Pottinger Street(Stone Slab Street) (Chinese: 砵典乍街; pinyin: Bōdiǎnzhà Jiē; Cantonese Yale: but1 din1 ja3 gaai1; formerly 砵甸乍街) was originally paved from the Queen’s Road Central to Hollywood Road in Central, Hong Kong. It was paved with stones because it was rather steep. In 1857, the Hong Kong government named it Pottinger Street to remember the first Governor of Hong Kong, Henry Pottinger. But as the whole street was paved with stone slaps, it is better known as the Stone Slabs Street(石板街) by the locals.
History
edit
”Origin”
editThe Pottinger Street was built during the term of the first governor of Hong Kong: Sir Henry Pottinger. It was named after him in 1857. It was originally built on the slope between Queen's Road Central and Hollywood Road. The street was made of stones which were put one side slighter higher, one slightly lower. This made it has a skid-resistant function.
”Development”
editThe pottinger Steet extended its length to Connaught Road Central with the Central Reclamation Phase in . Although the second part was not built by stones, people still call it Stone Slabs Street (石板街).
Cultural
edit”Stamps “
editon June 24, 2010, a set of special stamps on "Characteristic Streets in Hong Kong" was released for sale together with associated philatelic products. This set of special stamps features six characteristic streets in Hong Kong and Pottinger Street was one of them. The 3-D street scene diorama in a layered design captures the hustle and bustle of street life in Hong Kong and is an ideal miniature model collectible. Information about this special stamp issue and associated philatelic products may be obtained from the website of Hongkong Post.
”Movies”
editWith its long history and special features, many directors choose to shoot movies with some scenes of the Pottinger Street. And these movies include: In the Mood for Love", "Lust • Caution", "Sparrow", "Infernal Affairs", etc.
Location, Traffic & Surroundings
edit”Location”
edit
The Pottinger Street lies from the Connaught Road Central to Hollywood Road Central, Hong Kong. * Traffic
”traffic”
editIt takes about 10 minutes by walk from the Exit D2 of the Central MTR Station. One can take the No. 8 and No. 28 mini bus, No. 40 and No. 40M bus and many others to get there.
”Surroundings”
edit- Places of interest
- Old Central Police Station (舊中區警署)
- Lan Kwai Fong, Central (中環蘭桂坊)
- Hong Kong Fringe Club (香港藝穗會)
- Streets
Commerce
edit- Shops
There are a lot of shops on the street. Many of them were the old fashioned, simply structured green cabins. These shops sell the accessories of women, special toys, second hand books, fancy dress and tools for masked ball, clothes and groceries at cheap prices. Western Restaurants can also be found.
References
edit- Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), t. H. K. S. A. R. G. o. t. P. s. R. o. C. (Producer). (2009, Dec.29th
). 砵典乍街（石板街）. Retrieved from http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/ce/Museum/Monument/b5/trails_sheungwan2.php?tid=3
- Kean, R. (2001). Appendix: Hong Kong Chronology. Citizenship Studies, 5(2), 221-232. doi:10.1080/13621020120053590.
- . Special stamp issue - "Characteristic Streets in Hong Kong". ( 2010 )