Mount Davis Sitting-out Area No. 3

Amidst the bustling city of Hong Kong, a tranquil oasis awaits atop Mount Davis. This is Mount Davis Sitting-out Area No. 3. It offers respite and breathtaking views. Mount Davis itself holds a captivating history, intertwined with military fortifications and the echoes of a bygone era. Our journey begins at the foot of Mount Davis, near the remnants of Chiu Yuen Cemetery. This cemetery served as the final resting place for Hong Kong’s Eurasian community in the late 19th century. Prominent figures like Sir Robert Ho Tung, whose descendants include Stanley Ho and Bruce Lee, found their eternal rest here. As we ascend Mount Davis, we’ll encounter the remnants of the Mount Davis Battery, completed in 1912 to defend against potential naval invasions. Imagine the arduous task of hauling 28-ton guns up this steep incline, likely using ropes, pulleys, and the strength of countless laborers. The iron rings embedded in the walls along the road may be vestiges of this herculean effort. Further up, we’ll come across a concrete building enclosed by barbed wire. This unassuming structure once housed the Royal Engineers Regiment’s mess. Later, it was repurposed to hold Taiwanese spies and detainees during the 1967 disturbances. It became known as the “Mount Davis Concentration Camp,” a chilling reminder of a turbulent period. Mount Davis Sitting-out Area No. 3 is more than just a place to rest. It’s a vantage point offering stunning views of Lamma Island with its power station chimneys, the container ships navigating the busy waterways, and even the distant Disneyland site on Lantau Island. Take a moment to appreciate the tranquility of this spot, a stark contrast to the city’s hustle below. Mount Davis Sitting-out Area No. 3 invites you to reflect on the layers of history embedded within this remarkable hill. From military fortifications to social divisions, the stories of Mount Davis are etched into the landscape.