Constructed in 1884 the site which now occupies 1881 Heritage was one of the oldest government structures in the island nation of Hong Kong and famously served as its Marine Police Headquarters till 1997. Revamped and rebranded as a premier luxury hub in recent times the old district that once housed the Marine Police Headquarters is a Tsim Sha Tsui cultural icon where past and present mingle without contradiction. Preserving its European architectural elements as well as the historic structures that lay scattered across the former military complex 1881 Heritage is a sight to behold as the grandeur of its past has only been enhanced by the transformation.
The chief highlight of a visit to this Kowloon cultural district would be understandably concentrated around the structures of the Former Marine Police Headquarters which still tower above the landscape as in centuries past. Taking visitors to Victorian age Hong Kong the main structure of the former Marine Police Headquarters is an architectural marvel for the ages. As a fine amalgamation of neo-classical and Victorian building styles the venue contains a central courtyard where the wall coops were built to house pigeons used to convey messages to seafaring vessels from the land base. This was a common practice in pre-radio times where communication relied heavily on messages conveyed via birds. Home to numerous holding cells that once imprisoned pirates and other delinquents the elevated ground floor of the building is another key feature as this kept the venue cool during hot summer months.
Housing several Declared Monuments the Former Marine Police Headquarters is perhaps best known for its Time Ball Tower. Used to provide valuable chronometric information to ships approaching Victoria Harbour the ball atop the pole of the tower was moved by hand each morning in accordance with information fed by the Hong Kong Observatory. Dropping down at 1pm every day the tower which was visible all across Victoria Harbour assisted ships sailing to and from the port in accurately calibrating their chronometer to one tenth of a second.Shoppers can also find the best in global brands at the locale’s plush shopping mall while those with an interest in culture can stop by the Exhibition Hall. A heritage hotel is also part of the landscape of 1881 Heritage where the past and present combine to create an intriguing point of interest well worthy of exploration.
Travellers in search of a hotel Hong Kong ranks among its best accommodation providers should look no further than the Eaton Hotel Hong Kong. Providing guests with an elegant hideaway in a strategic position in the city this stylish rest is undoubtedly one of the most conveniently situated hotels in Hong Kong.
