Statue Square
Previously never a feature of traditional Hong Kong tourist itineraries, Statue Square is now a must-see, on account of its dazzling ensemble of modern architecture.
The headquarters building of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) forms the south side of the square and just to the east of it is I M Pei’s Bank of China Tower.
Less distinguished but equally prominent buildings jostle around them, towering over the colonial remnant of St John’s Cathedral.
In more antiquated contrast, the Legislative Council Building, formerly the Supreme Court, on the east side of the square, houses Hong Kong’s partly elected assembly.
The Statue Square is a public pedestrian square in Central, Hong Kong.
On weekdays, Statue Square, although busy, could be filled with people quietly sitting alongside the fountains getting some relaxation from Hong Kong's dynamic and busy hustle and bustle. At times, one could also see people resting during lunch breaks or waiting for loved ones after work.
At weekends, the square takes on a vibrant party atmosphere. At the square, thousands of animated and vibrant Filipinas who work in Hong Kong congregate there to have chats with each other and do some picnics and get-togethers.
The sight of Filipinas visiting the place is a very pleasant and beautiful site to behold. Filipinas are among the most warm-hearted people in this world. That is one reason why many of them are employed as household staff in Hong Kong. Arguably, they are perhaps one of the most pleasant people to deal with.
The Statue Square was initially built at the end of the nineteenth century. The name was derived from the fact that it was originally the place where the statue of Queen Victoria was erected.
The building of the statue of Victoria was commissioned to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the monarch in 1887. At the Statue Square, a statue of Sir Thomas Jackson Bart, the chief manager of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC)-now one of the world's largest banks-was unveiled at the beginning of 1906.
These statues, as well as the two bronze lions in front of the HSBC building, were shipped to Japan during the second world war. The intention of the Japanese was for these statues to be melted and perhaps be used for war-related functions.
It is very interesting to note that after the war, some of the statues were brought back to Hong Kong intact. This shows us the sincerity of the Japanese in making amends after the war. (The Japanese are a nice people!) The statue of Sir Thomas Jackson presently stands in the middle of the square, facing the Former Supreme Court Building. Queen Victoria's statue though, was put in at Victoria Park. The two bronze lions are once again by the facade of the Hang Sang Bank Corporation building.
The Statue Square is surrounded by some of the most important institutions in Hong Kong and the region, such as the City Hall, the Legislative Council, the HSBC Building and the Bank of China Tower.
A pedestrian underpass leads the way from the ferry pier in Central District to Statue Square. At the Statue Square, you will definitely behold and relish a good view of the impressive business buildings that make up the skyline of Hong Kong. To the left of Statue Square, on Connaught Road Central, you will find the luxurious and famous Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
The Statue Square also has a very artistic water fountain that gives a modern look to the historic place. Walking by the Statue Square is a pleasant experience. Although not promoted as a venue for outright entertainment, the square and its surroundings is an ideal place for a calm and leisurely...shall we say...a historic walk at the park.
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