Cover Travel back in time with this virtual tour of Shek Kip Mei’s underground reservoir. (Photo: Hong Kong Reminiscence/ Facebook)

While we’re not able to visit the century-old underground reservoir in person just yet, you can now discover it through this newly launched 360-degree virtual tour

Want to go back in time to 1904? The government’s newly launched 360-degree virtual tour of the underground reservoir at Shek Kip Mei, Sham Shui Po will allow you to discover history through your screen.

The impressive, Romanesque underground reservoir made waves after its discovery last year when the Hong Kong government was preparing to demolish the site for other use. After receiving city-wide attention and appeals for the reservoir’s preservation, the site was finally saved and declared as a Grade 1 historic building on March 11.

See also: Hong Kong Country Parks To Get A Makeover: New Glamping Sites & Treetop Adventures In The Works

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Hong Kong Reminiscence/ Facebook

Now, the good news continues with the launch of the 360-degree virtual tour that allows curious Hong Kongers a glimpse of what used to be Sham Shui Po district’s service reservoir. Released by the Water Supplies Department (WSD) on March 15, the virtual tour aims to help the public to “appreciate its internal structures” while also enhancing  their “understanding of the service reservoir”. 

Built in 1904, this reservoir was the first circular underground service reservoir built in Hong Kong. Spanning over 4,300 square meters, the cistern features underground chambers, 100 brick pillars and water pipes. In the tour, visitors can learn everything about the reservoir’s layout, history and also see what the site looks like.

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 4 Screenshots of the virtual tour
Photo 2 of 4
Photo 3 of 4
Photo 4 of 4

The WSD has been carrying out temporary strengthening and tidying up of the reservoir in January this year, and more improvement works including lighting and ventilation plans are currently in motion. With plans to open up the service reservoir for public visitation later this year, you’d be able to get your Instagram shots next to the brown-hued pillars in no time. In the meantime, familiarise yourself with the layout of the reservoir through the virtual tour online.

See also: 10 Unexpectedly Revitalised Historic Sites in Hong Kong: Now and Then

Topics