GBA Lifestyle News
Yes, that Tiger Balm, the smelly yet effective ointment for muscle pain and other such afflictions. The Burmese-Chinese brothers who spearheaded the product — Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par — had their sights set on much more than pharmaceuticals, however. They establishing a chain of theme parks dedicated to Chinese culture across Asia.
The Hong Kong chapter was a landscaped garden next to a private mansion owned by the family in Tai Hang, both built in 1935. The 8-acre garden featured sculptures, murals, and other works dedicated to Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. While the theme park was eventually demolished, the abandoned mansion – Haw Par Mansion – and surrounding gardens were acquired and preserved by the Hong Kong government in 2001. They’ve now been granted the status of a Grade 1 historical building, and slated for redevelopment.