Shouson Hill

Shouson Hill (Chinese: 壽臣山) is a hill (approx 150 m high) on the coast of Deep Water Bay east of Wong Chuk Hang on Hong Kong Island in Hong Kong. It is also an affluent residential area located just to the north of the hill. The area consists primarily of Shouson Hill Road, a loop off the main Wong Chuk Hang Road, together with a few side roads.

Shouson Hill, in the centre, with surrounding residential neighbourhoods

The hill is named after Chow Shouson, who was born in the village and became a senior official in the Qing Dynasty before the 1911 Revolution and then an active businessman and politician in Hong Kong.

History

The valley north of Shouson Hill was formerly a cultivated area containing a walled village. It has also been known as Wong Chuk Hang Valley and Staunton's Valley.

In the early 20th century, the British military used the hill to bunker troops and as a sentry post overlooking Deep Water Bay, Aberdeen, and area now occupied by Ocean Park. The bunkers are now abandoned and run down. During World War II, locals were evacuated to the area to avoid Japanese air assault.

Geography

Shouson Hill comprises two sections: The West and South Nursery. The area slopes steeply to Deep Water Bay and gradually towards Aberdeen. Loose gravel and steep slopes make it prone to landslides during heavy rain that occasionally require the closure of sections of road. Vegetation covers nearly three-quarters of the hill, with species including mandarin shrubs, mangrove trees, palm trees and some coniferous forest trees. Fauna includes black kites, snakes, lizards and estuary birds.

Local services

Local bus service includes the #5 Public Light Bus, between Aberdeen and Causeway Bay.

MTR South Island Line Ocean Park Station exit C is also located at the foot of the hill.

The lower parts of Shouson Hill Road and Shouson Hill Road West are a 10 to 15-minute walk to various bus services to city centre destinations such as Causeway Bay, Central and North Point. Other destinations include Repulse Bay and Stanley.

Shopping opportunities are limited to Shouson Place which includes a Fusion grocery store.

See also

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