Front-row seats on heritage

Old public-service buildings enjoying a second existence are in free guided tours during the Heritage Fiesta running from September 1 to year's end.

Eleven revitalized buildings on a guided-tour list include the old Tai O Maine Police Station, completed in 1902. Now the hillside building that looks down on the southern Lantau fishing village is the nine-room Tai O Heritage Hotel.

The semi-circular, four-story Lui Seng Chun building (1931) on Lai Chi Kok Road in Mong Kok is another. The ground floor started as a bone-setting medicine wine shop business while the upper three floors, all with deep balconies, were living spaces for families. Ideas for new uses following renovation are being bounced around.

The fiesta tours from next Wednesday to October 31 are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. People can also visit the buildings during opening hours.

The fiesta also includes a look around various places, including museums and public libraries, until December 31.

Pamphlets about the Heritage Fiesta can be collected at participating buildings, exhibition venues, museums and Hong Kong Tourism Board offices. Or you can call 2906-1559 for information.