A century-old landmark in Wan Chai has found new life as an interactive cultural space, bridging Hong Kong’s rich history with its modern community.

Located at 91 Wan Chai Road, the Chun On Pawn Shop was built in 1924. Like other pawnshops across the city, Chun On was once a vital lifeline for locals, who pawned their personal possessions to tide themselves over during emergencies. The shop closed its doors in September 2024. The heritage tenement building was officially designated a Grade III historic building in the same year.

Recently, the century-old landmark has been reopened to the public through the pop-up community and exhibition initiative "Project House @Chun On Pawn." The project has transformed the pawnshop's high counter and classic architecture into an interactive space for exhibitions and guided tours, aiming to enable the public to rediscover past pawnbroking practices and reconnect the time-honored building with the neighborhood. 

ALSO READ: Batting for cash

China Daily's photographer Andy Chong captured the historic monument and its new interactive exhibition on Friday.