Government House

Hong Kong


Parts of this erstwhile official residence of the chief executive of Hong Kong, and previously the colonial governors, date to 1855. Other features were added by the Japanese, who used it as military headquarters during the occupation of Hong Kong in WWII. It has a public Open Day once a year, one Sunday in March when the azaleas in the gardens are in full bloom.

At other times you can't see much because of the high wall surrounding it, though the security guard will usually let you peep through the gate.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Hong Kong attractions

1. Peak Tram

0.13 MILES

This cable-hauled funicular railway has been scaling the 396m ascent to the highest point on Hong Kong Island since 1888. A ride on this clanking tram is…

3. St John’s Cathedral

0.14 MILES

Services have been held at this Anglican cathedral since it opened in 1849, with the exception of 1944, when the Japanese army used it as a social club…

4. HSBC Building

0.15 MILES

This remarkable building, designed by British architect Sir Norman Foster in 1985, has stood the test of time – more than 30 years on, its magnetism can…

5. Former French Mission Building

0.17 MILES

This handsome red brick building was built in the mid-1800s and renovated to its current Edwardian glory in 1917 by the French Society of Foreign Missions…

6. Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre

0.17 MILES

Outside planned exhibitions, there's not much to see at this arts centre established to support local sculptors, printmakers and potters. But history…

7. Cheung Kong Park

0.19 MILES

This small, shady park and sitting area has an artificial waterfall and several faux grottoes. It's a popular lunch spot for workers and a welcome, leafy…

8. Old Bank of China Building

0.21 MILES

Constructed in 1950, the old Bank of China building now houses the bank’s Central branch and, on its top floors, the exclusive members-only China Club,…