Stanley, Hong Kong

Stanley, also known as Chek Chue, is a charming coastal town that attracts numerous tourists to Hong Kong. Situated on a peninsula on Hong Kong Island, it lies to the east of Repulse Bay and the west of Shek O, adjacent to Chung Hom Kok. From an administrative standpoint, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Southern District.

The Chinese name "Chek Chue" originally referred to the village-town, but "Stanley" has come to encompass all the surrounding areas of the peninsula on Hong Kong Island. There are two possible explanations for the origin of the name "Chek Chue." According to legend, the infamous pirate Cheung Po Tsai operated in the area, leading to the district being known in Cantonese as Chak Chue (meaning 'Bandit's Post'). In the past, there existed a cave named Cheung Po Tsai Cave near the Tin Hau Temple, situated west of Stanley. However, the cave was filled in the early 1950s.

The original Cantonese name of the village is believed to have been inspired by a tall cotton tree adorned with vibrant red blossoms that grew abundantly at that time. Hence, it came to be known as the "red pillar" in the Hakka language.

The town was given its English name in honor of Lord Stanley (later Earl of Derby), the British Colonial Secretary during Hong Kong's cession to the United Kingdom, who subsequently became the Prime Minister.

After the annexation of Hong Kong in 1842, Stanley briefly served as the temporary administrative center before it was relocated to the newly established Victoria City (now Central) on Hong Kong Island.

During the Battle of Hong Kong, Stanley Fort was the site where British and Canadian troops made a final stand. However, in December 1941, the survivors surrendered to Japanese forces. Today, the fort, which once housed the British Army barracks in Stanley, is occupied by the People's Liberation Army after the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong to the People's Republic of China in 1997.