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Blue House
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Landmark
The Blue House in the Wan Chai district of Hong Kong is a quintessential example of 'Tong Lau' architecture, a style of tenement housing that dominated the city in the early 20th century. Constructed in the 1920s, this four-story structure features spirited blue exterior walls and ornate wooden balconies, reflecting a unique blend of Chinese and Western architectural influences. Its distinctive hue was purely accidental, resulting from leftover blue paint used by government departments during a 1970s renovation. Today, the Blue House stands as a triumph of urban heritage preservation; unlike many historic sites, it was restored with the goal of keeping the original community intact. It currently houses the Hong Kong House of Stories, an animated museum and community space dedicated to preserving the local culture and history of the neighborhood through exhibitions and traditional workshops, making it for those seeking the city's authentic soul.
- Location: Hong Kong SAR China
- Top sights: Stubbs Road Lookout · South Meridian Mark · Police Museum
- Nearby: Lai Chi Kok (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 16 | 18 | 20 | 23 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 25 | 22 | 17 |
| Rain mm | 35 | 29 | 69 | 109 | 231 | 288 | 197 | 234 | 173 | 56 | 29 | 21 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Blue House in Wan Chai is an inhabited historic building, partially open to the public. On the ground floor there is a small museum and a café that can be visited for free.
Typical hours
The museum in the Blue House is typically open from 10 AM to 6 PM, closed on public holidays. The café has similar hours, but often shorter on Sundays.
Photography
Photography is allowed in the museum and courtyard, but please refrain in inhabited areas. The blue-painted facade is a popular photo subject from the street.
Time needed
A visit to the museum and a coffee at the café takes about 30-45 minutes. Those who also explore the surrounding narrow alleys of Wan Chai should plan two hours.
Combine with
The Blue House is located in Wan Chai, near Wan Chai Market and Golden Bauhinia Square. The nearby Hong Kong Park is also worth a stroll.
Getting there
The Blue House is reachable by MTR to Wan Chai station (Exit A3) or on foot from Admiralty. From the MTR exit, it's about a ten-minute walk.
Insider tip
Visit the Blue House on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds. The café gives local drinks like sweetened soy milk - give it a try!
Geography
Facts
- Built in the 1920s.
- Blue facade from blue pigment in the plaster.
- Example of tong-lau architecture with ground-floor shops.
- Originally housed a Chinese clinic and pharmacy.
- Restored in 2017, preserving original color.
- Now houses the Viva Blue House Museum.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Blue House (5)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Blue House blue?
In the 1970s, the government only had leftover blue paint when they repainted it.
Can visitors go inside?
Yes, it houses the "Hong Kong House of Stories" and a small shop.
Is the house still inhabited?
Yes, it is an award-winning project for preserving community housing.
How old is the building?
The current four-storey Lingnan-style building was constructed around 1922.
Where is the Blue House located?
In Wan Chai, on Stone Nullah Lane, near Queen's Road East.
Blue House: where is it located?
Blue House is located in Hong Kong SAR China.
Blue House: what is there to see?
Highlights include Stubbs Road Lookout, South Meridian Mark, Police Museum.
Blue House: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.
Blue House: why is it worth visiting?
The Blue House in the Wan Chai district of Hong Kong is a quintessential example of 'Tong Lau' architecture, a style of tenement housing that dominated the city in the early 20th century.
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