Shouson Hill

Shouson Hill (zh-t|t=壽臣山) is a hill (approx 150 m high) on the coast of Deep Water Bay east of Wong Chuk Hang on Hong Kong Island in Hong Kong. It is also an upmarket residential area located just to the north of the hill. The area consists primarily of Shouson Hill Road, a loop off the main Wong Chuk Hang Road, together with a few side roads.

The hill is named after Chow Shouson, who was born in the village and became a senior official in the Qing Dynasty before the 1911 Revolution and then an active businessman and politician in Hong Kong.

History

The valley north of Shouson Hill was formerly a cultivated area containing a walled village. It has also been known as Wong Chuk Hang Valley and Staunton's Valley.

In the early 20th century, the British military used the hill to bunker troops and as a sentry post overlooking Deep Water Bay, Ocean Park, and Aberdeen. The bunkers are now abandoned and run down. During World War II, locals were evacuated to the area to avoid Japanese air assault.

Geography

Shouson Hill comprises two sections: The West and South Nursery. The area slopes steeply to Deep Water Bay and gradually towards Aberdeen. Loose gravel and steep slopes make it prone to landslides during heavy rain that occasionally require the closure of sections of road. Vegetation covers nearly three-quarters of the hill, with species including mandarin shrubs, mangrove trees, palm trees and some coniferous forest trees. Fauna includes black kites, snakes, lizards and estuary birds.

Local services

Local bus services include the #5 Public Light Bus, between Aberdeen and Causeway Bay, and the #6 bus from Admiralty to just outside Ocean Park.

Shopping opportunities are limited to Shouson Place which includes a PARKnSHOP grocery store.