Heritage

Built in 1904 and located in Sham Shui Po, the Bishop Hill Service Reservoir, with a history of more than 100 years, was formerly a water supply facility for Kowloon residents. The reservoir is the only service reservoir in Hong Kong that combines granite columns, red brick arches, barrel vaulting, sidewalls, and a concrete floor. It is unique among all pre-WWII service reservoirs and has become a valuable part of Hong Kong's heritage.

After being abandoned for a long time, the Hong Kong government decided to demolish the reservoir in 2020. However, these plans were discovered by locals, and after much lobbying, the demolition works was suspended. In 2021, the reservoir was accorded a Grade 1 historical building status by the Antiquities Advisory Board. Now, it is open to the public via guided tours provided by The Water Supplies Department.
 
The service reservoir consists of a huge underground space, ancient Roman-style granite columns, red brick arches and barrel vaulting. Besides its rare red brick arches, the Service Reservoir also has significant historical value. Upon completion of the service reservoir, the water supply system in Kowloon provided hygienic drinking water for its residents, solving the crisis of insufficient drinking water. Subsequently, the Bishop Hill Service Reservoir itself symbolizes the transformation of Hong Kong's water supply and bears witness to the history of water conservancy projects during British rule.
 
For the guided tours provided by The Water Supplies Department, please click here for more details. Visitors need to climb the mountain and take the stairs to visit the service reservoir. Therefore, please consider your physical health before joining the tour. Those interested in guided tours can stay alert to the latest news on the official website. The Water Supplies Department has already launched a virtual tour for those who cannot join the guided tour, allowing the public to explore the service reservoir online anytime, anywhere.
 
Address: Mission Hill (Woo Tsai Hill), Sham Shui Po, Kowloon
 
To visit the service reservoir
Visitors can go up the mountain along the entrance of St. Francis’s Primary School at the foot of Bishop Hill or through the entrance of Tong Yam Street Park.
 
Reference
La Vie
Tatler asia
Woo Tsai Hill
Woo Tsai Hill (timhiking.com)
Walk in Hong Kong
Bishop Hill service reservoir
Bishop’s Hill Service Reservoir
Guided Tour to Ex-Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir