Living In Apartments in Old Town Central Hong Kong

Best known for its skyscrapers and world-class attractions, awash with neon signs lighting up the harbour, Hong Kong has captivated tourists and residents for decades, as one of the great cities of the world. A city that doesn’t sleep, a city that gives you variety in abundance, a city that is known for its culinary excellence and a city filled with shopping delights.

To understand how Hong Kong came to be as we know it today, one only needs to pay a visit to Old Town Central, where it all began. This is one of the oldest, yet most dynamic districts in the city and it encompasses the sloping streets and myriad of small alleyways of Central and Sheung Wan. To walk around these areas, what you see encapsulates the richness and spirit of Hong Kong. This is a place where ancient temples share the same streets as fashion-forward concept stores, or where authentic tea houses coexist with modern art galleries.  There’s plenty to discover here, on foot from heritage buildings and art institutions to super cool café’s and restaurants, local and imported wares.

Victoria City – The Beginning of Central

The British landed at Possession Point in Sheung Wan in 1841. They soon decided to build a city on the north coast of Hong Kong Island, and the present-day Central (Victoria City) was chosen to house major military facilities and serve as an administrative centre. The area soon attracted both Westerners and Chinese people alike to trade and live in the area. A Canton Bazaar (the precursor of Central Market) was built between Cochrane Street and Graham Street in 1842. The area was soon zoned for Westerners only, and the Chinese residents were restricted to Sheung Wan. These areas housed the famous opium dens and red-light districts.  The area became known as Victoria City. The popularity of this area would also boost the population of Hong Kong from 5,000 in 1841 to 24,000 in 1848. Various barracks, naval bases and the residence of the Commander, known as Flagstaff House, were built on the east end of the district. Between 1860 and 1880 the construction of City Hall, Theatre Royal and other financial structures made Central the heart of Hong Kong.

In 1904, the Praya Reclamation Scheme added 59 acres (24 ha) of land to Central's waterfront. The military structures survived until the 1980s. Only Flagstaff House remains as the Museum of Tea Ware in Hong Kong Park. City Hall sat on the present premises of the HSBCHong Kong headquarters and Hong Kong's first road, Queen's Road, passes through the area. The name Victoria City faded out with time and the area became what we know today as Central.

Old Town Central

Due to the rich history of the area, this is a vibrant and diverse neighbourhood in which to live. The CBD area of Central has magnificent banking, financial and retail towers in a number of concentrated city blocks. However, you can go back one street from these blocks and find new residential apartments springing up and older building conversions mixed in with commercial, trading and retail stores.

Sheung Wan in particular is a neighbourhood where you may have a dried seafood shop below your apartment or a Laundromat or tea shop or merchant in your building. Walking around these streets, you may be unaware that this area has a growing population of residents living here amongst the commercial trade, mostly with only a grated door at street level and an intercom or door code box at the front that might give you a hint. There can also be a number of floors that are mixed commercial operations and then one or two that have been converted to residential properties with apartments.

Apartment Living

Mostly walk ups (buildings with no lift) the older building apartments generally are very spacious, well renovated, have high ceilings, an open living plan and some have additional levels with terraces and often a rooftop area for the upper floors. The newer developments have all the modern conveniences you would expect with hi-tech appliances, comfortable interiors with balconies and views from upper levels, clubhouse facilities such as swimming pools, gyms and concierge services. These apartments are prime luxury property in Hong Kong, specifically Central Hong Kong. 

Living Here

Bustling during the weekdays, Old Town Central takes on a whole different atmosphere over the weekend with a casual vibe, very little traffic (away from Queens Street to Connaught Road) and a relaxed pace. You can get a table easily at small cafes or restaurants and enjoy brunch with an amazing selection of food styles. Streets such as Cat Street are famous for Hong Kong souvenirs and brick-a-brack, furniture and jewellery. Art galleries take up positions in funky locations and antique stores abound to browse through.

Old Town Central offers residents the best of all worlds, with a choice of MTR stations for further journeys, supermarkets and shopping at the doorstep and restaurants and bars galore. Hair salons, massage, beauty clinics, medical services and banking facilities are all available and all within very easy walking distance. 

If you are interested in the apartments in Old Town Central, a real estate agent in Hong Kong from Engel and Volkers can assist you in the process. Engel and Volkers’ product portfolio ranges from elite homes, luxury mansions, premium residential properties, and other real estate for sale in Hong Kong. A reputable and respected local real estate agent can assist you in the process of finding your dream luxury apartment in Old Town Central Hong Kong.