Government House

Located in Mid-Levels on Upper Albert Road, this colonial gem was the former official residence of 25 British governors of Hong Kong prior to the handover in 1997. Before Hong Kong’s architecture began scraping the sky, this location provided the building with sweeping harbour views.

Built between 1851 and 1855, the building originally had strong Georgian features but was extensively redesigned by engineer Siechi Fujimura during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong in the Second World War. The wartime renovations included a toning down of European features and the addition of a central tower.

In 2005, Government House reverted to its original role when it became home and office of the chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The splendid gardens of lovely rhododendrons and azaleas are opened for public viewing on special occasions.