Nestled in the bustling Prince Edward district of Hong Kong, the Lui Seng Chun building stands as a testament to the city’s rich architectural heritage. This grand tong lau structure, with its unique blend of Chinese and Western design elements, has a story that spans nearly a century.
Originally constructed in 1931 by Lui Leng, co-founder of the Kowloon Motor Bus company, Lui Seng Chun was designed by architect W.H. Bourne. The building’s design is a harmonious fusion of neo-classical and Art Deco styles, featuring eight granite support columns that create a covered walkway on the ground floor. The upper floors are adorned with elegant curves, deep verandahs, and decorative urn-shaped balustrades, all characteristic of Hong Kong’s pre-war tenement buildings.
The Evolution of Lui Seng Chun
For decades, Lui Seng Chun served as a hub for the Lui family’s traditional Chinese medicine bone-setting clinic on the ground floor, while the upper storeys were used as a residence. However, after Lui Leng’s passing in 1944, the clinic closed, and the family gradually moved out by the 1970s, leaving the building vacant for nearly 30 years.
The turning point came in 2000 when Lui Seng Chun was designated a Grade I historic building by the Antiquities Advisory Board. In 2003, the Lui family donated the building to the government, marking the first case of a historic building being handed over for revitalization. The Hong Kong Baptist University was chosen to conserve and restore the building, converting it back into a Chinese medical facility.
A Landmark Revitalized
The surrounding area of Lui Seng Chun has undergone significant changes over the years. Once facing the harbour, the building is now enveloped by the high-rises and skyscrapers of the Prince Edward district. Despite these changes, the building’s historic charm remains intact.
The Hong Kong Baptist University School of Chinese Medicine – Lui Seng Chun finally reopened in April 2012, after a hiatus of over 60 years. The revitalized building now serves the community once again, offering a glimpse into Hong Kong’s past while providing modern healthcare services.
Visiting Lui Seng Chun
Lui Seng Chun is easily accessible by public transport. The closest bus stop is Tong Mi Road Mong Kok, served by routes 2, 2A, 32, 36B, 37, 44, 46, 66X, 68X, 117, and 188. For those using the MTR, the building is a six-minute walk from Prince Edward exit C2.
The ground floor features a display area open to the public, showcasing the building’s rich history. Guided tours are available by appointment, offering visitors an in-depth look at this historic landmark. Tour times are as follows: Monday to Friday at 14:30 and 16:00, and Saturday to Sunday at 09:30 and 11:00.
For fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Lui Seng Chun will be familiar as the Hong Kong Sanctum from the 2016 film Doctor Strange starring Benedict Cumberbatch. This connection adds another layer of intrigue to the building’s already fascinating history.
