Former YMCA HQ, Tin Hau temple declared as monuments
The government on Friday classified a Tin Hau Temple in Sai Kung and the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong in Sheung Wan as statutory monuments. Government-appointed antiquities experts earlier said the temple – located on the northern shore of Joss House Bay – is of significant historical and social value, as it represents the traditional religious practices of fishermen and the seafaring community. They said it also exemplifies the significance of Tin Hau belief in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, the Chinese YMCA building in Sheung Wan – now known as the Bridges Street Centre – was built in 1918. It was the first headquarters of the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong until the association moved to Waterloo Road, Kowloon, in 1966.  The building retains an indoor heated swimming pool and elevated wok-shaped timber running track, supported by a cantilever structure, both of historical importance.