The Antiquities and Monuments Office has set up a heritage trail in the Central and Western District that links together the historic buildings and sites in the vicinity with the aim of providing visitors with a better understanding of how this important area has grown and developed over the years. The project has been made possible with the generous financial support of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.

The entire heritage trail comprises three routes: the Central Route, which was launched in October 1997, the Sheung Wan Route, opened in July 1999, and the Western District and the Peak Route, which was added in December 2000. All of them have received an enthusiastic response from the public.

Although Hong Kong's urban landscape is constantly changing, many historic buildings still survive as witnesses to the growth and development of the city’s districts.

• The Central Route
• The Sheung Wan Route
• The Western District and the Peak Route

* The historical photographs are provided by the Hong Kong Museum of History, the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Public Records Office, Government Records Service and the Information Services Department.