Jewish Heritage of Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s Jewish heritage is a fascinating aspect of the city’s multicultural history. Although the Jewish population in Hong Kong is relatively small, with only around 4,000 Jews living in the city, their impact on the city has been significant. Book this 5 or 6 hour tour with our specialist Jewish guide, and find out more.

Jewish traders were among the first foreign merchants to set up shop in Hong Kong, Macau, and Canton when China opened up to international trade in the mid-1800s. These traders played a crucial role in the development of Hong Kong’s economy and helped establish the city as a key trading hub in the region.

Today, visitors to Hong Kong can explore the city’s Jewish heritage through a variety of Jewish heritage sites and we have developed a customisable tour itinerary that showcases all of Hong Kong’s Jewish heritage.

Our suggested Jewish heritage tour itinerary includes visits to the Ohel Leah Synagogue in Midlevels, the Jewish Cemetery in Happy Valley, and the Peninsula Hotel and Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, among other sites. These locations provide a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of Hong Kong’s Jewish community.

The Ohel Leah Synagogue is one of the most important Jewish heritage sites in Hong Kong. It was built in 1902 and is named after Leah Sassoon, a prominent member of the Jewish community in Hong Kong. The synagogue is a beautiful building with a distinctive blue and white façade and an ornate interior.

The Jewish Cemetery in Happy Valley is another important Jewish heritagesite in Hong Kong. It is the final resting place of many members of the city’s Jewish community, including the Sassoon family, who played a significant role in the development of Hong Kong’s economy. The cemetery is a peaceful and reflective place, and visitors can pay their respects to the departed and learn about the history of the Jewish community in Hong Kong.

The Peninsula Hotel and Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui are also significant Jewish heritage sites. The Peninsula Hotel was built in 1928 by members of the Kadoorie family, who were Jewish philanthropists and entrepreneurs. The hotel is a beautiful example of colonial-era architecture and has hosted many famous guests over the years. Nathan Road, which runs through the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, was named after Sir Matthew Nathan, a Jewish governor of Hong Kong in the early 1900s.

It is also worth noting that about half of Hong Kong’s Jewish population originates from overseas, including countries like the US, UK, France, Australia, South Africa, Israel, and Canada. This diversity adds to the richness of Hong Kong’s Jewish heritage and highlights the city’s role as a global hub for trade, culture, and innovation.

Through our customizable tours, visitors can explore the city’s Jewish heritage sites, learn about the history and culture of the Jewish community in Hong Kong, and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s place in the world. If you are interested in exploring Hong Kong’s Jewish heritage, we invite you to book a tour with us and discover all that this vibrant and dynamic city has to offer.