Through the Antiquities and Monuments Office, the department plays an important role in the preservation and promotion of Hong Kong's heritage. A highlight of the year was the designation of the Cape D'Aguilar Lighthouse as a declared monument, bringing the total number of declared monuments in Hong Kong to 80. The office also carried out restoration and repair work on 63 historical buildings, including the Chan Yi Cheung Ancestral Hall in Tsuen Wan, and the Cheung Ancestral Hall, the Man Lung Fung Ancestral Hall and the Tai Fu Tai Mansion in Yuen Long.

		Cape D'Aguilar Lighthouse was the first of its kind built in Hong Kong, playing an important role in the territory's maritime history.

The office conducts rescue excavations at archaeological sites that are threatened by development, and monitors other sites. Some 170 operations were undertaken in 2005. The office also contributed to environmental impact assessment studies for development projects, and monitored field investigations and the implementation of mitigation measures for cultural heritage impact assessment.

To save archaeological heritage from destruction by development projects, a rescue excavation was conducted at Lam Tei in July 2005 and archaeological investigations were arranged at Pak Shek Kok in Tai Po and various small house sites. The stone foundation of a building structure associated with cultural remains of the Qing dynasty was unearthed at Lam Tei in Tuen Mun. Abundant prehistoric artefacts were retrieved from various small house sites at Sha Ha in Sai Kung.

	Field drawing in progress in the rescue excavation conducted at Lam Tei.

	Archaeological survey at Pak Shek Kok, Tai Po.

The Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre, located at the Kowloon Park was partially opened in October 2005. A number of exhibitions on the themes of archaeology and built heritage have been arranged. A standing exhibition on Hong Kong's cultural heritage is being prepared for the grand opening of the centre in mid-2007. Furthermore, the office organised various activities to promote public awareness of heritage preservation.

	A pottery jar with stamped seal pattern from the Han dynasty.

	The Ancient Culture of Hong Kong: Archaeological Discoveries in Sha Ha, Sai Kung exhibition.

The Awards Presentation Ceremony of the Hong Kong Heritage Awards (2004) was held at the centre in November 2005, and an exhibition on the awardees has been presented since November 2005.