The Chinese Culture Festival (CCF) 2026, running from June to September, will present more than 280 distinctive stage programmes and extension activities, film screenings, thematic exhibitions, talks, workshops, as well as community and school activities.

Under the theme “Legends”, it will showcase a diverse array of programmes centred on Chinese legends and folklore, with a focus on the culture of the Sui-Tang dynasties, and the charm of the ancient capital Luoyang.

The festival’s opening show is “Lady White Snake”, a dance drama produced by the Shanghai Grand Theatre, with internationally renowned ballet artist Tan YuanYuan as artistic director. Blending ballet and Chinese dance, the production reinterprets a journey of self-exploration and discovery.

The Chinese Opera Festival, a core component of the CCF, adopts the theme “Righteousness & Loyalty in Chinese Opera” to present classic plays of legendary tales from various opera genres.

The kick-off programme, “Showcase of Peking Opera Actors in Full Armour Roles”, brings together top contemporary wusheng (martial male) actors from four major Peking opera troupes in Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin and Hubei. In the three-day performances, they will perform excerpts from stories based on “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”, “The Water Margin” and more.

In addition, China Theatre Plum Blossom Award winner Shi Xiaming will lead artists from the Jiangsu Performing Arts Group Kun Opera Theatre in bringing the complete two-part Kunqu opera masterpiece “A Dream Under the Southern Bough” to the Hong Kong stage for the first time.

Meanwhile, a New Cantonese Opera, “Ancient Tune of Guangling”, featuring renowned local artists Loong Koon-tin, Tang Mi-ling, Yuen Siu-fai and Liu Kwok-sum, will be staged.

Furthermore, singers of Yu opera (Henan Bangzi), Hebei Bangzi opera and Shangdang Bangzi opera will showcase their artistry during their visit to Hong Kong.

For stage productions, the Leisure & Cultural Services Department and the Bauhinia Culture Group will co-present the “Chinese Performing Arts Hong Kong Season Series” which involves Chinese-style suspense drama “The Code of The Dynasty”, as well as acrobatic drama “Acrobatic Spectacle of Ancient Tang”.

As regards musical performances, representative inheritor of the national-level intangible cultural heritage of the art of guqin Yao Gongbai will give a guqin recital, featuring the piece “Flowing Water” sourced from the 1821 version of “Zhifa Huican Quejie”, a guqin tablature collection.

“Harmony in Eternal Melody”, a dance drama by the Hubei Opera & Dance Drama Theater, recreates 1:1 ancient musical instruments including bronze chime bells and more.

Separately, the “Prosperity & Magnificence - Civilisation of the Sui & Tang Dynasties in Shaanxi Province” exhibition, jointly presented by the Leisure & Cultural Services Department and the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration, will feature a selection of over 165 pieces/sets of artefacts from Shaanxi and Hong Kong, offering visitors a glimpse into the splendour of the Sui and Tang dynasties, while also unveiling commercial and military ties with Hong Kong during the era.

CCF tickets will be available at URBTIX from April 14 onwards, with a limited-time offer from April 14 to 30 on selected programmes. Call 2268 7321 or 2268 7323 or 2268 7325 for enquiries.

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) and Friends of the Country Parks will hold the Country Parks Hiking & Planting Day 2026 on two separate Sundays, April 19 and April 26.

The event, at Tai Lam Chung Country Trail, Tai Lam Country Park, is open to the public. Participants can register on-site at the designated point from 9am to 10.30am on each of the event days. No pre-registration is required.

Seedlings and planting tools will be provided by the AFCD. Seedlings will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. 

The department reminded the public to assess their physical strength and hiking experience before taking part.

Participants are also encouraged to hike with friends or family members and help conserve the countryside by practising proper hiking etiquette. This includes bringing reusable water bottles and towels, as well as following the "Take Your Litter Home" principle.

Bamboo artist Inkgo Lam, who apprenticed under Hong Kong bamboo steamer master Lui Ming, is known for blending traditional bamboo craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics.

Ms Lam is one of the 19 artists taking part in the Hong Kong Museum of Art’s newly launched “Live: Hong Kong Art Exhibition”.

She is presenting two bamboo carvings, Arrow (1) and Arrow (2). Using an arrow and a target as a metaphor for how people pursue goals, the works convey two contrasting states - balance and explosion.

Meanwhile, kinetic installation artist Joseph Chan brings audiences a distinctive carousel making its public debut. Titled Pride of Labour, the fully mechanical work is assembled from machine parts. But there is something different about the three horses - upon closer inspection they are seen to walk on human legs.

Mr Chan encourages visitors to look closely at their gait, thereby sparking curiosity and a spirit of exploration.

Staged to mark Art March, the “Live: Hong Kong Art Exhibition” brings together 19 established and emerging local artists. Spanning a range of media, including installation, ceramics, painting and more - it offers audiences a visual feast.

Vibrant convergence
Hong Kong Museum of Art Curator (Modern & Hong Kong Art) Prudence Ma said Art March is the artists’ moment in the spotlight, allowing them to showcase their works and engage directly with international curators, critics and collectors from around the globe.

She noted that during Art March, Hong Kong will host numerous arts and cultural events, including international commercial art fairs as well as the Hong Kong Museum of Art’s “Live: Hong Kong Art Exhibition”.

“This dynamic interplay of international art and Hong Kong art has fully demonstrated the value of Hong Kong.”

Fellow artists were also full of praise for how Art March has benefited them in practical ways.

Ms Lam revealed that artists that participate in the exhibition receive an artist’s fee, and that she had actually sold works to private collectors at other art fairs in the past. She believes that it is a win-win for artists when commercial fairs and museum exhibitions run in parallel.

Mr Chan also agreed that Art March serves as a valuable opportunity for artists to reach curators and potential buyers more easily, adding that he welcomes the opportunity for more people to come view his kinetic installation works.

Creative community
The artistic vibe is also alive at Oi! in North Point, the former clubhouse of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club.

Every Art March, Oi! presents its “Oi! Spotlight” series. Oi! Curator Joan Chung said the venue’s two new exhibitions this year both take water as their point of entry, echoing the historic building’s location by the waterfront.

One of them, local artist Chan Wai-lap’s “Jeremy’s Bathhouse”, is set in Oi!’s glass house.

The artist explained that the work draws inspiration from a rare species of snail whose shell coils to the left - a one in 40,000 phenomenon - discovered in the UK. The snail called Jeremy is seeking a similar lefty companion or friends.

Mr Chan combined the story with the site’s features to create a colourful bathhouse. Visitors must change into slippers at the entrance before entering the pool area. Each locker compartment holds only one slipper, requiring visitors to match the left and right themselves - a detail that makes the experience all the more special.

Beyond Oi!, he is also presenting his work at other fairs during Art March, including the aforementioned “Live: Hong Kong Art Exhibition.”

Mr Chan highlighted that there is more buzz around the art world in the wider community during Art March.

“People have suddenly become highly enthusiastic about art, which I see as positive, as artists get the chance to present their work and the public gets to admire more as well. Everyone really enjoys this month.”

Another exhibition, “Oi! Spotlight - Space · Ecology · Poetics: Zheng Jing's Way of Art”, is Chinese Mainland artist Zheng Jing’s first solo show in Hong Kong.

Using water, sound and light, the works interact with the space itself.

Mr Zheng recalled the memories he formed of Hong Kong during his childhood through watching its films and television shows, so when he first visited the city two years ago, it felt already familiar to him.

In one piece, Mr Zheng gathered a range of Hong Kong’s urban sounds, from the trams’ signature “ding-ding” to the tune of the local ice-cream truck, and presented them as a soundscape in the space, alongside imagery of Victoria Harbour. Visitors are able to manipulate light from a mirrored installation, tracing through the waves so they feel as if they are beneath the waters of the harbour.

The artist added that his understanding of Art March has deepened while preparing for the exhibition.

“Art exhibitions held across Hong Kong throughout March are perhaps more than a festival. They are artists and creators exchanging and presenting work together, revealing a distinctive side of the city.”

Curator Ms Chung supplemented that Art March has become a cultural brand for Hong Kong, promoting collaboration among artists and curators and raising the sector’s professional standards.

She pointed out that by building an international platform and gathering artists from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and overseas, Art March plays a crucial role in reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

Spring is in full bloom, offering people a captivating floral experience across the city. During the spring flowering season, 60 pink trumpet trees burst into bloom in Sha Tin Park. The sea of beautiful flowers attracts residents and photographers alike to stop and take pictures.

Floral oasis

To beautify the cityscape, the Task Force on District Governance has co-ordinated various departments to implement thematic planting projects across Hong Kong. These include thematically planting a single type of tree or shrub in selected locations to create a visual impact.

The improvement project in Sha Tin Park was completed earlier this year, with pink trumpet trees as the main feature. It has since become a photo-taking hotspot in the district.

One local resident had seen the project on social media and was inspired to visit in person.

“It is actually beautiful and stunning, and caught my eye.”

The pink trumpet trees also create the perfect romantic backdrop and are popular among couples for taking their wedding photos.

Careful selection

Leisure & Cultural Services Department Sha Tin District Leisure Services Office Manager (Sha Tin Park) Sherry Lau noted that the department had enhanced the beautification works in Sha Tin Park to improve its overall landscape.

“When selecting the plants, we followed the principle of ‘Right plant, Right place’, considering its suitability to the environment, visual appeal and harmony with the surroundings, as well as maintenance needs and resilience.”

She explained that the pink trumpet tree suits Hong Kong’s climate, attracts insects for pollination and supports biodiversity. Together with the surrounding greenery, it adds colour and seasonal interest to the park.

Citywide enhancement

Besides Sha Tin Park, various beautification projects in different districts have been completed. These include planting 40 rosy trumpet trees along Lung Hop Street in Wan Chai, as well as flowering plants along Lung Wo Road and near Golden Bauhinia Square to enhance the area’s appearance.

The projects also cover Shing Fung Road Park in Kai Tak where rosy trumpet trees, pink trumpet trees and Indian almonds provide year-round seasonal interest. Along the greenway, sweet gums turn red in autumn, creating a stunning autumnal vibe.

Civil Engineering & Development Department East Development Office Senior Engineer Jason Wong said: “Since Shing Fung Road Park is located by the waterfront, we chose trees that are both wind-resistant and salt-tolerant."

Infusing joy
Mr Wong emphasised that Shing Fung Road Park not only provides quality public space but also creates synergy with the adjacent Kai Tak Sports Park. In terms of improving environmental quality, Shing Fung Road Park has not only increased green space and beautified the waterfront landscape, but also attracts residents and visitors for leisure and recreation.

The park can also host various events, promote cultural exchanges, and offer visitors an opportunity to experience Hong Kong's local culture. Altogether, it enhances quality of life, a sense of happiness and sense of fulfilment, he added.

A Han dynasty-themed artefact exhibition jointly organised by the Development Bureau (DEVB) and the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) will be held at the Heritage Discovery Centre from tomorrow to September 20. Admission is free.

"The Majestic Han: A Golden Age of Vigour & Cultural Integration" exhibition features significant archaeological finds unearthed on the Chinese Mainland and in Hong Kong, showcasing the dynamic and innovative Han dynasty, a golden era that made profound contributions to promoting exchanges between Chinese and Western civilisations.

The exhibition is presented in six thematic sections, covering political system, economic development, culture and beliefs, scientific and technological development, social life and external exchanges.

It features 252 groups of invaluable exhibits. Among them, 203 groups, including 40 grade-one cultural relics, come from museums and cultural institutions on the Chinese Mainland, and most of them are being shown in Hong Kong for the first time.

The remaining 49 groups are significant archaeological finds dating to the Han period unearthed in Hong Kong, selected by the DEVB’s Antiquities & Monuments Office. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn said the Han and Tang dynasties were both golden eras in Chinese history. She remarked that the DEVB and the NCHA collaborated again to present this exhibition, following the success of the "Tang Vogue Beyond the Horizons: A Golden Era of Multicultural Integration & Openness" exhibition held last year.

Among the key exhibits from the Chinese Mainland are the Han precious bronze horse-leading figurine and bronze horse; an eaves end tile with Chinese characters Han Bing Tian Xia (Han unifies the realm); and a seven-storey painted pottery granary house with linked pavilion.

The key exhibits unearthed in Hong Kong include a pottery house unearthed at Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb, as well as the Han period artefacts excavated at local significant archaeological sites such as Tung Wan Tsai in Ma Wan, So Kwun Wat in Tuen Mun and Kau Sai Chau in Sai Kung.

Ms Linn said she anticipates that through these precious artefacts, members of the public and tourists will learn more about the glorious history of the Han dynasty and appreciate the remarkable virtues of traditional Chinese culture. 

The Hong Kong Flower Show 2026, themed “A Fragrant Journey through Hong Kong”, will be held at Victoria Park from 9am to 9pm daily from tomorrow to March 29, with the stock as this year's theme flower.

A showpiece three-dimensional floral wall featuring five giant stocks, each composed of more than 30 flowers, is accompanied by a display comprising over 6,000 orchids, myosotises and other blooms.

In front of the 3D installation, an expansive array of more than 14,000 tulips in different colours offers an ideal spot for photographs.

The showground will feature a number of large-scale landscape installations reflecting distinctive aspects of Hong Kong's and presenting another side to the city beyond its urban image.

Tying in with this year's theme, the show is collaborating for the first time with the Joyful Miniature Association to present a miniature exhibition in the Floral Marquee.

Featuring exquisitely crafted miniature scenes, the exhibition showcases local life and culture, including the Mong Kok Flower Market, the Cheung Chau floating colours parade, a bamboo shed theatre, and the Temple Street night market.

This year's show offers a range of new family-friendly activities. "The Ponies Photo Booth", where visitors can have their photos taken with Sheltand ponies, will be open on March 21 and 28 from 1pm to 5pm at the Central Lawns.

Several government mascots will be present and interacting with visitors on March 21 from 2.30pm to 5pm.

Call 2601 8260 for enquiries.

All eight of the Security Bureau’s disciplined and auxiliary services will hold open days on weekends from late March to mid-April, dovetailing with National Security Education Day on April 15.

The open days will be held at the services’ training schools, museums, headquarters or divisional premises. They are targeted at deepening public understanding of the services and their work and achievements in safeguarding national security.

Activities and attractions will include flag-raising ceremonies, Chinese-style foot drills, rescue demonstrations, flight simulation experiences, demonstrations of virtual reality training systems, displays of firearms and equipment, working dog demonstrations and game booths.

From tomorrow, interested parties can register for free tickets via the disciplined services’ websites. Tickets are not required for the Police Force, Civil Aid Service and Auxiliary Medical Service open days.

Click here for details.

The Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival presented by the Leisure & Cultural Services Department will return in April for its fourth edition.

Under the theme “Beyond Fantasy”, the festival will explore what happens when ideas collide, inviting audiences to experience how creators across generations – through boundless imagination – reshape the distinctive character of Hong Kong's pop culture and turn the impossible into the possible.

It will present about 20 programmes and over 120 events, including stage performances, film screenings, thematic exhibitions, library programmes and outreach activities.

Concert “Dreamscape” will be the opening programme, co-curated by Chu Wan-pin, winner of the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Original Film Score and an erhu virtuoso, and local musician Vicky Fung. The programme blends soundtracks, pop music, street dance and art technology into a musical feast.

Other programmes include the mega outdoor music carnival “ImagineLand”; outdoor installation “Pop Unboxed”; film screening “Fantasies in Reality: A Cinematic Journey” and “Restored Treasures - 'The Kid'”.

The Leisure & Cultural Services Department will present the Dance with Love & Compassion Inclusive Performance on Sunday at 3pm at the Cultural Centre Piazza, featuring some 180 performers.

The free event will showcase professional dancers, inclusive dance troupes, special school students and parents, primary students and seniors. Interactive audience sessions will also be held to promote harmony with people with disabilities.

The China Hong Kong Para Dance Sport Association will also perform a wheelchair dance. The association won three gold and three silver medals at mass participation para dance sport event at the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympics Games.

Another highlight is a performance by the Dancing Heart Troupe of St. James' Settlement, the first local professional dance group for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The event is part of the Dance for All Community Care Inclusive Dance Scheme launched in 2024. Based at the Cultural Centre with veteran dancer Andy Wong as artistic advisor, the scheme includes a series of inclusive performances featuring people with disabilities.

As the sun rises over Victoria Harbour, the city starts its day with people filling Lugard Road – jogging, walking dogs or strolling with friends.

An elderly woman who visits the Hong Kong Trail occasionally, remarked that it was a pleasant trail that was even suitable for dog walking.

“Hong Kong is a real treasure. In just 10 to 30 minutes by car, you can reach many hiking trails. So we really should cherish what we have.”

Singaporean film director Jack Neo recently led over 100 visitors to the trail for some morning exercise. He said the group was in high spirits and amazed by the landscape.

“The scenery in Singapore is very different from here – this is a mountain. We just looked down and suddenly realised how stunning the view is.”

With stops planned in Guangzhou and Shenzhen during their five-day trip, Mr Neo said he hopes to return to Hong Kong in the future to explore its countryside further.

Natural gem
Lugard Road is just the beginning of a greater natural treasure – the Hong Kong Trail.

Spanning about 50km, the trail begins at the western end of Hong Kong Island, winding eastward. It is the most hiker-friendly of the four long-distance trails managed by the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department. Starting at Victoria Peak, it crosses the island’s hills and ends at Tai Long Wan.

The trail is divided into eight sections, with Lugard Road forming part of Section 1.

Eric Lam, Country Parks Ranger Services Officer (Hong Kong) at the department, grew up hiking the trail with his father and has since covered every section.

He said the trail offers a rich variety of scenic spots – ranging from the Peak and Pok Fu Lam Reservoir to Jardine’s Lookout, Mount Butler, the Tai Tam Group of Reservoirs and Dragon’s Back – offering a real mix of vistas.

In addition to its diverse landscapes, the trail also boasts rich habitats.

“Woodlands, streams and reservoirs support a wide range of wildlife, including species with high conservation value – like the Hong Kong Camellia and Primrose, both first discovered on the island,” Mr Lam added.

Witnessing history
The Hong Kong Trail is also packed with historical and cultural elements.

Hikers can encounter significant sites along the route, including Hong Kong’s first reservoir – Pok Fu Lam Reservoir, completed in 1863 – and several declared monuments related to the city’s early waterworks system.

Wartime relics such as Second World War-era air raid shelters and pillboxes, alongside early 1900s markers like the Kwan Tai Lo Milestone and the Tai Tam Obelisk, are also visible along the trail.

In April 1985, the Hong Kong Trail was officially inaugurated at Tai Fung Au, which also marks the start of Section 6. Many hikers still pause to take photographs at the memorial plaque.

Tai Fung Au has been there from the very beginning, even remnants of the former Taikoo company town – including the now-demolished Taikoo Sanitarium and the world’s first passenger cable car. The remaining stone, brick and concrete foundations have faded into the landscape, standing as silent witnesses to the passage of time.

Hiking challenge
To encourage the public to explore the Hong Kong Trail, the department launched the "Unlocking Hong Kong Trail" hiking challenge, setting up eight checkpoints – one for each trail section. Each checkpoint features an e-badge inspired by the section’s landmarks and biodiversity, allowing hikers to check in and take part in a “treasure hunt”.

Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department Country Parks Ranger Services Officer (Education) Francis Tsang explained that participants should register on the event website, then hike to the eight checkpoints. Once there, they scan a QR code and answer a fun fact question to unlock an e-badge.

“Once they have unlocked all eight checkpoints within the event period – by February 28  – they can redeem a set of souvenirs on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last,” Ms Tsang noted.

Since the challenge was launched in November 2025, over 7,400 people had signed up, with around 1,800 successfully unlocking all checkpoints as of the end of last year.

She advised participants to plan based on fitness and experience, hike in groups, and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Earlier, the department launched a series of activities encouraging public involvement in trail upkeep, including restoring erosion-prone sections to ensure hikers can safely and comfortably enjoy nature.

"Four Peaks" Tourism
Last year, the Government introduced the “Four Peaks” tourism initiative, covering Tai Mo Shan, Lantau Peak, Sai Kung Hoi and Victoria Peak, which overlaps with Section 1 of the Hong Kong Trail.

The department is phasing in the initiative, upgrading trails and facilities near High West, and working with nearby stakeholders to design themed green tourism routes linking the Peak Tram, landmarks and specialty cuisines.

The tourism routes, along with facility upgrades and green tourism products are expected to be in place by late 2026.

Co-ordinated by the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau, the 2026 Chinese New Year Fireworks Display is poised to transform Victoria Harbour into a theatre of light on February 18 at 8pm to welcome the Year of the Horse.

Themed “Prosperity Gallops Across Hong Kong”, the extravaganza will be presented in eight scenes. The 23-minute fireworks performance will showcase 31,888 pyrotechnic shells.

The spectacular show will kick off with a dazzling 15-second burst of high-density fireworks simulating the energy of galloping horses, and bid a rousing farewell to the previous year.

Next, fireworks in the shape of the number 8 and golden ingots will illuminate the night sky over Victoria Harbour, conveying wishes of prosperity and abundance in the Year of the Horse.

Star-like fireworks will dance across the sky in the fourth scene, resembling peaceful horses galloping on the horizon, symbolising love and hope for the world. This scene will also display fireworks of a Chinese character meaning good fortune.

The show’s finale will showcase many crown-shaped and "dragon egg" fireworks, as well as a rapid-fire cascade of high-density bursts, extending heartfelt wishes for national prosperity.

Residents can enjoy the show from both sides of Victoria Harbour, including Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai.

Poland’s Song of the Goat Theatre makes its Hong Kong debut this February with Songs of Lear, an Edinburgh Fringe First award-winning reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy.

Part of the Leisure & Cultural Services Department's "European Theatres in Resonance" series, the production is a soul-stirring dramatic oratorio that blends polyphonic singing, movement and original music into a poetic, minimalist performance.

Featuring 11 performers and 12 original compositions, the production distills the emotional and spiritual essence of King Lear. This bold, contemporary take expands on key tragic moments and resonates powerfully with the audience.

Since its world premiere at the 2012 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Songs of Lear has earned widespread acclaim, sweeping the Scotsman Fringe First, Herald Archangel and Musical Theatre Matters awards. The production has since captivated audiences across Europe, Asia and the Americas on its extensive international tours.

Songs of Lear by Poland’s Song of the Goat Theatre will be held at 8pm on February 6 and 7, and at 3pm on February 8 at Hong Kong City Hall. Tickets for the series are available from URBTIX, with performances on February 6 and 7 to be followed by meet-the-artist sessions.

The programme also includes two theatre workshops to be held on February 4 and 8 at 7.30pm at the Rehearsal Hall of the Sheung Wan Civic Centre. Both the meet-the-artist sessions and the workshops will be conducted in English.

The Jockey Club Student Drawing Competition, a highlight of the Hong Kong Flower Show, will take place on March 20 at Victoria Park. Enrollment is free and open to local primary, secondary and full-time tertiary students. Interested participants can apply until February 3.

Themed “A Fragrant Journey through Hong Kong”, the competition invites students to draw the show’s floral exhibits and garden displays using any medium. The event aims to inspire environmental awareness and a commitment to plant conservation.

The competition will be conducted in five categories: a Junior Section in Primary School (Primary 1 to Primary 3); a Senior Section in Primary School (Primary 4 to Primary 6); a Junior Section in Secondary School (Forms 1 to 3); a Senior Section in Secondary School (Forms 4 to 6); and a Tertiary Institution Section.

The competitions for the primary school categories and the Tertiary Institution Section will run from 9am to noon, while the secondary school session will take place from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.

Primary and secondary school students should enrol through their schools, while tertiary students are required to enrol individually. For details of the competition, call 2926 3060 or 2302 1762.

The flower show will be held at Victoria Park from March 20 to 29, and will feature the stock as its theme flower.

Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing today officiated at the opening ceremony of the "Yau Ma Tei Police Station: A Cinematic Journey" exhibition at the Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station.

The exhibition, presented by the Cultural & Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau, will be open to the public from tomorrow.

It showcases film sets reconstructed by Hong Kong film professionals, collectable items and original pieces, presenting the city's memories of the era portrayed in Hong Kong crime film classics, allowing visitors to experience Hong Kong's film culture and the unique creativity of local filmmakers.

This exhibition is one of the major projects of the Government's Working Group on Developing Tourist Hotspots. It is also the second tourist attraction themed around Hong Kong films, following the "Kowloon Walled City: A Cinematic Journey" Movie Set Exhibition which opened last year.

Also officiating at the opening ceremony were Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law.

Situated at 627 Canton Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, the Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station is a Grade 2 historic building.

An admission ticket to the exhibition costs $30, a concessionary ticket is $10, while children aged six or below get in for free.

Members of the public may book tickets through the online booking system as tickets will not be available onsite.

To coincide with the exhibition and promote district tourism, the Yau Tsim Mong District Office also launched the Yau Ma Tei Dining & Shopping Festival as well as a Mini Bazaar today.

Exhibition visitors may enjoy a wide range of special offers at participating merchants.

The Mini Bazaar, which operates on weekends and public holidays until March 1, is located opposite the main entrance of the Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station, and sells cultural and creative products as well as local traditional snacks.

Hong Kong rang in 2026 with New Year's Eve countdown events across the city.

A large crowd of residents and tourists gathered at the Chater Road Pedestrian Precinct in Central for a major countdown celebration. They witnessed a stunning light show projected on the facades of eight buildings.

The news.gov.hk team wishes all of our readers a healthy and prosperous New Year.

The Eastern Section of the East Coast Boardwalk in North Point will be open to the public from 6am tomorrow, marking the last kilometre to connect the 13km-long harbourfront on Hong Kong Island, from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan.

Spanning some 2.2km underneath the Island Eastern Corridor, the East Coast Boardwalk is divided into the eastern and western sections, each with a length of 1.1km. The western section, which links the East Coast Park with the North Point Promenade, opened earlier this year. The eastern section, opening tomorrow, will further connect the North Point Promenade to Hoi Yu Street in Quarry Bay, realising the vision of “Seamless Boardwalk Linking Island West & East”.

The eastern section will offer a number of special features, including an experiential glass observatory deck; a pet-friendly area near Tin Chiu Street; multi-functional open spaces for hosting exhibitions, art and community activities; as well as a small plaza at the eastern end of the boardwalk near Quarry Bay.

Similar to the western section, the eastern section adopts the “Harbourfront Shared Space” approach and provides a pet-friendly venue for users.

It features a shared path for visitors to engage in activities such as strolling, jogging and cycling, while providing a dedicated walkway for pedestrians. At the same time, citizens and their leashed pets can enjoy the facilities together. A movable bascule bridge has also been installed near Man Hong Street to facilitate marine operations.

The Eastern Section has five access points and will be open 24 hours a day, except for the experiential glass observatory deck.

Imagine being able to step back in time to a 1950s grocery store where the product packaging is full of nostalgic charm, pastries are priced at just $0.68 and you can purchase a mooncake for $2.

A local bakery group has turned this into reality by opening an experience centre at its Tai Po factory, replicating its first store on Shanghai Street. It was built in support of the Government's “Industrial Brand Tourism” project and took about six months to set up.

Memorable experience

In early December, the experience centre welcomed its first tour group. The docent explained the various exhibits in the centre, such as simulating baking pastries using an oil drum during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong, and sharing the story of the group’s transformation from a grocery store to a bakery.

Tourists also experienced stir-frying lotus seed paste and felt the weight of traditional wedding cakes as well as became pastry chefs by making almond cakes during the tour. 

“Today, experiencing making almond cakes was really good and meaningful. If I visit Hong Kong again, I will definitely participate in similar activities,” tourist Ms Zhang said.

Another tourist Mr Lin remarked: “We usually travel to see the sights, but we rarely visit factories. This was our first time doing that, and I found it really interesting.”

Promoting craftmanship

Kee Wah Bakery Executive Director Karlson Wong said that through “Industrial Brand Tourism”, more people will get to know the brand and the traditional pastries of Hong Kong.

“It is a great opportunity and another platform for us to help tell that story and engage with more tourists that are visiting Hong Kong,” he explained. “Our vision for the company is for the world to know and to love our Hong Kong traditional pastry and confectionery products. Our hope is that our Hong Kong's own traditional products can also spread to all corners of the world.”

Economy boost

The “Industrial Brand Tourism” project is implemented by the Travel Industry Council to showcase the city’s industrial brand stories through tours organised by the travel trade, creating hotspots for visitors to tour, experience and shop. The council believes the project embodies the Government’s goal of “tourism is everywhere” and helps tell the world the good stories of Hong Kong.

The council’s Executive Director Fanny Yeung pointed out that the tours include a shopping component, allowing visitors to purchase exclusive products available only at the factory, which contributes to boosting the local economy.

She added that while tourists come to Hong Kong to experience “Industrial Brand Tourism”, they will also visit the traditional sightseeing spots. This helps to prolong their stay in Hong Kong.

Currently, brands including Yakult, Kee Wah and Lee Kum Kee are participating in the project. Ms Yeung revealed that the trial phase will continue until March next year, with the possibility of more brands being introduced by then.

​“Yau Ma Tei Police Station: A Cinematic Journey”, an exhibition presented by the Cultural & Creative Industries Development Agency, will open to the public at the Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station from January 2.

The Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station, situated at 627 Canton Road, is a Grade-2 historic building built in British Edwardian architectural style.

The agency has revitalised the ground floor of the building. The exhibition showcases Hong Kong’s classic police and crime film culture with a view to promoting local film culture and film tourism.

Tickets are available online from 10am tomorrow for visits from January 2 to 31. Tickets can be booked for admission up to 30 days in advance. A maximum of four tickets is allowed per transaction and no tickets will be sold onsite.

Each session lasts for 25 minutes and the number of visitors for each session is capped at 20.

The standard ticket price is $30, while concessionary tickets for students, the elderly, Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients and people with disabilities are priced at $10 each. Admission is free for children aged six or below.

The exhibition will be open daily, with extended hours of 9am to 10pm, from January 2 to 11. From January 12, normal opening hours will be in operation.

Tying in with the exhibition, the Yau Ma Tei Dining & Shopping Festival will be held from January 1 to February 22. In addition to general discounts and offers, attendees of the show can also enjoy exclusive offers when they present proof of their visit.

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department today launched the “Unlocking Hong Kong Trail” hiking challenge to commemorate the trail’s 40th anniversary.

Eight checkpoints have been set up along the trail for hikers to collect e-badges while learning about the unique features of each section as they hike.

The Hong Kong Trail, divided into eight sections and spanning 50 km, is the most hiker-friendly of the city’s four long-distance hiking trails.

Starting at Victoria Peak and ending at Big Wave Bay, it traverses five country parks. Section 1 at Victoria Peak offers spectacular views of Victoria Harbour and is part of the “Four Peaks” tourism project under the Working Group on Developing Tourist Hotspots.

From today until February 28, 2026, people can register for the challenge on the event website. To collect e-badges, they should visit the eight checkpoints, scan QR codes with their smartphones, then answer questions about the trail to “unlock” each checkpoint.

Those who successfully unlock all eight checkpoints during the event period will receive commemorative prizes while stocks last.

The department advised participants to hike with friends or family members.

The Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau debuted the "Election into Community" Roving Interactive Exhibition series this weekend to promote the 2025 Legislative Council General Election.

The first stop of the series was held in The Westwood for two consecutive days, yesterday and today.

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki together with Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang, and Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak attended today's event.

Speaking at the event, Mr Chan called on all voters to fulfil their civic responsibility by casting their votes on polling day for Hong Kong.

Interactive games, an exhibition panel area and a self-service photo booth have been set up at the event to deepen public understanding of electoral information. Life-sized mascots of the Ballot Box Family are also on site to interact with the public.

"Election into Community" will be held at other shopping malls in various districts with opening hours from 11am to 7pm. Admission is free.

The bureau earlier rolled out on its election-themed Facebook page the "Let's find the Ballot Box Family AR mailboxes" activity. Members of the public may redeem a souvenir at the event venues of the "Election into Community" series by posting a photo of mailboxes installed across the city as a comment on the post.