But many so-called “restoration” projects end up stripping away much of the historic value of the buildings they’re supposed to save. One example is the Wan Chai Market, a streamline moderne building from the 1930s that was originally slated to be demolished, then saved; in the end its façade will be preserved and incorporated into the podium of a luxury apartment tower. There was nothing fundamentally wrong with the market — it was structurally sound, well-ventilated and quite large. But the government is hungry for money and it’s always willing to sell off any property it has in prime locations.

The Conservancy Association and Designing Hong Kong are two of the most vocal advocacy groups. Gwulo is a good site with photos and other resources on HK’s built heritage.