August 2024

On August 12-13, 2024, a research team comprising members from The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Chuhai College visited Yongding, Fujian Province. The trip was part of the ongoing Tiger Balm Garden VR Metaverse Project. This project is funded by the Aw Boon Haw Foundation.

The nine-member team included professors and researchers from both institutions.

On August 12, after arriving in Zhangzhou by high-speed rail, the team visited the Hu Wenhu Memorial Hall (Tiger Balm Villa). They also explored Zhongchuan and held meetings with local delegates and government representatives.

The following day, August 13, included a visit to the National 5A Tulou Scenic Area and the Fujian Tulou Museum. The team met with museum officials before departing back to Hong Kong.

The purpose of this field study was to gather information and visual data for the VR Metaverse project. The team collected reference materials on architectural styles, cultural elements, and historical context that could be relevant to the virtual recreation of Tiger Balm Garden.

This trip follows the project’s recent recognition at the 4th Global Awards for World Heritage Education Innovative Cases (AWHEIC), where it received the Star of Outstanding Award.

The Tiger Balm Garden VR Metaverse Project is an ongoing collaborative initiative that combines historical preservation with digital technology. As the project progresses, the team will continue to analyze and incorporate the data collected during this Yongding trip into their development process.