Applications for tour of Hong Kong Observatory begin today

Applications opened today (October 12) for guided tours of the Hong Kong Observatory Headquarters starting from the end of this month.

Located amid the hustle and bustle of Tsim Sha Tsui, the Observatory Headquarters enjoys a serenity completely uncharacteristic of this hectic business area. It is rich with fauna and flora, some of which are quite uncommon in Hong Kong. The guided tour will take the visitors back in time to trace the Observatory's development in the past 120 years. Visitors will be able to see how weather forecasts are made and how technology is put to use.

People will also have a chance to see some elegant historical building and appreciate the ecology of a mini-forest in the heart of the city. Although the Observatory provides services closely related to people's daily living, members of the public seldom have the opportunity to visit other than the annual Open Day in late March.

Starting from October 31, people can visit the Observatory on two to three Saturdays every month. Cantonese guided tours will be provided by volunteers of "The Friends of the Observatory". People interested in joining the tours can enrol on-line through the Observatory webpage: http://www.weather.gov.hk/education/art/hko_tour_e.htm starting today. Each tour is limited to 30 places, and enrolment will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis. The tours are free.