25th May 2023 – (Hong Kong) Since its opening in July 2022, the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) in the West Kowloon Cultural District has become a popular destination for both local and international visitors. The museum has welcomed over 1.1 million visitors in its first 11 months of operation. The HKPM is delighted to announce the opening of three new retail and dining outlets, ART EXPRESS, XIA, and King Lung Heen Chinese restaurant, which opened progressively in May to enrich the cultural, tourism, and dining experience of visitors.
ART EXPRESS Promotes Palace Museum Culture with a Modern and Creative Twist
ART EXPRESS by The Commercial Press, operated by SUP Retail (Hong Kong) Limited under Sino United Publishing (Holdings) Limited, is the HKPM’s new gift shop located on the ground floor near the museum’s main entrance. The 3,000 sq ft retail space is divided into six zones that offer a variety of products covering different aspects of life – clothes, live, eat, study, learn, and play. The shop features a comprehensive collection of cultural and creative products from the HKPM, along with a selection of over 2,000 products – from gadgets and souvenirs to publications associated with Palace Museum and HKPM exhibitions.
ART EXPRESS by The Commercial Press draws on a “Curio Cabinets of the Emperor” design concept, where visitors can experience the pleasure of an emperor appreciating his precious art collection while browsing through the products and publications on display. The shop promotes Palace Museum culture with a modern and creative twist, showcasing Chinese art and culture in a way that will appeal to visitors of all ages.
XIA Presents Emperor Qianlong’s Favourite Snacks and Traditional Delicacies
XIA is a new Chinese teahouse located next to the museum gift shop, operated by CURATOR GROUP and designed by architects William Lim and Stanley Wong. Drawing inspiration from the culture of the Forbidden City, XIA traces the fascinating stories of the six visits south of the Yangtze River made by the Kangxi and Qianlong emperors, during which they observed local customs and tasted regional delicacies. The teahouse features classic palace foods alongside traditional folk dishes at affordable prices, providing visitors with an opportunity to enjoy the palace treasures housed in the museum and then sample the delectable cuisines once relished by the imperial family.
The thoughtfully curated menu at XIA features dishes such as sweet pea cake, the Empress Dowager Cixi’s favourite dessert; braised duck with lotus seeds from Qing Dynasty imperial cuisine; the stewed bird’s nest beloved by the Qianlong Emperor; and local specialities such as Chongqing noodles and Shanxi meat buns. Visitors can experience the rich history of Chinese cuisine while enjoying a modern dining experience in the heart of Hong Kong.
King Lung Heen Offers Exquisite Cantonese Delicacies
King Lung Heen, the new Chinese restaurant at the HKPM, is located on the museum’s 4th floor and offers a stunning 270-degree view over Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour and the West Kowloon Art Park. The restaurant provides a selection of traditional dim sum and Cantonese dishes presented with a creative twist. Set amidst surroundings rich in arts and culture, King Lung Heen provides an unforgettable dining experience for gatherings with friends, families or business associates.
The restaurant also features a spacious, column-free banquet hall that can accommodate up to 40 banquet tables, making it the perfect venue for special occasions. Elegantly decorated and equipped with a large high-definition LED screen, state-of-the-art lighting, and other audio-visual equipment, King Lung Heen offers a comprehensive and one-stop professional banquet and wedding service tailored to your needs.
Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum, said, “Since its opening last year, the HKPM has been dedicated to creating a unique cultural ambience through high-quality exhibitions, cultural and educational activities, alongside a series of creative cultural products. The newly opened museum shop and restaurants provide visitors with the opportunity to appreciate the splendid culture of the Palace Museum through gourmet experiences and a variety of cultural offerings, cultivating synergies that can promote the integration of culture and tourism. We look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world to enjoy the museum and experience the richness of Chinese culture from multiple perspectives.”
The new restaurants and gift shop arenow in full operation, and non-ticket holders can gain access through the main entrance of the Museum Plaza on the Ground Floor or the Palace Academy on the LG floor. HKPM Friends and patrons of the museum can enjoy a 10% discount at all the new outlets, subject to terms and conditions.
The HKPM has become a new cultural landmark in Hong Kong, and its success reflects the city’s growing interest in Chinese art and culture. The museum, which houses over 700,000 artefacts from the Palace Museum in Beijing, is dedicated to promoting Chinese heritage and culture through its exhibitions, educational programmes, and cultural products.
The addition of three new retail and dining outlets is a significant step in the museum’s efforts to enhance the cultural and tourism experience of visitors. The new outlets offer a diverse range of products and services, from cultural and creative products to traditional Chinese tea and Cantonese cuisine, providing visitors with a unique cultural and culinary experience.
ART EXPRESS and XIA are excellent examples of how the HKPM is promoting Palace Museum culture with a modern twist. The gift shop offers a broad range of cultural and creative products that reflect the museum’s collection and exhibitions, while the teahouse presents classic palace foods alongside traditional folk dishes in a contemporary setting.
King Lung Heen, on the other hand, offers exquisite Cantonese delicacies in a stunning setting with panoramic views, making it an ideal location for special occasions.
The HKPM’s efforts to promote Chinese culture and heritage through its exhibitionsand cultural products are commendable, and the addition of new dining and retail outlets further enriches the visitor experience. With these new offerings, the museum is not only promoting the appreciation of Chinese art and culture but also providing visitors with a unique opportunity to experience it firsthand.
The HKPM has become one of Hong Kong’s must-visit destinations for both locals and tourists. The museum’s success is due to its efforts to promote Chinese culture through its exhibitions, educational programmes, and cultural products. The museum has also become an important cultural hub in the city, hosting various events and activities that appeal to a diverse range of audiences.
ART EXPRESS by The Commercial Press
| Address: | G/F, Hong Kong Palace Museum |
| Opening Hours: | Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday: 10am-6pm Friday, Saturday & Public Holidays: 9am – 8pm Tuesday (except public holiday and the first two days of the Lunar New Year): Closed |