• Food & Beverages
  • Markets & Malls

Lee Tung Street – Replacing Wedding Cards Street to Shopping Centre in Urban Development

April 13, 2021

Name (English): Lee Tung Street
Name (Chinese): 利東街
Category: Markets & Malls
Address (English): Lee Tung Street, Wan Chai
Address (Chinese): 灣仔利東街
Address Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/RtEfVRhrKPU3hNyf7
Address longitude and latitude: 22.27564998172755, 114.17233053569441
Nearest MTR Station: Wan Chai MTR station Exit A3
Nearest MTR Station Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/urJ9PuxmFMkwvpzt5
Nearest MTR Station longitude and latitude: 22.276843812457287, 114.1733289027846
How far from the nearest MTR Station: 3-minute walk from Wan Chai MTR station Exit A3
Opening Hours:
MON 00:00 – 23:59
TUE 00:00 – 23:59
WED 00:00 – 23:59
THU 00:00 – 23:59
FRI 00:00 – 23:59
SAT 00:00 – 23:59
SUN 00:00 – 23:59
Recommended Time to Visit: Nighttime
Accessibility Note: easy access
Reminder: Restaurant, bars, and shops may vary in terms of opening hours

Redevelopment has always been on the city’s radar. Neighborhoods collapse and high-end buildings soar – an urban transition we the locals are too accustomed to but reflections on the constant demolitions are starting to take place. Lee Tung Street, aka Wedding Card Street, a renowned neighborhood of small businesses selling traditional wedding invitation cards for half a century, was dismantled in 2010 and later replaced by a high-end pedestrian street filled with imported brands. The present Lee Tung Avenue has nothing left about the old printing cluster but memories. 

Old Lee Tung Street (Photo from https://images.app.goo.gl/CGH1U43A9SEbCFQ78)

All the words associated with Lee Tung Street were always positive: community, human kindness, and continual happiness. Lined with pre-war tenements and cramped with hanging signboards – the street was a rare scene of the city that evoked locals’ sense of longing towards a closely bonded community. The connected buildings with no elevators only fostered unintended relationships and brought more people together, which were the things no money could buy. The neighborhood was also one of the most unforgettable memories of many couples, helping share their life-changing day through irreplaceable printed cards. Its cultures were so precious so much so that many locals had spoken up for the needs of preservation. Throughout the 5 years of strong opposition with protesting banners and widespread discussions, the authorities still neglected all the concerns raised. 

Main entrance to the modern Lee Tung Street

The boulevard now filled with top-notch restaurants and opulent bars does match with the image of the metropolis but comes at the expense of such a vivid street of high cultural values. It only leaves us to wonder – is demolition the only way out for urban development? 

shops and restaurants along the street
trees decorated with LED light strings
second entrance to Lee Tung Street

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Our Guides

Peggy Lam

Peggy here, and I am a storyteller. Despite not being a professional tour guide myself, I am thrilled to share and write about the fun things to do in town, the untold stories & even my personal observations.

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