At the southern end of Duddell Street - an easy-to-miss back alley on the bustling Queen’s Road Central, stands one of the most cinematic stairways that attracts thousands of visitors to get glimpses of the past colonial city. Once you step on the flight of the granite steps, you will be transported back to over 100 years ago where shadowy streets were lit with gas lamps.

The one-of-a-kind staircase, characterized by its elegant structure of Tuscan order built with granite blocks, came into existence in 1883. Filled with nostalgic and historical charms, the 4 gas lamps sitting atop either end of the stairway in pairs were added later in time in early 20th century, with models supplied by William Sugg. & Co in the UK. What makes it extraordinary is that the gas lamps were designed shorter in length than the normal ones at the time in order to be perfectly mounted at both ends. They now still light the way from 6pm to 6am daily but automatically, unlike the past times when they had to be manually illuminated.

But the typhoon Mangkhut (颱風山竹) in 2018 wrecked the century-old cultural heritage. The steps and gas lamps were severely damaged with pieces shattered on the ground. But fortunately, it came back to life again after a 15-month repair, otherwise it would be such a big loss to the city if nothing could be done. The last 4 remaining gas lamps in the city survived through thick and thin so pay a visit if you can, especially at night when it resembles the dusky world back in the days.