The Chinese and British shared passion for tea is exhibited in this heritage museum, situated in a colonial house built during Hong Kong’s British rule.
Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware is one of several governmental and cultural buildings in the city centre dating back to Hong Kong’s 150-year British rule. The quirky tea museum is nestled among sleek skyscrapers and its distinctive Greek Revival architecture sets the building apart.
Check out Hong Kong Park on your way in to the museum. This quiet green oasis offers some solace from busy Wan Chai and Central Hong Kong. Flagstaff House, located within the park, was the 1846 home of the leader of the British forces. World War II and Japanese occupation left some lasting damage to the property until 1989 when it underwent a full restoration. The Hong Kong Museum of Art took over the building and transformed it into a specialised museum.
The Chinese and the British share a mutual love of tea and this is demonstrated in the museum’s exhibitions and activities. Discover exhibits detailing traditional Chinese tea crockery from the Tang dynasty of the seventh century to slick modern teapots from the 21st century. Attend a demonstration where you can learn about how tea relates to the seasons or how to pair music with certain teas. Check the website for the lecture schedule in your preferred language, from Cantonese, Putonghua or English.
Stop by the neighbouring Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre in Cassels Block. Hong Kong Park is a popular spot for couples to take wedding photos, as the marriage registry is located on its edge. Join locals for an invigorating start to the day in the Tai Chi Garden. Relax with the sound of water at the waterfall and small lake. Visit the aviary to see almost 70 species of Southeast Asian native birds. On Sundays, the park is packed with groups of foreign domestic helpers enjoying a day off.
Flagstaff House is free to enter and open every day except Tuesdays and public holidays. Find the white-painted building on Cotton Tree Drive within Hong Kong Park in Central. The park’s closest train station is Admiralty.
