[1] It was constructed as a tribute to the founder of New Asia College, Chien Mu, and his 1996 philosophical work, The Theory of the Union of Man and Nature.

It was donated by Dora Ng Tsung-lin, and designed by Freeman Chan Wai-kei from the CUHK Department of Architecture.

[1][3] The pavilion is featured on lists of Hong Kong's top Instagram spots and attracts many photo-takers, including tourists from mainland China, leading to complaints of disturbance from students living nearby.

[citation needed] The location of the Pavilion of Harmony is thoughtfully chosen, as described by former head of New Asia College, Henry Wong Nai-ching [zh],[6] as "one clear pool, two trees half-embracing, not a traditional garden, but with modern artistic intent" (一池清水，二樹半抱，非傳統園林，有現代筆意).

Engraved on the plaque is calligraphy of Chien Mu's The Theory of the Union of Man and Nature and the Seal of the Union of Man and Nature, created respectively by Lee Wun-yoon and Vincent Tong Kam-tang, professors from the CUHK Department of Fine Arts.