Old maternity hospital, 130-year-old temple declared as monuments

Marco Lam and Judy Cui

The Antiquities Advisory Board yesterday approved a proposal to designate two historic buildings as declared monuments, including the main building of the Old Tsan Yuk Maternity Hospital in Sai Ying Pun and Kwong Fook Tsz in Sheung Wan.

The Old Tsan Yuk Maternity Hospital, the first Chinese maternity hospital in Hong Kong, was established by the Chinese Public Dispensaries Committee and has a history spanning over a century since its opening in 1922.

Its main building, a four-story structure with a basement, features a blend of Neoclassical architecture with Chinese elements.

Frankie Yeung Wai-shing, a member of the board, noted that the recognition will promote "in-depth tourism," as the monuments are surrounded by multiple historical buildings, such as King's College.

Meanwhile, the 130-year-old Kwong Fook Tsz, commonly known today as Pak Shing Temple, features a three-hall-two-courtyard layout on an elevated platform. Its grey bricks and granite doorway consisting of a lintel and couplet are well-preserved.

The temple demonstrates the inseparable ties and cohesion within the Chinese community during the early British administration period and embodies traditional Chinese beliefs about death.

Cheung Sui-wai, another member of the board, believed that the temple is "highly valuable" for research into Hong Kong's history.