The colonial expansion and domination of more than one third of the globe by the European powers in the 17th to 20th centuries have influenced many of the cultural practices of many nations as well as its architecture. The Flagstaff House in Hong Kong which houses the Museum of Tea Ware is one such colonial structure that has a palpable British aura and the oldest building of its kind in the area.
Located in Hong Kong Park is the Flagstaff House, built in 1846, which acts as a major attraction of the Park itself. This two storied structure is found adjacent to the K. S. Lo Gallery and its white paint and architecture gives it a distinctly British aura. While the colonial architecture of the building is interesting and awe-inspiring itself, what is of greater value and importance are the contents featured in the museum. A visit to this museum is worthwhile for one will be able to observe a vast collection of antique tea ware and the museum aims to educate its visitors as to the history and evolution of Chinese tea.
The Flagstaff House is composed of two floors: the first houses the gift shop and a number of exhibits such as dried Chinese tea leaves in small bowls while the second floor houses the exhibition of modern tea ware. Moreover, there are a number of videos providing information on both antique and modern exhibits as well as a free tea ceremony that is exhibited so as to pique the interest of the museum patrons. The Museum also encourages its visitors to purchase from a wide ranging selection of tea.
If this does not make you want to make a visit to this attraction, perhaps the fact that it is the first museum in the world that is devoted to the featuring of ceramic art tea ware will interest you. For the ardent lovers of tea, this museum will definitely be an extremely fruitful excursion. The Flagstaff House is accessible conveniently from any Hong Kong hotel via public transport and is open daily except on Tuesdays. After a pleasant excursion in the Park, one would surely like to return to the luxury and comfort of the Langham Place Mongkok Hong Kong and treat themselves to a world class meal. Staying at this hotel also affords you the opportunity of residing in some of the best Hotels Suites Hong Kong ensuring that your stay is as comfortable and luxurious as you wish it to be.
Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.