On 14 May 2025, The applied research project “Virtual Reality: The‘Ten Courts of Hell’of Tiger Balm Garden” has come to the great finale. It is a joint effort amongst Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK), our Department of Computer Science and Department of Architecture to research and re-create digitally the already-demolished Ten Courts of Hell. The research project reveals the history and allows public to explore details of the murals of the ‘Ten Courts of Hell’ in Virtual Reality (VR). The exhibition cum opening ceremony for launching the VR interactive platform was held at Haw Par Mansion in Tai Hang, Hong Kong under the venue support by HKSAR Development Bureau and Commissioner for Heritage Office.

Group photos of Research project team with guests of honor. (from 4th L-R: Prof. Simon Ho, President of The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, Ms. Sally Aw, OBE, DStj, JP, Founder and sponsor of Haw Par Foundation, and Ms. Bernadette Linn, JP, Secretary for Development)

The ceremony was officiated by Ms. Bernadette Linn, JP, Secretary for Development, Prof. Simon Ho, President of The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong and Ms. Sally Aw, OBE, DStj, JP, founder and sponsor of Haw Par Foundation. Prof. Paul Chu, Dean of Faculty of Science and Engineering, Prof. David Lung, SBS, JP, Chair Professor of Architecture Department, Prof. WL Lo, Director of Research and Curriculum Innovation cum Head of Computer Science Department, Mr. Hubert Un, Assistant Professor of Architecture Department and Mr. Patrick Tung, Research Assistant of Computer Science Department attended the event. During the opening ceremony, the officiating guests expressed their heartfelt appreciation to HSUHK and HKCHC for the whole-hearted dedication to the project and professional production of the VR platform to enhance the sustainability of the cultural legacy of Haw Par Mansions.

After ceremony, the guests of honor taste the immersive experience via VR platform of the “Ten Courts of Hell” at Har Paw Mansions to understand the historical and cultural significance of the site.

We are deeply grateful for Aw Boon Haw Foundation for sponsoring the research project and HSUHK for the seamless cooperation. Starting from 16 May 2025, public can taste the immersive experience via VR platform of the “Ten Courts of Hell” at Har Paw Mansions to understand the historical and cultural significance of the site. For details, please visit the Antiquities and Monuments Office's “Haw Par Mansion” Docent Service.