A closer look at the Shenzhen penthouse in the trial of former Hong Kong leader Donald Tsang

The three-storey flat is located in a posh district, with features such as a walk-in closet, gym and library

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The penthouse is at the top of Junhao Building, in East Pacific Garden in Shenzhen. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 10:49pm, 17 Feb 2017Updated: 11:45pm, 17 Feb 2017

The intended retirement home of former Hong Kong chief executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen sits in a posh western corner of Shenzhen – in a Futian neighbourhood known for its close proximity to reputed schools, a major highway and the central business district.

The 6,700 sq ft property is a luxurious three-storey penthouse, and Tsang’s trial offered a glimpse into what could have been the setting for a comfortable life with his wife after a career in the civil service.

Futian is a relatively new neighbourhood compared with Lo Wu, the first developed zone in Shenzhen. David Hong, head of research at consultancy China Real Estate Information, said: “The planning [of the district] is slightly better and more practical.”

The penthouse – which Tsang said he planned to live in for two years after stepping down as chief executive – is in Junhao Building under phase one of the East Pacific Garden estate.

Renowned Hong Kong interior designer Barrie Ho Chow-lai was roped in to work on the home’s design. Photo: Dickson Lee

The apartment perks include a 365 sq ft storeroom and a 375 sq ft walk-in closet – twice the size of some of the smallest flats which developers in Hong Kong have been building.

The features were converted from two guest rooms by renowned Hong Kong interior designer Barrie Ho Chow-lai, a change prosecutors claimed was “tailor-made” to store souvenirs Tsang had obtained over his 45-year career.