Hopewell Centre

Have you ever seen a skyscraper shaped like a giant candle? Here at the Hopewell Centre, that’s exactly what you’ll find. This unique circular tower dominates the Wan Chai skyline. The Hopewell Centre opened in 1980. It was the tallest building in Hong Kong for nine years. Its reign ended when the Bank of China Tower was built. The Hopewell Centre isn’t just a striking piece of architecture. It’s also a piece of Hong Kong history. It’s named after Hopewell Holdings, the property giant that built it. The company’s founder, Gordon Wu, still has his office at the very top. Now, here’s a fun fact. The story goes that a feng shui master consulted on the design was worried about the building’s cylindrical shape. He thought it looked too much like a candle, inviting fire. To counter this, a circular pool was added to the rooftop. It acts as a symbolic fire extinguisher. You can actually see this pool in the music video for Dru Hill’s 1998 song “How Deep Is Your Love.” Want another interesting tidbit about the Hopewell Centre? For many Hongkongers, this building evokes memories of the revolving restaurant on the 62nd floor. Originally called R66, it completed a full rotation every 66 minutes. It served buffet classics alongside breathtaking views. The restaurant closed for a period, becoming a fine-dining Spanish establishment. However, it eventually returned to its roots as a revolving buffet, now called The Grand Buffet. The views from up there are spectacular. From the green expanse of Happy Valley Racecourse to the mountains beyond Kennedy Road, the panorama unfolds before you. The Hopewell Centre provides not only culinary delights but also a feast for the eyes. It truly captures the dynamic spirit of this incredible city.