medical Sciences in Hong Kong. Locals say that after the bubonic plague in the late 19th century, the then colonial government stepped up efforts in medical development and set up the first bacteriology institute. The museum is home to important exhibits that depict the city's medical history and is the first institution of its kind to compare Chinese and Western pathologies. Located close to the museum is The Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong on Bridges Street Centre. Dating to 1918, this six-storey building merges the Chicago School of architecture and Chinese roofing techniques in terms of its built architecture. In the early 20th century, it was a major social centre for Chinese youth. Also stop at the Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum, dedicated to the life and achievements of Dr Sun Yat-sen, who was instrumental in the establishment of the Republic of China.