Shek O Bus Terminus: A 1950s Modernist Gem in Hong Kong

The Shek O Bus Terminus, built in 1955, is a modernist architectural gem in Hong Kong. Designated a Grade 2 historical building, it reminds us of the city's past and unique architectural styles.

Completed in 1955, the design of the two-storey structure includes its signature cantilevered veranda running the full length of the upper level. On the reduced level, the recessed waiting area gets on one side, the old stationmaster’s office on the other, opposing the frequently held building notion that balance amounts to charm.

After the journey via the winding roads of Hong Kong Island’s verdant south side, the first sight that welcomes site visitors to the prominent beach town of Shek O is the much-loved bus terminus. Though many beachgoers will certainly make a beeline right for the gold sands of Shek O beach, the wonderful terminus building is worth more than a mere look.

American Modernism Influence

The structure was made by Su Gin Djih of Hsin Yieh Architects & Associates. Su belonged to the very first wave of Chinese architects to study in the U.S., and the influence of the American modernist motion can be seen in the terminus structure’s clean, straight lines and horizontality.

On Sundays and public holidays, the very first service is at 7:30 AM. From Shek O, the last minibus departs at 10:50 PM.

Restoration and Discoveries

Lastly, in 2020, having talked to the AMO on how to appropriately carry out the restoration works to maintain the structure’s authenticity, the New World First Bus Company started the procedure of refurbishing the terminus structure. During the remodellings, an old well that was originally made use of as the building’s water was uncovered, as were several classic bus stop indicators.

In the lightning paced, ever-evolving cities that is Hong Kong, little attention is paid to preservation. Shek O town and the bus terminus continue to function as pointers of past eras and to strengthen that Hong Kong doesn’t consist solely of glass, steel and concrete getting to skyward.

Historical Significance

In 2013, regardless of having actually fallen into a state of degeneration and disrepair, the bus terminus was provided Quality 2 historical building condition by the Antiquities and Monuments Workplace (AMO). Considering the structure worthy of ‘unique benefit’, owing to its status as an unusual, making it through building from the 1950s and its design in a style seldom seen in contemporary Hong Kong.

On Sundays and public vacations, the very first service is at 7:30 AM. From Shek O, the last minibus departs at 10:50 PM. The minibus runs on patronage numbers and climate conditions, so periods in between minibuses will differ.