In-Depth Hong Kong Tour｜Step into the Time Machine of Yingwan Garden from Eileen Chang’s "Love in a Fallen City"

Located in Yingwan Garden on the Mid-Levels of Repulse Bay, formerly the Repulse Bay Hotel opened in the 1920s with the Governor officiating the opening ceremony, it was once a social hub for political and business elites. The first meeting between Fan Liuyuan and Bai Liusu, characters from Eileen Chang’s novel, took place here in the dimly lit corridor and balcony. Every corner is soaked in the melancholic beauty of the Republican era’s romance～

🏨 Must-Visit Scene Restorations

• Second Floor Balcony: Find the corner with the "wisteria trellis and half a wall of slanting sunlight," and imagine the sudden shock when Liusu met Fan Liuyuan. The sea view beyond the railing remains turbulent, only the scenery of the era has changed.

• Room 130: Although not an actual guest room, the corridor’s dark yellow tone and the sea breeze blowing through the window perfectly match Eileen Chang’s description of the "room like a dark yellow picture frame framing the sea view." It’s recommended to sit quietly at the terrace café to feel the atmosphere.

• Dining Room Corridor: The palm trees outside the stone railing still tremble under the sunlight, the fountain reflects the shimmering waves. Order an afternoon tea and experience the elegance of the old upper-class society.

📜 The Time Codes in the Architecture

The renovated Yingwan Garden retains the colonial arcade design, stained glass dome, and teak staircase. Old photos hanging on the walls show scenes of elite banquets from the past. The most special feature is the "century-old bronze bell" at the entrance, said to be an original from the hotel’s opening. The ticking of the clock seems to tell stories of the old days.

✨ In-Depth Experience Tips

• It’s recommended to book afternoon tea at Yingwan Garden’s restaurant, sitting in the corridor seats where the novel’s protagonists dined, savoring scones while comparing the scenes to the novel.

• Bring the original "Love in a Fallen City" novel and read the line "Hong Kong’s fall completed her" under the balcony trellis for a strong sense of time and space overlap.

• The best light and shadow are at dusk, when the sunset shines through the stained glass onto the steps, creating a cinematic filter effect of Republican-era Hong Kong.

Post by K i K i | Jun 28, 2025