The Lung Wah Hotel in Hong Kong, once a bustling retreat known for its lush surroundings and famous patrons like Bruce Lee, has been revived as a museum named Hong Kong Radiance to preserve the city's cultural heritage amid its evolving political landscape. John Wu, a local collector, transformed the hotel's unused teahouse into an interactive museum, aiming to evoke nostalgia and inspire younger generations by showcasing the vibrant life of Hong Kong's past. The museum's creation coincides with efforts by the Chinese government to reshape Hong Kong's identity following political unrest and the imposition of a national security law in 2020. The museum captures the essence of Hong Kong's golden era in the 1980s, a time when the city was celebrated for its thriving entertainment industry and cosmopolitan culture. The Lung Wah Hotel, now a significant cultural landmark, continues to attract both local and international visitors, offering them a glimpse into Hong Kong's rich historical tapestry.

The Lung Wah Hotel, a Spanish revival villa in Hong Kong's New Territories, served as a serene escape in the 1950s and 60s, drawing people for leisure activities and film shoots, including martial arts legend Bruce Lee's practice sessions on its roof.

Due to changes over the decades, including new fire codes and land requisitions for development, the hotel ceased room rentals, but its restaurant remained, famous for its roast pigeon despite declining patronage.

John Wu, a designer and collector, converted an unused teahouse at the Lung Wah Hotel into a museum called Hong Kong Radiance, designed to resemble a film set and revive the memories of Hong Kong's past for both older and younger generations.

Amid a wave of nostalgia, the museum reflects Hong Kong's vibrant cultural era of the 1980s, when local entertainment thrived, contrasting with the current period shaped by political changes and the Chinese government's efforts to redefine the city's identity.

The museum's exhibits include a recreation of 1980s Hong Kong life with a barbershop, tea stall, and a working-class home setup, inviting visitors to engage with historical artifacts and reminisce about the city's past glory.

John Wu's collaboration with enthusiasts like Pan Tse and Tiger Ng, who collected mementos from old housing estates, paved the way for the museum's creation, aligning with the public's desire to reconnect with Hong Kong's cultural roots.

The transformation of the Lung Wah Hotel into a cultural landmark has made it a popular destination for schools and senior groups, who visit to relive cherished memories and partake in traditional activities like mahjong and Cantonese opera performances.