The Ex-Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir will no longer require visitors to book appointments starting from August 1. The public can now visit the site as they please, with a cap on maximum visitors at a time.
Under the new rule, the public can have greater access to the reservoir to appreciate its historical structure. Only 100 persons are allowed inside the reservoir at the same time. Visitors will be allowed in on a first-come first-served basis.
The reservoir will be open daily, including on weekends, The only exception is the first Tuesday of each month when it will be closed. Opening hours are 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The last admission time for visitors is set at 11.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. respectively.
Guided tours available
The Water Supplies Department (WSD) will also provide guided tours for those interested. On weekdays, one group session will be available in the afternoon. Meanwhile, two sessions for individuals are available on weekend afternoons. The guided tours can be booked online prior to your visit. People can also learn about the site through a virtual tour available online.
History of the Ex-Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir
The reservoir was first built in 1904 and supplied fresh water to Kowloon Tong, Sham Shui Po, and Tai Hang Tung. With a storage capacity of 9,900 cubic metres, it was one of the largest reservoirs in service at the time. In 1970, authorities decommissioned it and the Shek Kip Mei Fresh Water Service Reservoir replaced its role.
People rediscovered the Ex-Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir at Mission Hill in 2020. A year later, the Antiquities Advisory Board confirmed it as a Grade 1 historic structure. The building boasts European-style granite piers, red brick arches, and concrete cove ceilings. These features are typical of Roman architecture, which is rare in Hong Kong. Now that visitors can visit freely starting from August 1, more people can admire and appreciate its beauty and its contributions to Hong Kong.
Location: Ex-Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir, Mission Hill, Shek Kip Mei, Kowloon
(Images: Hong Kong Tourism Board)
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Written by
Johanna Muliani
Editorial Assistant, Dining and Culture
An Indonesian enamoured with the sights of Hong Kong, Jo is a curious spirit who loves telling stories with a focus on Art, People, and F&B. After work, you'll find Jo knitting, dabbling in gaming, and looking for where to eat next.
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