Fans in Hong Kong mark the anniversary of Leslie Cheung’s passing, remembering him 23 years after he died with flowers, music, and shared memories.
April 1st, 2026, marks the 23rd anniversary of the passing of Leslie Cheung. As in previous years, remembrance arrives right on time.
Since he died in 2003, tributes have never stopped. Film screenings, concerts, and fan gatherings take place in cities across the world every year. What began as mourning has grown into a shared cultural ritual that crosses borders and generations.
Cheung, born in 1956, left the world at just 46. Yet his influence goes far beyond a list of films or songs. He stands as a symbol of an era in Hong Kong’s entertainment history. His performance in Farewell My Concubine remains widely recognised as a milestone in Chinese-language cinema. Decades later, new audiences continue to discover his work.
In Hong Kong’s Central district, fans gather again outside the Mandarin Oriental hotel, the place most closely linked to his memory. From the evening of March 31st through April 1st, people arrive with flowers from across the city and beyond. The memorial wall stretches along the street, filled with colour and quiet emotion.
Personal Memories
“My English name comes from his song ‘Monica,’” said Monica. “It’s been 23 years. I thought I would feel calmer. But when I saw the flowers, I still cried.” She watches Farewell, My Concubine every year, over twenty times. “Every time, it feels like he’s still here.”
White and yellow roses, baby’s breath, and daisies fill the space. Cards carry messages: “Spring would be beautiful if you were here,” “We will always love you,” “Flowers fade, people age, but love remains.”
Not all visitors experienced his era firsthand. “I was born in 2001, only two when he passed,” said Ms Lam. “But in university, I heard ‘The Wind Continues to Blow.’ After that, I was hooked.”
A Legacy in Motion
His music and films continue to reach younger audiences through streaming platforms and online communities, keeping his legacy widely recognised.
Cheung’s fan club organises annual tributes at several locations, including the Avenue of Stars and Po Fook Hill. Flowers are carefully placed each year to maintain the memorials and ensure they remain intact despite the weather.
Pedestrians pass through Central, some pausing to read the cards or glance at the flowers. The corner outside the Mandarin Oriental has become a quiet place of remembrance on the 23rd anniversary of the passing of Leslie Cheung, reflecting his lasting influence on fans across generations.
Additional reporting by Tan Chang.
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