The HSBC Main Building in Hong Kong is located in Central, between Queen’s Road Central and Des Voeux Road Central, near Queen’s Square and the Standard Chartered Bank Building, and close to the Central MTR station. Constructed in 1986, the skyscraper stands at 178.8 meters tall with 54 floors. The building’s design resembles a Transformer, and its exquisite architecture has earned it a reputation as one of the world’s most creative buildings to this day. Most visitors, including locals, assume that the entrance with the bronze lions is the main entrance, but the true main entrance faces the Cheung Kong Center.
At the entrance, two lion statues are placed, with the roaring one named ‘Stephen’ after A. G. Stephen, the general manager of the Hong Kong headquarters from 1920 to 1924, who initiated the casting of the lions. The other lion is called ‘Stitt’, named after G. H. Stitt, the manager of the Shanghai branch at the time. The lions, one majestic and the other restrained, were looted by the Japanese during World War II and returned to their original positions after the Japanese defeat by the U.S. military. Even today, one can still see some inconspicuous bullet marks on them.
Upon entering the bank’s lobby, one can look up to see an atrium that spans 11 floors. Standing beneath the atrium, one is surrounded by open offices, yet the space remains bright and tranquil. This is due to the open and transparent design that fills the building with natural light, and the building’s acoustic technology effectively controls noise. The ground floor lobby doors face south and north, maintaining a cool temperature throughout the year, which is quite rare.
In addition, it is also suitable to visit the building at night. The HSBC building at night is even more glorious and beautiful. Around 6 o’clock, after night falls, various neon lights on the building start to flash. At this time, you can take a photo with this building outside the building as a souvenir. Opening hours throughout the year: Monday to Thursday, 09:00 – 16:30; Friday throughout the year, 09:00 – 17:00; Saturday throughout the year, 09:00 – 13:00; Sunday throughout the year, closed all day.
Service facilities. Barrier-free service: Barrier-free entrance. Tips: 1. Most of the people in the building are staff. When playing, please do not make loud noises and do not affect the office of bank staff. 2. When visiting the building, please also pay attention not to litter and keep the environmental hygiene in the building.
