Hysan celebrates century-long development of Lee Gardens

To mark the 100th Anniversary of Lee Gardens, Hysan Development (“Hysan”) is launching a “100 Years of Placemaking: A Journey Through the Lee Gardens Area” guided community tour, running from 18 June to 31 July. This tour is open to the public for free and will take participants on an exclusive exploration of Lee Gardens’ century-long evolution, showcasing the distinct character and the rich cultural heritage of this iconic Causeway Bay neighbourhood. The tour will offer over 100 guided sessions both in English and Cantonese, inviting locals and visitors alike to discover the stories behind Lee Gardens’ buildings, businesses, and communities.

The tour will begin at Hysan Place, where participants will gain insider insights into the mall’s spatial design and sustainable design principles. They will then venture out to visit landmarks like the well-known bakery, Bakehouse, the city’s first library of the humanities, Nose in the Books, and the striking red and black design facade of a prominent building on Pak Sha Road. There will also be an opportunity to stop by the gLEEful Rooftop at the revitalised Bizhouse, where participants can enjoy panoramic views of the entire Lee Gardens Area. During designated sessions, participants will have the chance to sample Chicken Wings in Swiss Sauce, a classic dish at Tai Ping Koon, while learning about the stories behind the site selection of Pak Sha Road and the former Lee Theatre.

Tours will pass by multiple tenement buildings and revitalised properties in the Lee Gardens Area, inviting the public to appreciate the architectural features and design details preserved from the last century, including the very first generation of Hong Kong’s residential elevators and mosaic tiles from the 1950s and 1960s.

Hong Kong’s first library of the humanities – Nose in the Books (3/F, 54 Yun Ping Road)

Each street in Lee Gardens possesses its own unique character, infusing the entire community with colour and vibrancy. Lan Fong Road, known as an historical filming site, served as the backdrop for numerous Hong Kong classics, including Wong Kar-wai’s “In the Mood for Love” and “2046.” Both of these films featured the iconic Goldfinch Restaurant (now Saint Honore Cake Shop), which had stood for over half a century, as well as The Red Pepper Restaurant, which was used as a filming location for martial arts superstar, Bruce Lee’s “Game of Death”.

The tour’s final stop at Lee Garden One will feature “The Colours of Causeway Bay” photo exhibition, showcasing rare historical photographs and artefacts that chronicle the transformation of Lee Gardens over the past century, including never-before-seen photographs of Lee Theatre’s construction in the 1920s.

Whether you are a longtime neighbourhood resident or a first-time explorer, this guided tour promises to uncover the rich tapestry of Lee Gardens and Causeway Bay’s past, present, and future. Register now to embark on an immersive journey through 100 years Hong Kong placemaking.

For more details and registration, please visit: https://bit.ly/4eiycBr

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The Colours of Causeway Bay” photo exhibition is open to the public at 3/F, Lee Garden One, showcasing the different eras and iconic moments of Lee Gardens.