Dragon Garden was made famous by the 1974 James Bond movie “Man with the Golden Gun” starring Roger Moore. Located in what is now known as New Territories in Hong Kong, just sixty years ago it was a barren hill. Over the course of the next 20 years, Dr. Lee lu Cheung transformed it into an oasis and weekend villa for his family and friends. With multiple terraces, a villa, pool house, gardens, and other amenities, Dragon Garden was built in phases and implemented sustainable design practices long before green design was recognized. (Ginger beer bottles were used as planting bed borders.)

View towards the main villa at Dragon Garden

Upon his death, his children made the decision to sell the garden to a developer. After a lengthy battle straight out of a modern day soap opera, his grandaughter, Cynthia Lee, and son, Dr. Lee Shiu managed to save the garden. Today the garden is a cultural resource for the city, but in great need of conservation.

When this process began, the Hong Kong government had no legislation in place to protect privately owned historical properties. The story and fight to preserve Dragon Garden will help set precedents for future conservation efforts in Hong Kong!

Upper Terrace at Dragon Garden

Don’t miss the clip of Dragon Garden in the Bond movie!