Lui Seng Chun

It is a four-storey tong-lau (the local term for Hong Kong shophouse typology)[1] that was built in 1931 by Mr. Lui Leung.

In order to balance between his family's accommodation and his income, he decided to use shophouse as "Lui Seng Chun" building type.

In 2000, the Lui's family proposed to the Antiquities and Monuments Office to donate the building to the Government of Hong Kong.

As a result, they hoped the government could transfer it into an attraction and spread the name "Lui Seng Chun" in the society.

This type of two-to-four-storey residence integrating Chinese and Western architectural styles was very popular in the early 20th century.

The deep verandahs were added to prevent rain from flooding the house, block sunlight and keep the indoor area cool.

This, together with the stone plaque marked with the name of the medicine shop installed at the top of the building, is typical of pre-war Chinese tenements.

Structurally, the external walls of the building are made of plastered red brickwork with columns and beams of reinforced concrete.

On 17 February 2009, the government declared that the building will be used by the Hong Kong Baptist University as a Chinese Medicine and healthcare centre.

The revitalisation work was completed in early 2012, and the building is now known as Hong Kong Baptist University School of Chinese Medicine – Lui Seng Chun.

Lui Seng Chun in 2004, before restoration
Lui Seng Chun in 2007.
Detail of an urn-shaped balustrade.
Entrance of the Lui Seng Chun
Street level.