Plan Your Visit
About JTIA
Jao Tsung-I Academy is one of the first projects under the Hong Kong Government’s Revitalizing Historic Buildings through Partnership Scheme of the Development Bureau of the HKSAR Government. The Government funded the initial restoration in partnership with the Hong Kong Institute for Promotion of Chinese Culture (HKIPCC), HKIPCC, a non-governmental organization (NGO), is directly solely responsible for the daily operation of the Academy on a self-financed basis. It is named in honour of Professor Jao Tsung-i, a renowned scholar of Chinese culture.
The Academy is located on a leafy hillside in Lai Chi Kok, an oasis nestled between the buildings of modern Hong Kong. It’s most recent life was as a psychiatric rehabilitation centre. Further back in the past, before the reclamation of the area around Mei Foo and Lai Chi Kok, the site was right next to the sea. In the late 19th century, the government of the Qing dynasty set up a customs station at this location. In the early 20th century, the British built dwellings for Chinese Labourers, leaving behind the earliest buildings on the site. Subsequently, the passage of time meant that the compound went through many phases of repair work and renovation, having successively served as a quarantine station, a prison, a hospital for infectious diseases, and a psychiatric rehabilitation centre. Though it has served different roles and performed different functions at different times, the complex has been able to adapt to whatever society needed at that time.
Architectural Features
Jao Tsung-I Academy is a historic compound enveloped in lush greenery that offers a rare oasis of nature amidst the urban landscape. The exterior of the Academy masterfully combines traditional Chinese architectural elements with modern design language, preserving classic features such as traditional roofs and corridors while incorporating Western elements like expansive glass façades. This harmonious blend highlights the rich interplay between Eastern and Western cultures.
Opening Hours
Outdoor Areas
Low Zone: Monday – Sunday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Middle Zone: Monday – Sunday 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
The Gallery & Heritage Hall, Low Zone
Tuesday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
(Closed on Mondays, except Public Holidays)
Opening Hours of Exhibition Halls
Arrangements may be different for various exhibitions, please refer to the Exhibition section for detailed information.
Office Hours
Mondays – Fridays: 10am – 6pm
(Closed on Public Holidays)
Please Note:
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The Academy reserves the right to make appropriate adjustments to the opening hours when necessary.
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In order to maintain order and ensure that each visitor has an enjoyable and comfortable experience in the Academy, all visitors are required to comply with the rules listed in the Visitors Guidelines.
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Plan Your Itinerary
Organize a colourful itinerary based on your own interests and time, and enjoy the beauty of history, culture and nature in this heritage location.
The Academy also provides cultural experience and learning opportunities with specific themes or objectives for different groups and schools.
General Visit
General Visit
Public Guided Tour
Visitors are not only invited to explore the academy during opening hours, but also registering for our complimentary public guided tours, which provide an in-depth understanding of the narratives associated with this Grade III historic building complex.
Programmes and Exhibitions
Free admission to exhibitions. JTIA offers a diverse range of activities for the public.
Group Activities
Group Activities
Group Visit
Participants will be guided by professional docents, who will elucidate the historical evolution and revitalization process of the former Lai Chi Kok Hospital project. This experience will also offer insights into the unique cultural atmosphere and architectural characteristics of the site.
School Activites
School Activities
Through cultural conservation guided tours, themed lectures and workshops. These allow teachers and students to absorb interdisciplinary knowledge from experiences that broaden their horizons, deepen their knowledge, as well as aiding in their understanding and interest in culture and history.
Location & Transportation
Address: 800 Castle Peak Road, Mei Foo, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Please note that parking spaces is not available at the Jao Tsung-I Academy.
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You can reach the Jao Tsung-I Academy within a few minutes' walk from Exit B of Mei Foo MTR Station.
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Take Exit B at Mei Foo Station and walk in the direction of the CLP Power Substation. Go up to the footbridge and turn left to the Castle Peak Sitting Out Area. Then cross Castle Peak Road at the pedestrian crossing to arrive at Jao Tsung-I Academy.
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Or you can take Exit A at Lai Chi Kok Station, then walk to the bus station next to Cheung Sha Wan Plaza and take bus No. 31B, 32, 35A, 36B or 286X. Alight at Jao Tsung-I Academy stop.
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Take KMB bus No. 31B, 32, 35A, 36B, 40 or 286X. Alight at the Jao Tsung-I Academy stop.
JTIA Map
酒店接待處
洗手間
Toilet
咖啡店
Timeless Cafe
保安亭
無障礙洗手間
Barrier-free toilet
悅滿軒
House of Joy
車輛上落客區
升降機
Lift
自動售賣機
Vending Machine
Check-in Lobby
Guard Room
Vehicle drop-off point
禪藝學院
Chan Art Academy
High Zone - Heritage Lodge Block A-E
High Zone comprises of five hundred-year-old 2-storey buildings, which have now become Heritage Lodge. It provides a classical Chinese ambience surrounded by luscious green trees, chirping birds, and fragrant flowers.
Middle Zone - Block F-K
Middle Zone comprises six main buildings which house the Exhibition Halls, Resource Centre, Restaurant, Theatre, Lecture Hall, and the administrative office of the Academy. Various facilities are provided within and outside these buildings, including exhibition halls, activity rooms, theatre, lecture hall, workshops, and conference room. The Atrium, which is located between the Restaurant and the Theatre, is covered by a skylight to allow for outdoor activities whether rain or shine.
Low Zone - Block P & Q
The Gallery and Heritage Hall are located in Low Zone. If you need assistance, please contact the Reception Office, also located in Low Zone.
You can reach Middle Zone via a flight of steps or by the elevator.
Terms & Conditions for Visitors
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The Academy is a complex of Grade 3 historic buildings. Please take good care of our heritage and avoid causing any damage to the buildings and facilities.
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The Academy is open for the public. Any group with more than 15 participants must complete the application form for Group Visits. The number of participants in any group visit should not exceed 120. Please click here for further details.
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The Academy offers free guided tours. Interested participants may present themselves at the Guided Tour Meeting Point at Hall 1 of the Gallery prior to the start of each guided tour. Please click here for further details.
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In the event that Typhoon Signal No. 8 or above or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal hoisted by the Hong Kong Observatory is still in force at or after 8:00 a.m. on any particular day, the Academy will be closed for that day. All previously booked guided tours for that day will be cancelled. If the Education Bureau has announced the cancellation or suspension of classes in schools, all previously booked school visits and related services of the day will be cancelled. Please contact our staff by telephone (2100-2828) regarding any special arrangements.
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Photography, eating and drinking are prohibited inside the Gallery and Heritage Hall. Please refrain from making any excessive noise or behaving in any disorderly manner.
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Vehicles may drop off or pick up passengers at the main entrance of the Academy, but there is no provision for public parking space.
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Please be careful when taking pictures and do not cause any disturbance to other visitors. Tripods are prohibited unless prior permission has been obtained from the Academy.
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Prior permission must be obtained from the Academy for any photographic activities for commercial purposes, wedding pictures or modeling.
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To maintain a comfortable environment, smoking is prohibited within the premises of the Academy (including the areas for passenger drop-off and pick-up).
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No pets (except guide dogs and pets for accommodation of Heritage Lodge).
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Please take care of your personal belongings and observe safety precautions. The Academy will not be responsible for any loss or damage to personal property within its premises.
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The Academy has the right to demand the departure of any person who cause disturbance to other visitors.
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The Academy reserves the right to decisions on the final interpretation of these rules and regulations, and the right to accept or reject any applications.
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Should you have any enquires, please contact us by 2100 2828.