Here lies a silent chronicle of Hong Kong’s colonial past. We are now standing at the Hong Kong Cemetery. It is an early Christian cemetery dating back to Hong Kong’s colonial period.
The Hong Kong Cemetery began its story in 1845. In fact, this is the oldest western cemetery in Hong Kong. Other cemeteries also reside here. These include Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Parsee, and Protestant cemeteries. Saint Michael’s Catholic Cemetery is here too. A special Japanese section also occupies part of this land.
Within these grounds lie diverse individuals. There are former residents and visitors to Hong Kong. The graves of 79 Commonwealth soldiers from World War I are here. Sixty-two from World War II also rest here.
The Hong Kong Cemetery holds both civilian and military personnel from the colonial era. Notable figures rest in peace here. Sir Robert Ho Tung was a businessman and philanthropist. Sir Paul Chater was a British-Indian businessman. Dr. William Morrison and Sir Kai Ho Kai also reside here. Kai Ho Kai once taught Sun Yat-sen. Kai Tak Airport was named after him.
Chinese Christians and missionaries are interred here. They dedicated their lives to Hong Kong. The Chapel of the Resurrection stands within the grounds. It is believed to be the oldest western building in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Public Works Department built it also in 1845.
Before 1913, Chinese burials were restricted here. Only non-Chinese Christians were typically allowed. Foreigners without other cemetery options could be buried here. Wealthy, reputable Chinese were sometimes permitted. Sir Hotung, a colonial Hong Kong businessman, is here. Kan Tung-po, founder of the Bank of East Asia, rests here. Sir Kai Ho Kai was a Legislative Council member.
Yang Quyun’s grave marks Hong Kong’s role in the Xinhai Revolution. Yang led the Xing Zhong Hui against the Qing Empire. He organized uprisings and raised funds in Hong Kong. Hong Kong was essential to revolutionary leaders. Chen Shaobai, Sun Yat-sen, and Yang Quyun developed here.
Due to its calm, the Hong Kong Cemetery hosts an array of wildlife. Butterflies, bats, birds, fireflies, and lizards thrive here.
The Hong Kong Cemetery is opposite Happy Valley Racecourse on Wong Nai Chung Road. You can get here by tram. From Happy Valley Terminus, exit at the Colonial Cemetery stop. The cemetery is a short walk from Causeway Bay MTR. It is also accessible from Wan Chai MTR station. Several buses also stop near the cemetery.
The Hong Kong Cemetery embodies exclusivity and privilege. Racial segregation was common during its early years. Over time, elite Chinese were permitted burial here. This inclusion reflects the colonial government’s shifting views. They realized incorporating local elites was important. This shaped governance in later years. The Hong Kong Cemetery is a colonial legacy. It is a memorable place with stories behind each monument.