The nostalgic atmosphere of Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui is home to a new landmark, 1881 Heritage. Utilizing a historic building constructed in 1881, this facility has been highly popular as a photo spot since its opening in 2009.
The area is filled with a luxurious ambiance, featuring a five-star hotel where all rooms are suites and lined with high-end brand shops—making it perfect for dates as well. It’s a recommended sightseeing spot for couples and for older visitors who want to enjoy a sophisticated sightseeing experience.
Now, let’s take a look at the highlights of 1881 Heritage, how to access it, and nearby information.
1. What is 1881 HERITAGE?
1881 Heritage is a new tourist attraction in Tsim Sha Tsui that opened in 2009 as a commercial complex. It was renovated from the former Hong Kong Marine Police Headquarters, originally built in 1881. The building retains the elegant atmosphere of the British colonial era, making it a very popular Instagram-worthy photo spot. In 1994, it was also designated as a cultural heritage site of Hong Kong architecture.
The main building towering at the center currently operates as the five-star hotel "Hullett House." The annex, once used as stables, now houses restaurants, while the old Kowloon Fire Station and dormitories are used as shops, and the clock tower serves as an exhibition space. Various seasonal events are held at the central fountain plaza throughout the year.
If you want to learn more about the building, it’s recommended to visit the exhibition room on the second floor. There you’ll find materials about 1881 Heritage and the history of the Tsim Sha Tsui area, including what it was like when it was first built in 1881. Also, take note of the contrast between the nostalgic ambiance of 1881 Heritage and the surrounding modern buildings.
Name: 1881 Heritage
Address: No.2A, Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Official Website: https://www.1881heritage.com/
2. Popular Afternoon Tea
When in Hong Kong, why not enjoy a lovely afternoon tea? A highly recommended spot is "CAFE Parlour," located inside the five-star hotel House 1881. Their afternoon tea set, perfect for two or more people, is extremely popular and always bustling with locals and tourists alike.
The three-tier tea stand is adorned with charming bite-sized sweets, homemade scones, and colorful light snacks, making it visually delightful. The beautiful table setting matches perfectly, making you want to snap some photos. You can choose from five different kinds of tea.
Afternoon tea is served from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, for just three hours. Since weekends and holidays can get quite busy, it’s recommended to make a reservation if you want to guarantee a seat. The indoor seating lets you enjoy the luxurious atmosphere of a five-star hotel, but since you’re already there, why not try the terrace seats for a more open-air experience?
Name: CAFE Parlour
Official Website: http://www.house1881.com/dine1.html
3. Recommended Restaurant
A popular Cantonese restaurant frequently featured in guidebooks and media, not only in Hong Kong but also in Japan, is Prince Restaurant (王子飯店). Known for its simple seasoning that brings out the natural flavors of its ingredients, the restaurant doesn’t use any artificial flavor enhancers and cooks with minimal oil, making the dishes very healthy. Dim sum is also available from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
While all their dishes have a great reputation, the must-tries are the "Prince Fried Rice" and the "Best Bun Under Heaven (天下第一包)." The Prince Fried Rice is generously loaded with large shrimp and has a perfectly balanced seasoning, making it popular among both children and adults. The signature dim sum, "Best Bun Under Heaven," is a glossy bun stuffed full of flavorful char siu (barbecued pork), offering a very satisfying bite.
Though the prices are slightly on the higher side, the carefully selected ingredients and guaranteed flavor make it worth the experience. If you’re looking to enjoy a special meal in Hong Kong, this place is highly recommended. Don’t forget to check out their house-made XO sauce—it makes a great souvenir!
Name: Prince Restaurant (王子飯店)
Address: Shop 209, 1881 Heritage, 2A Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Official Website: http://princerestaurant.com.hk/jp/
4. Luxury Shops
1881 Heritage is home to many attractive shops. You’ll be thrilled to see familiar names like Mikimoto, Tiffany & Co., Montblanc, Cartier, Chopard, and Piaget—all brands well-known even in Japan. Nearby, you’ll also find Canton Road, famous for its row of high-end brand shops, so it’s worth visiting both spots together.
5. Access to 1881 Heritage
By MTR (Subway):
Just steps from Exit L6 of Tsim Sha Tsui Station on the Tsuen Wan Line.
By Free Shuttle Bus:
Take the K2 line heading towards Tsim Sha Tsui / Canton Road. Get off at any of these stops: Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel, The Peninsula Hong Kong, or The Langham Hong Kong.
◎ Finally: Sightseeing Spots Around 1881 Heritage
Right next to 1881 Heritage stands the Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower (Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower). Built in 1916 as part of the Kowloon-Canton Railway terminus, this 44-meter-high red-brick clock tower is also a popular photo spot. Affectionately known as the "Clock Tower," it is considered a symbol of Tsim Sha Tsui.
If you walk down Canton Road from 1881 Heritage towards East Tsim Sha Tsui Station, you’ll come across the Hong Kong Space Museum. As the name suggests, this is a museum where you can learn all about space, and it’s famous for having one of the world’s largest planetariums. With theaters, sky shows, and many programs that young children can enjoy, it’s a highly recommended spot for families with kids.