A fascinating insight into colonial Hong Kong Culture in 1903

**Me Jamie, your host, I am English and I have lived in Hong Kong since January 2nd 1972 - I know the place.**

**A blog post with a difference**
**Please do visit Hong Kong | Travel, Tourism, Tours, Tips, Daily Life and my personal thoughts on Hong Kong.**
**Hong Kong | Pearl of the Orient**

Learn more | Go here for the Hong Kong Michelin Restaurant Guide which includes the Bib Gourmand Category

Learn more | Time Out Magazine Hong Kong - the best art and entertainment, food and drink, attractions, hotels + things to do

Learn more | J3's Hong Kong Insider Chat - a new way to discover Hong Kong

Customised Private Tours & Experiences in Amazing Hong Kong

Pearl of the Orient

Private Tours Cultural Tours Walking Tours Sightseeing Tours City Tours Night Tours Transit Tours Shore Excursions

Carefully Crafted Personalised and Customised Itineraries by Jamie | Hong Kong’s Most Experienced Private Tour Guide For :

Solo Travellers Friends Families Seniors Couples Business People

J3 Group Hong Kong | J3 Consultants Hong Kong | J3 Private Tours Hong Kong

Creating Memories That Will Last A Lifetime

Book Now

Photo of the day No. 60 - City of Victoria Boundary Stone

A fascinating insight into colonial Hong Kong Culture in 1903

click on the image to enlarge

The City of Victoria Hong Kong - A term lost in time but stone markers still exist like this one at Hatton Road, Lung Fu Shan Country Park at Victoria Peak

I have lived in Hong Kong for 53 years and there are some subjects that I really like to get my teeth into and The City of Victoria is one such subject

I am a busy chap and am allergic to hiking (and yet I spend my life doing walking tours of Hong Kong) i have not yet ventured to the other known locations to take a picture of the few remaining boundary stones, one of these days I might just do that.

I knew from previous research that technically and legally the name “City of Victoria” is still on the books but is simply never used, like the rest of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island has its own administrative districts in modern times, the names just do not have the same ring to it!

Hong Kong Island is divided into four administrative districts: Central and Western District, Eastern District, Southern District, and Wan Chai District and those are sub divided again into towns so to speak, such as Kennedy Town, Stanley, Repulse Bay, Causeway Bay, it gets a bit complicated

So below, everything you might want to know about The City of Victoria and the Boundary Stones and then some!

City of Victoria Boundary Stone | Victoria Peak - Hatton Road in Hong Kong, a link to the past.

A Detailed Analysis of the City of Victoria Boundary Stones

Origin and Historical Timeline of the Boundary Stones

The City of Victoria Boundary Stones are historical markers established by the Hong Kong Government in 1903 to delineate the boundaries of the City of Victoria, the first urban settlement and de facto capital of Hong Kong during its time as a British colony. These stones, measuring approximately 98 cm in height, tapered at the top, and inscribed with "City Boundary 1903," served as physical markers of the city’s limits, which were formally defined by the City of Victoria Boundaries Ordinance on November 20, 1903. While the ordinance provided clear legal boundaries, the stones were primarily symbolic, marking key points along the city’s perimeter for administrative and urban planning purposes.

Historical Timeline

1841: Hong Kong Island is occupied by Britain, and the initial settlement, named "Queenstown," begins to form along the northern shore, centered in present-day Sheung Wan, Central, and Wan Chai. This area is soon renamed "Victoria" after Queen Victoria.

1843: The Hong Kong Government officially names the settlement "Victoria City" on June 29, 1843, establishing it as the administrative and urban core of the colony.

1857: As Victoria City expands, the government divides Hong Kong Island into nine districts (yeuks), with Victoria City further subdivided into seven sub-districts, including Sai Wan (Western Circuit) from Connaught Road West to Kennedy Town.

1890s: By this time, Victoria City extends approximately 6.4 km (4 miles) along the coastal strip from Kennedy Town to Causeway Bay, with buildings constructed primarily of granite and brick. Buses and the newly introduced tramway become the main modes of transport.

1903: The City of Victoria Boundaries Ordinance is passed on November 20, 1903, defining the city’s limits in detail. The Public Works Department erects boundary stones to physically mark these boundaries, inscribed with "City Boundary 1903." The stones are placed at strategic locations along main roads and paths, including Hatton Road, Old Peak Road, and others.

1924–1929: The fixing of boundary stones is reported intermittently in the Annual Reports of the Director of Public Works, suggesting that some stones may have been installed or repositioned during this period.

1950 & 1966: The boundaries of Victoria City are revised in the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance (Cap. 1), reflecting changes in topography and land designations, but the 1903 boundary descriptions remain largely intact.

2005: A seventh boundary stone is rediscovered along Magazine Gap Road on a private lot, highlighting ongoing interest in these historical artifacts.

2007: The Magazine Gap Road stone disappears during slope reinforcement works between June 10 and 14, prompting concern from historians and heritage groups.

2021: Three additional boundary stones are discovered at Lung Fu Shan, Mount Davis, and Mount Nicholson, bringing the total number of known surviving stones to 10 (including the lost Magazine Gap Road stone).

The boundary stones were not merely functional but also served as symbols of colonial governance and urban planning, reflecting the British administration’s efforts to organize and define the growing city. Their placement along main roads and trails, such as Hatton Road, made them visible markers of the city’s extent, which stretched from Kennedy Town in the west to Causeway Bay in the east, encompassing areas like Central, Sheung Wan, Wan Chai, and parts of the Mid-Levels and Victoria Peak.

Historical Origin of the Term "City of Victoria"

The term "City of Victoria" refers to the first major urban settlement established on Hong Kong Island following British colonization in 1841. Initially called "Queenstown" to honor Queen Victoria, it was officially renamed "Victoria City" on June 29, 1843, as documented in government gazettes. The city was the de facto capital of Hong Kong during its time as a British dependent territory and served as the administrative, commercial, and political hub of the colony.

Key Details of Victoria City

Geographical Scope: Victoria City encompassed the northern shore of Hong Kong Island, including present-day Central, Admiralty, Sheung Wan, Wan Chai, East Point, Shek Tong Tsui, Kennedy Town, Happy Valley, Tin Hau, the Mid-Levels, and parts of Causeway Bay. It was divided into four "wans" (districts): Sai Wan (West), Sheung Wan (Upper), Chung Wan (Central), and Ha Wan (Lower, now Wan Chai), which were further subdivided into nine "yeuks" (neighborhoods) by 1866, such as So Kun Poo.

Administrative Significance: The boundaries of Victoria City were codified in Hong Kong’s laws, and many government bureaux and key departments still maintain head offices within its historical limits. The city was central to colonial governance, with ordinances like the Market Ordinance (No. 9 of 1958) and Rating Ordinance referencing its boundaries.

Cultural Legacy: Although the name "Victoria City" has been largely overshadowed by "Central" in modern usage, it persists in place names such as Victoria Park, Victoria Peak, Victoria Harbour, Victoria Prison, and various roads and streets. The Victoria City District of the Hong Kong Scout also retains the name.

Official Recognition Today

The term "City of Victoria" is no longer used administratively to refer to a specific district, as Hong Kong’s modern administrative divisions (e.g., Central and Western District) have replaced it. However, the boundaries defined in 1903, as amended in 1950 and 1966, remain in force in the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance (Cap. 1), suggesting that the legal definition of Victoria City still exists, even if it is rarely referenced. The boundary stones, as physical markers of this legal boundary, imply that the term retains a historical and legal significance, though it is primarily a cultural and historical relic rather than an actively recognized administrative entity.

Number and Locations of Surviving Boundary Stones

As of the latest available information, 10 City of Victoria Boundary Stones have been documented, though one (at Magazine Gap Road) was lost in 2007. The surviving nine stones are located at key points along the historical boundary of Victoria City, primarily along main roads and trails on Hong Kong Island. These stones are recognized as historical relics by the Antiquities and Monuments Office and are listed as government historic sites for protection.

Known Locations of the Surviving Boundary Stones

Hatton Road: Located approximately 400–570 meters from the junction with Kotewall Road, near the 700-foot contour line, on the path toward Victoria Peak. This stone is still in its original location and is a popular sighting for hikers.

Old Peak Road: Positioned about 50 meters from the junction with Tregunter Path, at the intersection with the 700-foot contour line. The stone’s markings from 1903 remain clearly visible.

Bowen Road: Situated near the east end of the Bowen Road Fitness Trail, close to Stubbs Road, offering views of Wan Chai and Happy Valley.

Wong Nai Chung Road: Located near the Happy Valley Racecourse, marking the eastern boundary of Victoria City.

Pok Fu Lam Road: Found approximately 280 meters from the junction with Pokfield Road, at the intersection with the southern boundary of Victoria City.

Sai Ning Street (Kennedy Town): Positioned slightly moved from its original location, near the western boundary at Mount Davis.

Lung Fu Shan: On the southwest slope, at the intersection of the southern boundary and the 700-foot contour line. Rediscovered in 2021.

Mount Davis: On the northwest slope, at the intersection of the western and southern boundaries. Rediscovered in 2021.

Mount Nicholson: Located at the intersection of the southern boundary, rediscovered in 2021.

Notes on the Number of Stones

Historical Count: Initially, six stones were known to survive, located at Sai Ning Street, Pok Fu Lam Road, Hatton Road, Old Peak Road, Bowen Road, and Wong Nai Chung Road. A seventh stone was rediscovered in 2005 at Magazine Gap Road but was lost in 2007 due to construction work.

2021 Discoveries: The discovery of three additional stones in 2021 (Lung Fu Shan, Mount Davis, and Mount Nicholson) brought the total to 10 known stones, though the Magazine Gap Road stone’s loss reduces the currently existing count to nine.

Potential for More: Historians, such as Lee Chak-yan of the Hong Kong History Study Circle, suggest that additional stones may exist, particularly around Wan Chai Gap Road, based on the distribution pattern along main roads. However, no official records confirm the exact number originally erected, and urban development may have destroyed others.

Interesting Stories and Data

The City of Victoria Boundary Stones are more than mere markers; they are tangible links to Hong Kong’s colonial past, urban development, and cultural history. Below are some notable stories and data points associated with these artifacts:

Connection to Racial Segregation

The boundary stones inadvertently played a role in the controversial Peak District Reservation Ordinance of 1904, which restricted Chinese residents from living above the boundary stones (i.e., on Victoria Peak) unless they obtained special permission from the colonial governor. This ordinance, in place until 1947, formalized racial segregation that had been tacit since 1841, citing economic reasons but effectively prioritizing European residents’ access to the cooler, elevated areas of the Peak. Eurasian residents also required governor approval to live above the boundary. This dark aspect of the stones’ history highlights their role in defining not just physical but also social boundaries in colonial Hong Kong.

The Lost Stone of Magazine Gap Road

In 2005, the Hong Kong History Study Circle rediscovered a seventh boundary stone along Magazine Gap Road, embedded in a private lot’s retaining wall. Its historical significance was confirmed by Joseph Ting Sun-pao, former chief curator of the Hong Kong Museum of History. However, during slope reinforcement works in June 2007, the stone disappeared, prompting outrage from historians like Lee Chak-yan. The Antiquities and Monuments Office’s failure to confirm its status as a boundary stone before its loss sparked a letter-writing campaign to the chief executive to investigate its fate, underscoring the challenges of preserving these relics amid urban development.

Cultural Representation in Media

The boundary stones have captured the imagination of Hong Kong’s cultural scene. In the 2014 film Dot 2 Dot, directed by Amos Wong, the stones serve as a plot device, guiding characters through a journey across Hong Kong’s neighborhoods to explore the city’s history and identity. The film culminates with characters visiting the westernmost stone in Kennedy Town, emphasizing the stones’ role as historical touchstones.

Hiking and Heritage Tourism

The boundary stones have become a focal point for hikers and heritage enthusiasts. A popular 5–6 hour hike, as outlined by sources like Hong Kong Hike and Blue Lapis Road, allows visitors to visit all nine surviving stones, starting from Kennedy Town, ascending to Victoria Peak, and descending to Happy Valley. The Hatton Road stone, which you encountered, is often highlighted for its accessibility and scenic location near the Peak. Hikers are advised to bring water, sunscreen, and a map, as some stones (e.g., Lung Fu Shan) are hidden in underbrush and marked only by subtle indicators like yellow tape. This trail offers a unique blend of history, exercise, and urban exploration.

Symbol of Urban Planning

The stones were erected to mark the limits of Victoria City for purposes of urban planning, taxation, and legal jurisdiction. Areas within the boundary became commercial and administrative hubs, while those outside developed later. The stones’ placement along the 700-foot contour line, particularly at Hatton Road and Old Peak Road, reflects the colonial government’s strategic approach to defining the city’s extent in a hilly, typhoon-prone environment.

Community and Conservation Efforts

The rediscovery of stones in 2021 spurred renewed interest in their preservation. The Antiquities and Monuments Office has added the newly found stones to its list of government historic sites, encouraging public reports of additional discoveries. Heritage groups advocate for increased awareness through social media and educational campaigns, emphasizing the stones’ role as milestones in Hong Kong’s urban evolution.

Anecdotal Appeal

Hikers often share stories of discovering the stones, with the Hatton Road stone being a favorite due to its proximity to the scenic Morning Trail and a Buddha sculpture. The stones’ weathered inscriptions and hidden locations evoke a sense of uncovering history, with hikers like those on Hong Kong Hike noting the thrill of informing passersby about their significance.

Conclusion

The City of Victoria Boundary Stones, including the one you observed on Hatton Road, are enduring relics of Hong Kong’s colonial past, marking the boundaries of a city that shaped the region’s early urban and administrative landscape. Established in 1903, these stones reflect the British government’s efforts to define Victoria City, which, though no longer an active administrative entity, remains legally recognized and culturally significant through names like Victoria Peak. With nine surviving stones across locations like Hatton Road, Old Peak Road, and Bowen Road, and one lost in 2007, these artifacts continue to captivate historians, hikers, and filmmakers. Their stories—ranging from their role in racial segregation to their rediscovery in 2021—highlight their importance as both historical markers and cultural touchstones in Hong Kong’s evolving identity.

The quality of your Hong Kong Tour | Experience is absolutely dependent on the quality of the guide you choose to book, please choose wisely.

My insider tip

Please note that in general if you book a tour on Viator or Tripadvisor you generally have NO control over what guide will lead your Private Tour of Hong Kong and this is the most important component of the tour. I urge you to check the actual company website and book via their website and do not forget to read Tripadvisor reviews as well.