Location and Significance

The Clock Tower, one of Hong Kong’s iconic landmarks, stands proudly on Tsim Sha Tsui’s waterfront overlooking Victoria Harbour.

Officially known as the Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower, it is the sole remnant of the Kowloon Station of the Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR).

Architectural Features

Design and Materials

Constructed in 1915, the Clock Tower rises 44 meters tall, built with red bricks and granite in the Edwardian Classical Revival style. A 7-meter lightning rod sits atop the structure, enhancing its grandeur. In the 1990s, the Clock Tower was declared a monument, preserving its historical and architectural value.

A Brief History of the Clock Tower

Early Beginnings

The Kowloon-Canton Railway’s Hong Kong section opened in 1910, but the construction of the Kowloon Station began in 1913. The Clock Tower was completed in 1915, with the entire station finished a year later.

Relocation and Preservation

In 1975, the railway station was relocated to Hung Hom, and the original building was demolished in 1978. However, the Clock Tower was preserved at the request of Hong Kong citizens, serving as a symbol of collective memory.

The Secrets of the Clock Tower

Reused Clock Mechanism

The Clock Tower initially reused the clock mechanism from the demolished Pedder Street Clock Tower. Interestingly, it had a clock face on only one side when it was first built. The remaining three clock faces were added in 1920 and became operational in 1921.

Centennial Celebration

In 2010, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Kowloon to Lo Wu railway section, the bronze bell was displayed on the ground floor of the Clock Tower by the MTR Corporation.

The Former Station Site

Present-Day Attractions

Dear Lykkers, the former site of the Kowloon Station has been transformed into cultural landmarks, including the Hong Kong Space Museum, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, and the Hong Kong Museum of Art. These attractions are located near the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade.

How to Reach the Clock Tower

By MTR

Take the MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui Station and exit through Exit E. Walk along Nathan Road to Salisbury Road, where the Hong Kong Space Museum will appear ahead. Turn right and pass the Hong Kong Cultural Centre to reach the Clock Tower.

By Star Ferry

Take the Star Ferry from Central or Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui. The Clock Tower is located adjacent to the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier.