Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence

Hong Kong has long had to protect its enviable position on the South China Sea coast, and one of the most formidable military installations built to ward off a potential sea invasion is now home to an intriguing exhibition of military memorabilia.

Built by the British in the 1880s, the Lei Yue Mun Fort that houses the Museum of Coastal Defence sits perched upon the heights overlooking the narrow strip of water at Lei Yue Mun. The fort finally saw some action during the Second World War, when its brave defenders suffered heavy casualties as they unsuccessfully tried to hold off the invading Japanese forces.

The military relics scattered around the Lei Yue Mun headland have been restored, and a fascinating historical trail has been built, enabling visitors to stroll around a variety of defence remnants, including a British Comet tank, an armoured personnel carrier and a 10-inch breech-loading gun.