Canal Road Flyover (Ngo Keng Kiu)

Built in the 1970s, the Canal Road Flyover—locally known as Ngo Keng Kiu—spans Canal Road East and West in Wan Chai. It serves as a key link between the Cross-Harbour Tunnel and Aberdeen Tunnel. Beneath the flyover, especially at the junction with Hennessy Road, lies a cultural hotspot famous for the traditional practice of “villain hitting.”

This folk ritual, rooted in Cantonese customs, is especially popular during the “Insects Awakening” season. Practitioners symbolically beat paper effigies representing “villains” with old shoes to ward off bad luck and invite good fortune. The ceremony often includes offerings to the White Tiger, incense burning, and chanting—creating a vivid and mystical atmosphere.

Beyond its cultural significance, the flyover reflects the evolution of urban infrastructure in Wan Chai. The underpass, though modest in size, is rich in local character and offers a rare glimpse into the coexistence of tradition and modernity.