I believe this was Green Jade (Chinese name: 青碧 -- Tsing Bik), the villa of the late Dr. LI Shu-fan, member of the Legislative Council and long-time head of the Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital. In his autobiography Hong Kong Surgeon (and I am quoting from the 2019 Chinese edition), he mentioned that he spent twenty years building and perfecting the villa. It was built in an Eastern palatial style, facing Castle Peak on a 3.5 acres of land atop a 100-foot hill. The villa was surrounded by the sea on three sides, and the distinguishing features include a man-made cave with Italian marble as floor, artificial stalactites, statues and a fountain inside.
In another comment, I mentioned Dr. Li's residence White Jade on Hong Kong Island, and wondered where his villa Green Jade was. Now I think I have the answer. The photographs of its demolition are a surely a sorry sight.
Thank you for updating the title of this page. I am not sure about the build year. From the maps on www.hkmaps.hk, there was no building on the map "1952.1" (1:20000), but there was a building on the map "1957" (1:25000).
Thanks to IDJ for uploading two photos of the description of Green Jade in Dr. Li's memoirs.
The Green Jade or Tsing Bik Villa was completed in October, 1958. Dr. Li Shu Fan had a party with his friends to celebrate in the Villa on 19-10-1958. Check the news report from Wah Kiu Yat Po/Overseas Chinese Daily News on 20-10-1958.
I check the Chinese version of Dr.Li's autobiography Hong Kong Surgeon. The Chinese name of Green Jade ( Tsing Bik) is 青璧, not 青碧, the news tiltle on Wah Kiu Yat Po/Overseas Chinese Daily News dated 20-10-1958 is not correct. The Chinese name of Dr. Li's residence White Jade on Hong Kong Island is 白璧。Please watch the Chinese movie shot in the Green Jade or Tsing Bik Villa--https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE7kldcXnGE
I find it quite surprising at how 'young' the property was when it was demolished...only 28 years old! My current flat is already much older than that.
Comments
Green Jade 青碧, or Tsing Bik Villa in Chinese
I believe this was Green Jade (Chinese name: 青碧 -- Tsing Bik), the villa of the late Dr. LI Shu-fan, member of the Legislative Council and long-time head of the Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital. In his autobiography Hong Kong Surgeon (and I am quoting from the 2019 Chinese edition), he mentioned that he spent twenty years building and perfecting the villa. It was built in an Eastern palatial style, facing Castle Peak on a 3.5 acres of land atop a 100-foot hill. The villa was surrounded by the sea on three sides, and the distinguishing features include a man-made cave with Italian marble as floor, artificial stalactites, statues and a fountain inside.
In another comment, I mentioned Dr. Li's residence White Jade on Hong Kong Island, and wondered where his villa Green Jade was. Now I think I have the answer. The photographs of its demolition are a surely a sorry sight.
build date
I've changed the title to match the new findings. Does anyone have an idea of the build year?
Re: build date
Hi philk,
Thank you for updating the title of this page. I am not sure about the build year. From the maps on www.hkmaps.hk, there was no building on the map "1952.1" (1:20000), but there was a building on the map "1957" (1:25000).
Thanks to IDJ for uploading two photos of the description of Green Jade in Dr. Li's memoirs.
The Green Jade or Tsing Bik Villa
The Green Jade or Tsing Bik Villa was completed in October, 1958. Dr. Li Shu Fan had a party with his friends to celebrate in the Villa on 19-10-1958. Check the news report from Wah Kiu Yat Po/Overseas Chinese Daily News on 20-10-1958.
Completion date
Many thanks Linda, I'll update the page. Phil
Dear philk, I check the…
Dear philk,
I check the Chinese version of Dr.Li's autobiography Hong Kong Surgeon. The Chinese name of Green Jade ( Tsing Bik) is 青璧, not 青碧, the news tiltle on Wah Kiu Yat Po/Overseas Chinese Daily News dated 20-10-1958 is not correct. The Chinese name of Dr. Li's residence White Jade on Hong Kong Island is 白璧。Please watch the Chinese movie shot in the Green Jade or Tsing Bik Villa--https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE7kldcXnGE
Linda
Thanks Linda
Thanks Linda, name updated. Phil
I find it quite surprising at how 'young' the property was when it was demolished...only 28 years old! My current flat is already much older than that.