In accordance with the enforcement of the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance in 1976, the Antiquities and Monuments Office and the Antiquities Advisory Board were established in the same year to conserve places of historical and archaeological interest in Hong Kong.
The main duties of the Office are to search for, identify, record and conserve a wide range of items with historical interest as well as organise various programmes and activities to promote the importance of heritage conservation.
The Board is a statutory body consisting of members with expertise in various fields covered by the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance.
Ancient artefacts unearthed from archaeological work in Hong Kong suggest that it was inhabited by early settlers around 6,000 years ago.
By 20 October 2023, 134 items have been declared as monuments under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance in Hong Kong.
Many declared monuments owned by the government are already open to the public. The main reasons for not opening to the public those remaining are: (1) being used by Government departments, public or non-government organisations for specific purposes, such as schools or non-government welfare facilities, etc.; (2) not suitable for opening due to their structural condition or public safety concern; and (3) not open for the time being pending completion of repair works or studies such as their feasibility for adaptive re-use.
The Office established three Heritage Trails, namely the Central and Western Heritage Trail (Central Route, Sheung Wan Route, and the Western District and the Peak Route), the Ping Shan Heritage Trail in Yuen Long, and the Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail in Fanling.
Archaeological excavations at Sung Wong Toi Station works area and Nam Tong, Tung Lung Island are some of the archaeological excavations in Hong Kong in recent years.
Through the two separate territory-wide surveys undertaken, there are 208 sites of archaeological interest in Hong Kong have been recorded. For details, please browse the webpage on "Archaeology".
The public are welcome to access our Hong Kong Archaeological Archive System through personal computer or mobile device to view some important archaeological finds discovered in Hong Kong. Reference materials on Hong Kong archaeology can be obtained from the Reference Library of the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre (HDC). You may also wish to visit our Permanent Exhibition in the HDC and Hong Kong Archaeological Archives (by appointment only) to acquire more information on local archaeology. For enquiries or appointment, please contact us.
Archaeological excavation sites are very similar to construction sites. There are different hazards and special care needs to be taken to prevent accidents. Therefore, only qualified persons with formal training are granted access to an excavation.
If someone finds something he considers antiquity or supposes antiquity, please contact the AMO at 2208 4400 to report the discovery as soon as possible. It is important that no unqualified person would continue further digging since an antiquity only gets its full significance when the contextual information it has been found in can be carefully studied.
Pottery sherds, bones or stone implements are carefully washed, labeled and accessioned. If enough fragments of a vessel have been found, the vessel may be assembled and restored. Other materials, such as metals, glass or fabrics may first have to undergo special conservation treatments to stop further deterioration. These finds are therefore sent to specialized laboratories. Human remains are studied by physical anthropologists and are treated with the utmost respect.
Representative objects may be chosen for further studies leading to publication. These finds are then drawn to scale and photographed. Their associated features and finds they have been found in are carefully studied. These results are compared with other sites to gain a broader picture.
Finally, all the finds are carefully packed and stored in archaeological repository. Some materials, such as metal objects or fabrics need to be stored in rooms where light, temperature and humidity are carefully controlled. Some important items will be put on display at the HDC and local museums.
It is an educational programme established by the Office, aiming at enhancing public awareness of Hong Kong's heritage and equipping them with professional knowledge on heritage conservation through training programmes and activities.
The public are welcome to order pictures of declared monuments. Please fill in an e-Form, or download a request form, complete and return it to us by post, fax or e-mail.
The public are welcome to obtain our pamphlets on monuments. If you require more than 20 copies, please fill in an e-Form, or download a request form, complete and return it to us by post, fax or e-mail.