"Fallen Leaves Returning to their Roots: Bone Repatriation Service of Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and Preservation of its Cultural Heritage" Exhibition: Video for The Bone Repatriation Service of TWGHs

Publication Date: 2025-03-25

Tung Wah's Bone Repatriation Service

The practice of transporting the remains of overseas Chinese to their hometown for burial via Hong Kong had existed before the founding of Tung Wah Hospital. The service was mainly offered by native and clan associations. After its establishment, Tung Wah gradually became a major intermediary for bone repatriation service owing to its close relationship with Chinese organisations in China and abroad.

During Tung Wah Hospital's early years, the Coffin Home Regulations had already been laid down for its coffin deposit service. In 1875, Tung Wah took over the management of Slaughter House Coffin Home from Man Mo Temple. In 1899, the government granted approval to Tung Wah Hospital for the establishment of a new coffin home on the west side of Hong Kong Island. Named Tung Wah Coffin Home, the establishment offered temporary coffin deposit service to local and overseas Chinese.