11 May 2012

Discover Tsim Sha Tsui’s Past, Present and Future

at the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre

Tsim Sha Tsui has long been a focal point for tourists from all over the world interested in bargains,

food and amusements. But take a closer look - beyond the brands, labels and neon lights - and you may

uncover traces of the district's not too distant past. Remnants of a military stronghold, and a welcoming

station for visitors fresh off the Kowloon-Canton Railway and ocean-liners, still exist today.

Organised by the Hong Kong Heritage Project (HKHP) and supported by Leisure and Cultural Services

Department and Antiquities and Monuments Office, the “Our Tsim Sha Tsui – Past, Present and

Future” exhibition takes you on an exciting journey through the “time tunnel” and right to the heart of

Tsim Sha Tsui. The secrets of the past, the cultural and commercial urgency of the present and bold

visions of the future are presented here through photographs, documents, artefacts and oral histories,

alongside colourful toy brick models, artistic images and holistic town planning ideas.

Among the valuable items displayed are rare old photos of Tsim Sha Tsui, on loan from Mr. Cheng Po

Hung, the exhibition’s advisor. Other highlights include historical documents and artefacts from HKHP,

such as Japanese military’s letterhead that was left at the Peninsula Hotel which was once the war-time

headquarters of the Japanese.

In line with HKHP’s objective of promoting heritage preservation, the exhibition aims to inform and

educate the public, particularly the younger generation, of Tsim Sha Tsui's history whilst examining the

linkage between the district's past, present and future.

Speaking at the exhibition’s opening ceremony yesterday, Mr Cheng Po Hung said the exhibition has

evoked his memories of Tsim Sha Tsui. “I still remember that in the 1950s, my father took me to the

Brands and Products Expo next to the Peninsula Hotel. We also came to the railway terminal in Tsim

Sha Tsui to take trains. For me, the Clock Tower and The Peninsula were landmarks of the area.”

He also remarked that a lot of present buildings and facilities in Tsim Sha Tsui came from planning

suggestions sixty years ago. “In the 1950s, a university in Hong Kong proposed relocating the railway

terminal, building a dome-shape museum and a waterfront boulevard; Lord Lawrence Kadoorie also

suggested the construction of a Y-shape bridge or tunnel to connect Tsim Sha Tsui with Causeway Bay

and Kennedy Town.”

Mr Peter Greenwood, Project Director of HKHP, said, “History provides the basis of our shared

heritage, culture, values and identity. That’s why we have made it our mission to preserve Hong Kong’s

history for both present and future generations, to ensure that our many cultures and traditions are

remembered and passed on,” he further commented.

Ms Rainy Chan, General Manager of The Peninsula Hong Kong and Area Vice-President – Hong Kong

and Thailand of The Peninsula Hotels, added, “The Peninsula, a Hong Kong icon, has been a witness to

the flourishing development of Tsim Sha Tsui over the past 84 years. I am pleased that this exhibition

conveys our deep roots in this community and our pride in our home.”

“Our Tsim Sha Tsui – Past, Present and Future” runs from 11 May through 2 September 2012 at the

Thematic Exhibition Gallery, Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre (HKHDC), Kowloon Park,

Haiphong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. It is open to the public every Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm,

Sunday and Public Holiday from 10am to 7pm, and is closed on Thursday (except Public Holiday).

Admission is free.

During the exhibition period, HKHDC will organise a range of complementary activities including

public lectures and guided tours for the exhibition.

About the Hong Kong Heritage Project (HKHP)

HKHP is a heritage preservation initiative by the Kadoorie Family, China Light and Power (CLP) and

Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels – the parent company of The Peninsula Hong Kong – for the local

community.

For enquiries, please contact:

The Hong Kong Heritage Project The Peninsula Hong Kong

Ms Fanny Iu Ms Winvy Lung

Project Manager Public Relations Manager

Tel: (852) 2678 8522 Tel: (852) 2696 6608

Email: fannyiu@clp.com.hk Email: winvylung@peninsula.com

www.hongkongheritage.org

Photos:

Photo 1: Tsim Sha Tsui was a shining icon of Hong Kong’s economic boom during the 1970s. This

“minifigs” model, recreated to scale of the Star Ferry pier area reproduces the vibrancy of that groovy

decade. Created by Legend Bricks, the model highlights the architectural details of the colonial style

buildings and the modes of transportation prevalent in that era.

Photo 2: Young artist Kenny Lau created a painting for the exhibition which is enlarged for display at

the venue. Entitled Our Tsim Sha Tsui 2062, Kenny’s artwork represents his imagination of the area in

50 years. Despite being only six years old, Kenny is already an accomplished artist, having won

numerous awards in prestigious international competitions.