Kenji Chan
Lai Yuen Amusement Park was once the largest theme park in Hong Kong. It was demolished in 1997—but it’s back in the form of Lai Yuen Amusement Restaurant. Owner Kenji Chan tells Beatrice Wong about recreating childhood memories.
HK Magazine: Your restaurant used to be a Sichuan place. Why change it into a themed restaurant?
Kenji Chan: A few years ago, there was only one Sichuan restaurant in Jordan, which was ours. Since then six or seven restaurants have joined the spicy food market, so we wanted to create a gimmick to attract people. Meanwhile, there has been resentment and dissent in society. Hence we are dedicated to bringing some happiness to Hong Kong people. Several generations spent the happiest parts of their childhood at Lai Yuen Amusement Park.
HK: What does the park mean to you?
KC: There wasn’t much entertainment back in the day and children would get really excited about visiting the park. I myself remember feeding Tino, the giant elephant. He was smelly—but it was great fun!
HK: How did you recreate the park?
KC: I tried to make the restaurant as identical to Lai Yuen Amusement Park as possible by doing a massive amount of research. I re-visualized the most memorable features from the park such as the ghost house, the Monster and the Dragon Coaster, which evoke people’s memories the most.
HK: Was it hard to make all the décor?
KC: Not as hard as people think. I love doing 3D design in my spare time so I basically designed the restaurant and illustrated all the models and decorations myself. It did save me a lot—both time and money. And I gained a sense of satisfaction when seeing the imagination of my childhood become real life again. For me, the Dragon Coaster is the coolest feature in my restaurant.
HK: Is there more to come?
KC: I’m thinking that maybe I can install some TVs playing some old advertisements for Lai Yuen Amusement Park, so that people can really soak up the atmosphere. At the same time, young people who haven’t been to the park will know more about it.