A Talk on the Challenges of Heritage Building Conservation in Hong Kong

Explore the dilemmas and possibilities of conserving Hong Kong’s historic buildings, from grading mechanisms to adaptive reuse, and reflect on the balance between heritage preservation and modern needs.

Classroom/ Lecture Hall

1 hour

Talk overview

Heritage conservation in Hong Kong faces both opportunities and dilemmas. While over a thousand historic buildings embody collective memory and cultural identity, rapid urban development pressures demand innovative solutions. This talk introduces students to the principles, mechanisms, and challenges of conserving Hong Kong’s historic architecture, and how revitalisation projects transform these sites into vibrant community assets.

Talk Highlights:

Understanding the Grading Mechanism: Learn how the Antiquities Advisory Board evaluates historic buildings based on history, architecture, rarity, authenticity, social value, and local interest.
Why Conserve? Explore the intrinsic values of heritage buildings as carriers of collective memory, cultural significance, and architectural merit.
Revitalisation in Action: Discover case studies (e.g., Tsuen Wan, Kwai Chung, Tsing Yi) where adaptive reuse brings historic buildings new life as museums, cultural hubs, or hostels.
Debating the Balance: Reflect on whether complete preservation or adaptive reuse better serves society, and how sustainable conservation integrates cultural continuity with modern urban life.

Paul Chan Chi Yuen is the Co-Founder and CEO of Walk in Hong Kong, a cultural enterprise dedicated to curating immersive heritage and community experiences. He holds a Bachelor of Laws and Postgraduate Certificate in Laws from the University of Hong Kong, a Master of Philosophy from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and a Master of Science in Comparative Politics from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Paul’s career spans academia, government, and media, having served as a part-time lecturer at CUHK’s Department of Government and Public Administration, as Political Assistant to the Secretary for Food and Health of the HKSAR Government (2008–2012), and as a presenter and commentator at RTHK.

Beyond curating cultural experiences, Paul has been deeply involved in heritage conservation and advocacy. Under his leadership, Walk in Hong Kong launched the “Save Our State” campaign in 2016, which successfully lobbied for the State Theatre to be upgraded from Grade 3 to Grade 1 historic building status, safeguarding one of Hong Kong’s most iconic cinema landmarks. The team has also advocated monument status for the Bishop Hill service reservoir and led research into the heritage value of 190 Nathan Road, uncovering its significant wartime role, architectural merit, and social history. These efforts reflect Paul’s long-standing commitment to protecting Hong Kong’s built heritage and amplifying its cultural narratives.

Tour Information

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Any information or advice provided by us on matters including but not limited to walking routes, climate, clothing, travel documents, baggage, special equipment, etc. is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of us.
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Bad Weather Policy

If Typhoon Signal No. 8 or above, or a Red/Black Rainstorm Warning is issued three hours before the tour starts, the tour will be canceled.
If Typhoon Signal No. 8 or a Red/Black Rainstorm Warning is issued during the tour, the tour will be canceled immediately.
If the tour needs to be canceled due to other adverse weather conditions, we will contact you by phone at least 2.5 hours before the tour. (If there is no response, we will follow up with an SMS or email.)
If the tour is canceled due to adverse weather on the day, we will work with you to reschedule a new date within six months from the original tour date.

Tour Reminder

Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes for the walk. Bring an umbrella, a bottle of water and some snacks just in case.
Each participant may bring their own 3.5mm plug headphone if they have one for the wireless transmitter/receiver system which will be used on the tour. The guide will provide them a new one otherwise, but for hygienic and environmental reasons participants are strongly suggested to bring their own earphones if possible.
There is a possibility that our organization may take photographs or videos during the guided tour, and these captured images or footage may be used for future promotion and publicity. If participants do not agree with this arrangement, please inform the tour guide or organizer during registration and on the day of the event.

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A Talk on the Challenges of Heritage Building Conservation in Hong Kong

Heritage at the Crossroads: Preserve or Revitalise?

Talk overview

Tour Information

Bad Weather Policy

Tour Reminder

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