Mei Ho House: A future hub for in-depth tourism

Mei Ho House may become a destination for the city’s in-depth tourism, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said on Wednesday. 

This announcement coincided with the award ceremony for the 10th Affection Across Generations essay competition, which encouraged students to engage with their elderly family members to explore the city’s history. 

The competition, organized by the Hong Kong Youth Hostels Association, was part of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Project Grant: Mei Ho House Hong Kong Spirit Learning Project, sponsored by the Jockey Club Charities Trust. 

This year saw record-breaking participation, with 327 primary and secondary schools contributing over 121,000 entries—both figures marking all-time highs since the event’s inception in 2014. 

During the award ceremony, Law said the historical significance of Mei Ho House, a former resettlement estate in Sham Shui Po now serving as a youth hostel.

“Built after the devastating Shek Kip Mei fire in 1953, these early resettlement blocks featured shared bathrooms—a living environment younger generations might not be able to imagine today,” Law said, noting her own upbringing in public housing estates. 

She affirmed Mei Ho House’s role in preserving Hong Kong’s grassroots heritage, describing it as “a destination for cultural tourism that showcases the city’s resilience during its upward climb.” 

Law also said the winning essays for their vivid portrayal of cross-generational affection and community support. 

Junior division co-champion Chan Yan-kiu from Wong Shiu Chi Secondary School, who has a passion for Chinese literature, drew inspiration from her childhood experiences in public housing.

“The theme resonated deeply. I focused on small, heartfelt moments to express how bonds formed among neighbors shaped our lives,” she said.

(Ayra Wang)