Taking a stroll around the green, historical campus of St Stephen's College on a fine day, one will probably be amazed by its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The 105-year-old school, located in a tranquil part of Stanley, has witnessed changes in the city from wartime to peacetime over the past century.
To principal Louise Law Yi-shu, the campus is more than just an ideal place to escape from the hurly-burly of city life. It is also a perfect site for Hongkongers, especially students, to learn more about local and world history.
She recently decided to set up a heritage trail around the school, covering an area of about 150,000 square metres, to guide people through nine historical points in the locality.
'One of the most historic constructions in the school is the main building. The hall of the building was once turned into a military hospital by the government days after the Japanese invaded into Hong Kong [during the second world war],' Dr Law said.
'When the Japanese forced their way into our school [early on Christmas Day in 1941], they killed more than 50 wounded allied soldiers.'
Tam Cheung-huen, who was then the school's head of Chinese studies, was also one of the victims. His remains were later buried in the Stanley Military Cemetery, also a part of the heritage trail.
Two expatriate teachers at the school, John Gaunt and Arthur Job, who had joined the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps as Japanese troops advanced on the city, also lost their lives in the war.