Lai Chi Kok Hospital, Grade III historic building in Sham Shui Po District, Hong Kong
Lai Chi Kok Hospital is a Grade III historic building at Castle Peak Road in Kowloon, comprising multiple structures arranged across extensive grounds. The complex includes guest accommodation, educational facilities, and landscaped areas with heritage buildings.
The site began as a labor dormitory in the 1800s and was converted to military barracks in 1912, later serving as an internment facility. After becoming a hospital in 1937, it provided long-term care for chronic conditions for many decades.
The site takes its name from a nearby bay and now hosts the Jao Tsung-I Academy, which runs educational programs centered on Chinese culture and the arts. Visitors can see exhibitions that showcase traditional techniques and creative practices.
The site is best explored on foot with clearly marked pathways and multiple entry points that make navigation straightforward. Visitors should allow adequate time to walk through the buildings and outdoor areas without rushing.
In its early decades, this facility focused on treating contagious illnesses before redirecting its medical focus later on. This shift reflects how healthcare priorities evolved and the changing role the place played in public health.
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