Situated on the quiet slopes of Sandy Bay, this declared monument carries stories of compassion, migration, and remembrance. Established by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals in the late 19th century, the Coffin Home served as a resting place for coffins awaiting transport — allowing overseas Chinese to be returned to their ancestral villages. Its halls and courtyards echo with tales of filial piety, community solidarity, and the resilience of tradition across borders.
This visit offers more than architecture and artifacts — it is a journey into the human emotions behind Hong Kong’s role as a cultural crossroads. Immersive in narratives that resonate with themes explored in the acclaimed blockbuster The Last Dance, where memory, heritage, and the dignity of farewell take center stage, visitors will be drawn by the Coffin Home’s unique architectural blend of East and West, or by its poignant role in the lives and stories of countless families.
In 2005, Tung Wah Coffin Home underwent a large-scale restoration project between 2003 and 2004, with a view to restore the coffin home’s elements to their original architectural styles. The restoration project won the Award of Merit in the 2005 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards and the Award of Honor in the Heritage Preservation and Conservation Awards offered by the Antiquities and Monuments Office of the Hong Kong government in the same year.
Tung Wah Coffin Home was declared a monument in 2020.
The Speaker
Paul C.Y. Chan holds a Bachelor of Laws Degree and a Postgraduate Certificate in Laws from the University of Hong Kong, a Master of Philosophy from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), and a Master of Science Degree in Comparative Politics from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
He was once a part-time lecturer at the Department of Government and Public Administration at CUHK, Political Assistant to Secretary for Food and Health, HKSAR Government (2008 to 2012) and a presenter and commentator at Radio Television Hong Kong.
Paul is also a founding member of the Roundtable group and Co-founder & CEO of Walk In Hong Kong, a cultural enterprise with a strong social mission that curates immersive and memorable experiences. He is also involved in the conservation campaign of the State Theatre in North Point, Former Service Reservoir in Bishop Hill, and recently 190 Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui.
PROGRAMME
Date: Saturday, 21 March 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
Venue: 9 Sandy Bay Road, Pok Fu Lam (details will follow)
Admission: FREE
Registration: Please email <membership@royalasiaticsociety.org.hk> and provide your membership number, if applicable, at the time of registration. The tour has a capped capacity and requires pre-registration. Registration will be closed at 12 noon on 20 March 2026. No walk-in guest allowed.
This tour is operated by Walk In Hong Kong, a licensed cultural enterprise with a strong social mission.
Participants are reminded of the tour details as follows:
• What to wear/bring: Comfortable clothing and shoes for the walk. Bring an umbrella, a bottle of water and some snacks just in case.
• Bad Weather Policy: The walk will be cancelled if the Red/ Black Rainstorm warning or Typhoon no. 8 signal or above is hoisted 3 hours before the walk. Cancellation will be decided no later than 2.5 hours before the tour. You will be fully refunded in this case.
• Wireless receivers: It will be used to conduct the tour. Please feel free to bring your own earphone with 3.5mm jack. The guide will provide spare earphones.