Stanley, or Chek Chue, is calling us to explore its captivating past. This area is one of Hong Kong’s oldest settlements. Stanley sits on an isthmus. This location is between sheltered beaches. They face north and east and south and west. Seagoing people favored such locations.
Little was known about Stanley until 1836. The “Canton Register” described it then as a wretched fishing village. Stanley has flourished since then. Luxury and public housing developed rapidly. Its population grew dramatically. It grew 35 times greater than in 1841.
Stanley’s history is colorful. It began as a modest fishing village. Locals used their wealth to build temples. These honored Tin Hau, Shui Shin, and Pak Tai. The notorious pirate Zhang Baozai influenced the area. He and his wife Ching Shi ran a large pirate fleet. Later, Stanley became a major British army base in the 19th century. During the Second World War, it became a major battleground and internment camp.
Stanley has one declared monument. It is not the 1767 Tin Hau Temple. Instead, it is the old police station. It was built between 1859 and 1974. Today, it is a Wellcome Supermarket. Stanley boasts 41 listed buildings as well. 40 of these are pre-war. There are also two bogus reconstructions. They are in the “Heritage Hong Kong style.”
Stanley was named after Lord Stanley. He was the British Colonial Secretary in 1841. At that time, the British annexed Hong Kong Island. Chek Chue was the largest settlement. It even served as the temporary capital.
The old police station stands on the main road. It was built in 1859. Now, it is a supermarket. Shelves of merchandise sit amid the original tilework. Murray House is another reminder of the past. It was the oldest colonial building in Hong Kong. It was dismantled in 1982. This made way for the Bank of China Tower. More than 3000 granite blocks were stored. They were rebuilt almost 20 years later.
During the Japanese occupation, Stanley was a site of conflict. Allied fighters made their last stand here. They included the Royal Rifles of Canada. Also fighting were the Middlesex Regiment and the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps. Hong Kong surrendered on Christmas Day 1941. Most Western civilians were held in an internment camp at Stanley. Nearly 100 prisoners died there. They died mostly of disease and malnutrition. They are buried in the military cemetery. Soldiers who fell defending Hong Kong are buried there too.
Today, Stanley is a vibrant destination. It has a market, seaside restaurants, and beachfront promenades. Stanley Main Beach is a family favorite. It offers water sports and swimming. Stanley is also dog-friendly. Dogs are allowed on the promenade and many beaches.
Visit Pat Kan Uk to see historical homes. These eight houses were given to locals by the British. Ma Hang Park is a hidden gem. It sits behind Murray House. The park offers greenery and peaceful paths. Pak Tai Temple overlooks the ocean. It is a quiet and petite temple. Stanley offers a blend of history, culture and recreation. This leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.