The Antiquities and Monuments Office set up a Heritage Trail in the Central and Western Districts with the generous financial support of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. The Trail links up historic buildings and sites, enabling travellers to have a better understanding of the growth and development of the Districts. The entire Heritage Trail comprises three routes which were launched in three phases : the Central Route, the Sheung Wan Route and the Western District and the Peak Route which were launched in October 1997, July 1999 and December 2000 respectively. They have been well received by the public.

The Central Route
The Central District is the heart of the city which was first developed with the inception of British rule in 1841. Buildings of the Western style then quickly sprung up. The early 20th century saw Hong Kong developed into a metropolis aided by extensive reclamations extending the waterfront and development projects which were carried out at frequent intervals. This Route covers a total of 42 historic buildings and sites. Significant historical buildings which have been demolished and memorial stones are also included in the route to enable visitors to recapture past landmarks of the Central District.