Duddell Street

Duddell Street is a street which at first glance looks just the same as any other in Central– its narrow, tall buildings on both sides and full of people everywhere. If you look closely though, you will note that there is a staircase at the end of the cul-​de-​sac; this isn’t just any old staircase but one that is finely decorated with period streetlamps to the sides. You will start to understand the importance of these streetlights as most locals know this street as the «gas light street».The lamps are an object of the age; they are the four remaining gas streetlamps in Hong Kong and they give the street that specific aura that many people come here to take photos for that particular reason.
The staircase itself was built in the 1880s and this is one of the few remaining locations in Hong Kong where things look pretty much the same it did 100 years ago. The entire area has a distinct European flavor to it and it reminds you that not too long ago this place was a British colony.
Also strange is the fact that compared to the rest of the Lan Kwai Fong district– there is little to do in terms of entertainment here. Apart from the Starbucks half way up the stairs which features some unusual local design and décor (which can’t be found anywhere else indeed), there are no bars or clubs here. It is odd that how two streets away from party central this place is very much a serious, business part of central.
A day trip around Central should definitely include this as a location to take a few photos and do some day dreaming of the old days.

I used to walk down these steps every day to get to work and it wasn’t until I looked it up that I realised that they are actually a historical monument. They were built in the late 1800s and are currently the only working gas lamps in Hong Kong.
Whilst not anything to deliberately seek out, I always make a point of taking visiting friends via these steps when heading into town. It’s a great insight into what colonial Hong Kong was like and of course the perch directly above the G.O.D themed Starbucks and the Shanghai Tang flagship store — two more touristy spots.
Regarded as a romantic spot, it is common to see wedding photographs being taken on these steps as well as fashion shoots with models and huge camera crews. Chinese films and TV shows are also filmed here so it seems that the Government’s decision to give the steps monument status was a good move.
To avoid a climb, head down the steps from Ice House Street. You can carry on along Duddell Street and find yourself right in front of the Landmark for a spot of shopping.
Bring your camera.