Time-space connection : a new interpretative approach for the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Historical Trail, Hong Kong

Abstract

Dr. Sun Yat-sen (孙逸仙, more commonly known by his other Chinese name 孙中山; 1866-1925) is one of the most important figures in modern Chinese history. During his residence in Hong Kong, he strived for a better future for China with many who shared his political aspirations. Sun and his fellow revolutionaries eventually staged uprisings to overthrow the Qing government to found the first Chinese Republic in 1911, and profoundly changing the trajectory of China's history. Dr. Sun Yat-sen studied, attended religious services, lived, and met with fellow revolutionaries within the Central and Western district on Hong Kong Island. The Sun Yat-sen Historical Trail was first set up in 1996 to commemorate the 130th birthday of Sun Yat-sen. In 2006, on Sun Yat-sen’s 140th birthday, and to commemorate the opening of the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Museum, the government carried out improvement work to enhance the Sun Yat-sen Historical Trail with much fanfare. Upon the completion of the trail’s improvement in 2007, the local English newspaper, South China Morning Post, optimistically reported that “Sun Yat-sen trail reopens with high hope of tourism.” However, four years later, in 2011, the same newspaper revealed that “Little left to see on HK’s Sun Yat-sen historical trail.” Most of the public felt disappointed about the historical trail. What caused such negative public reaction? This is the issue to be investigated in this dissertation. Further attempts have been made to improve the trail, for example, in 2018, the government invited nine local artists to again renovate the historical trail. However, this effort also did not succeed in drawing public recognition, and the trail seems to fail no matter how much effort has been made to improve it. This “nothing-seems-to-work” issue is part of the research to reveal the factors behind the failure. All in all, this dissertation investigates the reasons why the trail remains unsuccessful, and explore innovative ways to possibly make it a success.