Chinese People's Liberation Army Forces Hong Kong Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chinese People's Liberation Army Forces Hong Kong Building |
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中國人民解放軍駐香港部隊大廈
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The building on 2 September 2014
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| General information | |
| Status | Complete |
| Type | Military |
| Location |  Hong Kong |
| Coordinates | 22°16′54″N 114°9′51″E / 22.28167°N 114.16417°E |
| Completed | 1979 |
| Height | |
| Roof | 113 m (371 ft) |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 28 |
| References | |
| Chinese People's Liberation Army Forces Hong Kong Building | |||||||||||||
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| Chinese People's Liberation Army Forces Hong Kong Building | |||||||||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 中國人民解放軍駐香港部隊大廈 | ||||||||||||
| Simplified Chinese | 中国人民解放军驻香港部队大厦 | ||||||||||||
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| Prince of Wales Building | |||||||||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 威爾斯親王大廈 | ||||||||||||
| Simplified Chinese | 威尔斯亲王大厦 | ||||||||||||
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The Chinese People's Liberation Army Forces Hong Kong Building is a very important building in Hong Kong. It serves as the main office for the People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison. You can find it on Lung Wui Road in Admiralty.
This building is 113 meters (371 feet) tall and has 28 floors. It stands on what used to be a naval base called HMS Tamar. Before its current name, it was known as the Prince of Wales Building (Chinese: 威爾斯親王大廈).
Contents
History of the Building
How the Building Got Its Name
The building was built in 1979. It was first named the Prince of Wales Building. For many years, it was the main office for the Royal Navy in Hong Kong.
In 1997, Hong Kong was returned to China. This event is known as the Handover. After this, the building became the main office for the PLA Hong Kong Garrison.
In May 2000, the government body in Hong Kong, called the Legislative Council, made a new rule. This rule officially changed the building's name. It went from Prince of Wales Building to the Chinese People's Liberation Army Forces Hong Kong Building.
Renovations and Unique Shape
Even after the name change, the old name was still visible on the building for some time. The building had a big renovation that lasted 20 months. This was finished in 2014. During this time, many soldiers moved to the Stonecutters Island base.
The building has a very unique shape. Many people say it looks like a wineglass or an "upside-down Gin bottle." This special design is thought to make it harder to climb or attack. It has a narrow base and wider upper floors.
There used to be a small chapel inside the building when the British military used it. A crucifix was visible on the outside. However, during the renovation, the cross was removed. The old English name was also replaced with the new Chinese name.
About the PLA in Hong Kong
Military Presence in Hong Kong
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has several military bases in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Besides the PLA Forces Hong Kong Building, there are important bases at Stonecutters Island and Stanley Fort.
The soldiers stationed at these three locations are considered highly skilled. They are not allowed to leave their bases, even when they are not on duty. This means they do not mix with the local people. The PLA Forces Hong Kong Building is a restricted area. It is heavily guarded by soldiers carrying automatic rifles.
Gallery
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Tim Mei Avenue, looking west. You can see the PLA Forces Hong Kong Building in the middle.
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Cotton Tree Drive, looking northeast. The PLA Forces Hong Kong Building is visible here.
See also
- People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison
- List of buildings and structures in Hong Kong
- Stanley Fort
- British Forces Overseas Hong Kong
- Military of Hong Kong under British rule (Category)
