The Jao Tsung – I Academy is one of Hong Kong’s recently renovated Grade 3 historical buildings. The large site, with high, middle and low zones, is situated on the hillside of Lai Chi Kok and has over 100 years of rich history – a customs station in the Qing dynasty, then labourers’ quarters, a quarantine station, prison, infectious disease hospital and psychiatric rehabilitation centre – before revitalization began in 2009 under the ‘Revitalising Historic Buildings through Partnership Scheme’. In many ways its history reflects the historical and social changes of Hong Kong. The Academy has been open and operated since 2014 by the Hong Kong Institute for Promotion of Chinese Culture and is named in honour of Professor Jao Tsung – I for his contributions to Sinology and cultural sharing. The low zone houses a gallery and historical exhibition hall, the middle zone houses activity rooms/facilities including a restaurant, while the upper zone houses 89 traditional style guest rooms. For more details please access website: www.jtia.hk 

The Speaker

We will have an English-speaking guide for our 1-hour tour which starts at 10.30 a.m., followed by a pre- ordered lunch for 20 persons (Fish & chips/ Spaghetti & pesto/ Sweet & sour pork with rice - soup/ salad, coffee/ tea). 

Co-ordinator: Guide:Dr Helen Tinsley

Guided Tour: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 12: 30 p.m.

How to get to Jao Tsung-I Academy, 800 Castle Peak Road, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon:

MTR Mei Foo station exit B, walk towards HKU SPACE until reaching the CLP Power Substation. Cross the footbridge and turn towards the Castle Peak Sitting Out area. Cross Castle Peak Road at the pedestrian crossing (see http://www.jtia.hk/en/about-us/contact-us/location-and-access/)

Admission: RAS Members $150; Non-Members / Guests $200

Please email membership@royalasiaticsociety.org.hk in advance to reserve your place and pay at the door

Numbers are limited to 20, so please book early, and alert us of any special diet needs