Tiger Balm Garden, Heritage mansion and garden in Wan Chai District, Hong Kong.
Tiger Balm Garden is a heritage mansion and garden in Wan Chai District, Hong Kong, known for its four-story main structure with Italian stained glass windows and wall ornamentation. The interior spaces combine gilded paintings with influences from India and Burma, along with broad porches and fireplaces.
Businessman Aw Boon Haw commissioned the estate from 1935 onward on the slopes of Tai Hang, where it originally covered more than 53 hectares (131 acres). The family used the property as a private retreat with garden and living areas until its later transfer to public authorities.
The residence takes its name from a famous ointment manufacturer and displays a mix of Western and Asian styles on its façade and windows. Inside, local materials alternate with imported glasswork that reflected the taste of wealthy merchants at the time.
The mansion opens for guided visits on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays, requiring advance registration through the heritage office website. Plan around two hours to walk through the rooms and garden at a comfortable pace.
Many of the furnishings and wall panels date back to the original construction phase, offering a glimpse into the daily life of a wealthy merchant family. The garden features plants and pathways laid out according to the tastes of the early owners.
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