31st March 2023 – (Hong Kong) Hong Kong is a city that has been in the international limelight for its cultural events. This year, a series of marquee art events were held in Hong Kong, such as the Asian Film Awards, the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market, and the Art Basel’s 2023 edition of its Hong Kong show. These events have put Hong Kong under the spotlight once again as a potential hub for cultural exchange. Hong Kong’s unique blend of Chinese and foreign cultures gives it a cultural advantage that is not found in other cities.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has been actively promoting cultural development since taking office in July 2022. It aims to capture the unique creative atmosphere of Hong Kong’s blending of Chinese and foreign cultures. The government’s efforts are in line with China’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) to support the development of an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong’s position as a center for cultural and artistic exchanges between China and foreign countries is clear, according to Betty Fung, chief executive officer of West Kowloon Cultural District Authority. She believes that Hong Kong’s biggest advantage lies in its roots in Chinese culture and the rich cultural resources of the mainland. The West Kowloon Cultural District is a prime example of Hong Kong’s cultural development. It is an arts and cultural hub that provides a platform for artists, performers, and creatives to showcase their talents.
Kevin Yeung, secretary for culture, sports, and tourism of the HKSAR government, acknowledges Hong Kong’s obvious cultural advantage. He compares Hong Kong to London and Paris, which are considered “cultural centers.” He believes that Hong Kong’s positioning is unique as a center for cultural and artistic exchanges between China and foreign countries. The goal is to promote Chinese culture to the world and tell the story of China fully, showcasing the unique charm of the blend of Chinese and foreign cultures in Hong Kong.
Internationally acclaimed composer and conductor Tan Dun, Hong Kong’s ambassador for cultural promotion, nominated for a term of five years, believes that to tell the stories of China, including Hong Kong’s stories, young people must first thoroughly study and understand Chinese culture. He plans to lead Hong Kong performing artists to mainland regions such as Guizhou and Shaanxi, where the renowned Terracotta Warriors were discovered, to engage in “dialogue” with traditional Chinese culture. He will also visit the Nvshu Village known for the centuries-old “women’s script”, a secret female-only language, in central China’s Hunan Province during the Mid-Autumn Festival to experience China’s unique intangible cultural heritage. Hong Kong has great potential as a hub for cultural exchange. Its unique blend of Chinese and foreign cultures gives it a cultural advantage that is not found in other cities. The HKSAR government has been actively promoting cultural development, and the West Kowloon Cultural District is a prime example of Hong Kong’s cultural development. The goal is to promote Chinese culture to the world and tell the story of China fully, showcasing the unique charm of the blend of Chinese and foreign cultures in Hong Kong.
