From Shanghai to Hong Kong: NgYuen, A Story of Industrial Migration, diaspora Memory, and Non-institutional heritage

<p>This research investigates the cultural significance and conservation challenges of Ng Yuen, a privately-owned Chinese garden on Lantau Island, built between 1962-1966 by textile industrialist Wu Kun-sheng (1902-1987). Through thematic analysis of oral histories and visitor experiences, it was discovered that the garden embodies a critical convergence of industrial migration history, diaspora identity, and non-institutional conservation of private heritage. </p><p></p><p>Three primary findings emerged: First, Ng Yuen serves as a spatial archive of Shanghai-Hong Kong industrial migration. Its layout and elements reflect Wu's diaspora journey from Shanghai to Hong Kong. Second, the study identified a non-institutional conservation model balancing private ownership with public value. Evidence from maintenance records and interviews confirmed that limited-access strategies with anti-monumental narrative could sustain conservation while respecting the family's autonomy. Third, analysis revealed Ng Yuen's distinctive character in Hong Kong context: its modest Buddhist aesthetics, traditional Chinese style and non-institutional conservation, contrasting with contemporary residence heritage. </p><p></p><p>Challenges were documented, particularly generational disconnection within the Wu family, funding and tensions between private stewardship and public expectations. It was determined that successful conservation depends on three interdependent factors: integration of income-generating activities respecting the site's spiritual essence, non-interventionist policy support and digital information access channels. </p><p></p><p>This research recorded the value of the Ng Yuen, which is a Shanghai diaspora heritage out of the official historical building list, and contributes a new reference for diaspora or residence heritage sustainability in Hong Kong, demonstrating how private heritage can maintain cultural and value continuity without institutional conservation.</p>