In a recent endeavor to promote traditional Chinese culture through modern creativity, Hong Kong’s Lego Certified Professional, Hung Tsz-kin, has constructed an impressive 26-meter-long and 1.78-meter-wide three-dimensional model of the famous “Along the River During the Qingming Festival” using nearly three million Lego bricks. This monumental piece has officially set a Guinness World Record for the largest Lego scenery model in the world. The model has been on display at the New Town Plaza in Sha Tin, Hong Kong, and has attracted a large number of visitors and locals alike.
On September 25th, the magnificent model was unveiled in a shopping mall, recreating the bustling life of Bianjing (modern-day Kaifeng) during the Northern Song Dynasty. Hung, the only Lego Certified Expert in Hong Kong, dedicated over five months to this project, culminating in his recognition by Guinness World Records in September. He aims to celebrate China’s historical heritage in honor of the 75th anniversary of the founding of New China.
The project was initiated by the Bank of China (Hong Kong), which sought to engage the youth by blending contemporary trends with traditional culture through creative activities. Wen Xiwen, Deputy General Manager of Personal Finance and Wealth Management at the bank, stated, “We hope to resonate with the younger generation’s interests, enriching the cultural and artistic life of our community.”
Originally working in the finance sector, Hung turned to Lego as a way to alleviate work stress. However, a fortunate opportunity led him to pursue certification as a Lego Master, making him the 13th person globally to achieve this title in 2015, as well as the first in Greater China. With a deep-rooted interest in Chinese history, Hung began conceptualizing the “Along the River During the Qingming Festival” project six or seven years ago.
Reflecting on the experience of recreating this masterpiece, Hung expressed his excitement, stating, “It was exhilarating and fulfilling.” He compares the creative process to falling in love, emphasizing that understanding the subject matter deeply helps bring its allure into the model. Throughout the construction, he collaborated with local youth to depict significant scenes like the Rainbow Bridge, various shops, and the caravan of camels—transforming a two-dimensional painting into a vibrant, detailed Lego masterpiece.
Hung noted that there were three main challenges in recreating the artwork: gathering extensive reference materials to determine the appropriate colors for the scenery, conceptualizing how to transition from flat images to a three-dimensional form, and handling the intricacies of the figures—especially since Lego has limited options for Chinese characters and clothing.
He shared that locating the specific camel models necessary for the caravan was unexpectedly difficult. “These camel models were discontinued over a decade ago, and acquiring them locally is nearly impossible,” he explained. “We have had to source them online, which is costly, as each one can exceed a hundred Hong Kong dollars.”
Now nearing a decade as a Lego Certified Professional, Hung feels a sense of duty in his work. He believes that while building with Lego brings joy, it also helps traditional Chinese culture gain international recognition. Over the years, he has created several significant pieces inspired by Chinese heritage, including models of the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.
“The fusion of traditional culture with modern elements like Lego is quite delightful,” Hung remarked. He believes that using Lego to recreate ancient architecture and scenes sparks greater interest in traditional culture among young people. “Promoting Chinese culture to the next generation in this way is incredibly gratifying.”
