Maybe it’s because I’m in Hong Kong, but this year’s April 1st, April Fool’s Day, has a more subdued atmosphere. Instead, the longing for Leslie Cheung has grown stronger, continuing to cherish Mr. Leslie Cheung year after year.
Time is a thief that steals everything away. Indeed, it has been twenty years since Leslie left us.
I remember that in his farewell concert in 1989, Leslie said, “Will you quickly forget about me? I’m not a greedy person. All I hope for is that if friends ask you about Hong Kong stars from the 1980s, you’ll casually mention me. That’s enough to make me happy.”
It’s regrettable but also fortunate that twenty years after his passing, he is still cherished by countless fans.
These days, I’m in Hong Kong specifically to see the “Continue to Love · 20 Years · Concert.”
In the spring breeze of this April, listening to Leslie’s songs again, and watching the memorial concert dedicated to him, I feel grateful that the world once had Leslie Cheung.
In today’s article, I’ll share a few recommendations for those who come to Hong Kong around April 1st or in the future on how you can commemorate Leslie.
Sha Tin Hong Kong Heritage Museum — Leslie Cheung Memorial Exhibition
This exhibit is a must-see, showcasing a total of 61 groups of exhibits, many of which are private collections loaned by Mr. Tong.
The exhibition features Leslie’s personal items, precious photographs, concert costumes, including the red high heels worn during the “Cross Over ’97” concert, and the white feather outfit from the “Hot Summer” concert—many of these are being displayed for the first time.
This exhibit runs until October and has free admission. It is definitely worth a visit.
Central MTR Station — Leslie Cheung 20 Years in Our Heart Creative Exhibition
Central is a major station, and you’re likely to pass through it while exploring Hong Kong, so there’s no need to make a special trip. Stumbling upon it inadvertently might even enhance the experience.
This exhibit is co-organized by the art magazine “Paper” and the MTR, featuring works by over ten artists and designers. It is essentially a fan-created tribute to Leslie.
Showa City Club — Leslie Cheung Cassette Memorial Exhibit
This exhibit mainly features the store’s own collection of cassettes related to Leslie. If you’re a fan and have an interest in vintage cassettes, it’s worth checking out.
Showa City Club is in Sham Shui Po, not far from the Prince Edward MTR station, so it’s convenient to visit.
# Translation
Furthermore, there were the flower tribute events at the Mandarin Oriental and the Avenue of Stars.
The 20 years since Leslie Cheung’s passing have also been 20 years of continuous remembrance. On April 1st this year, in the drizzle, the area beneath the MO building was already a sea of flowers, with fans paying tribute to Leslie with flowers and words.
I observed that many of Leslie’s fans had come all the way from the mainland.
The Avenue of Stars by Victoria Harbour was the same. I passed by the Avenue of Stars on both March 31st and April 1st.
March 31st was still fine, with sporadic bouquets, relatively restrained.
But by the next day, April 1st, it was all for the most beautiful sea of flowers for him.
During this trip to Hong Kong, the meals I arranged also followed in Leslie’s footsteps.
I went to Kau Kee Beef Brisket, Leslie’s favorite, but the queue was too long, so I had to give up. This place is usually busy, and even more so on April 1st.
I also went to afternoon tea at The Peninsula Hong Kong, where Leslie often went for tea. It is said to be the place where he was most easily found.
Then there was Summer Palace at Island Shangri-La. On October 26, 2002, Leslie had a family gathering here with his elder sister, Zhang Lüpeng, and their families, with his close friend Mr. Tong also in attendance.
Summer Palace is truly excellent.
The highlight, of course, was the “Continue to Love · 20 Years · Concert.”
We previously held an event, giving away 2 tickets, 2 nights at a hotel, and 2 commemorative coins, inviting two readers of our travel blog to join us at the Hong Kong Coliseum.
We did what little we could, hoping that more readers of our travel blog would come to love Leslie Cheung.
This commemorative concert was very exciting, running from 8:30 PM to midnight, a full three and a half hours, longer than any concert I had seen before.
Joyce Cheng opened, Aaron Kwok closed, and in between were Dicky Cheung, Vivian Chow, Julian Cheung, Anita Yuen, Patrick Tam, and Leo Ku…
Everyone was commemorating Leslie in their own way.
I watched the concert attentively throughout, so I didn’t take out my camera much to take photos.
Sitting to my left was a young lady who seemed to be in her twenties, singing along to all 30-plus songs of Leslie’s without missing a word, which amazed me.
