To enhance students’ understanding of the preservation, inheritance, and innovation of Hong Kong’s cultural arts, the School of Communication organized an insightful visit to The Mills in Tsuen Wan for 32 teachers and students on November 20, 2025.
The Mills, formerly known as Nan Fung Cotton Mills, embarked on its revitalization project in 2014 and officially opened its doors to the public on December 6, 2018. This landmark preservation initiative, developed by the Nan Fung Group, serves as a cultural and creative hub in Hong Kong. It features workspaces, the Centre for Heritage Arts & Textile, retail areas, and relaxation zones, hosting a variety of events that allow visitors to immerse themselves in local art and culture.
The visit was mainly divided into two parts: a guided tour and a sharing session. First, the guide led students through three original factory buildings of The Mills, including The Mills Fabrica, The Mills Shopfloor, and CHAT Factory 6, allowing students to learn about the history of the Mills and its revitalization process. Afterward, the teachers and students went to the Centre for Heritage Arts & Textile and visited the Textile Culture and Art Museum, where colleagues from The Mills guided them through the museum to understand the spinning processes of the past.
The visit concluded with a sharing session featuring Ms. Ada Leung, the Head of the Branding and Communications Department at The Mills. She shared her insights on the philosophy of The Mills’ founder and the vision behind the Textile Culture and Art Museum. Ms. Leung emphasized the museum’s commitment to engaging with the community to promote the preservation, inheritance, and innovation of cultural arts, thereby increasing community participation and fostering awareness of the importance of cultural arts preservation. She also highlighted the museum’s active collaborations with primary and secondary schools, universities, and various organizations to promote cultural arts, enhancing public understanding of its significance. Despite the challenges of resource allocation and financial constraints in promoting cultural arts preservation, Ms. Leung noted the founder’s dedication to contributing to the legacy of Hong Kong’s cultural arts.
At the end of the program, some students, eager for more knowledge, lingered to further explore and appreciate the art exhibits. Many shared that although they had visited The Mills before, they had not grasped its deeper significance, while others expressed that this visit had been an enlightening experience.
This visit provided students with valuable insights into the revitalization process of The Mills and its business development, broadening their perspectives on the promotion, inheritance, and innovation of cultural arts.
The guide, Mr. Johnny, introduces the history and development of The Mills to the students.
Mr. Johnny introduces the art installation.
Students explore the areas that have been preserved from the old factory.
Mr. Johnny explains the A Garment-to-Garment Recycle System.
Students visit the “Textile Culture and Art Museum,” where the guide explains the yarn production process.
Students have the opportunity to feel the texture of the yarn firsthand.
Ms. Ada Leung, Head of Branding and Communication, shares insights with the teachers and students.
Ms. Ada Leung is presented with a commemorative gift from the School of Communication
The teachers and students take a group photo in the atrium of The Mills.
