Officiating the second Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Month opening ceremony, Law said the nation’s 15th five-year plan has called for vigorous cultural development, enhancing protection and inheritance of ICH, as well as strengthening the reach and influence of Chinese culture towards the world.
As such, she said, the ICH Office under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department has responded to the call, and an ICH month has been organised every June since last year – aligning with the nation’s China Cultural and Natural Heritage Day on the second Saturday of June.
Law also said the event will build on last year’s success in attracting over 160,000 participants, to allow both residents and tourists to enjoy Hong Kong’s rich and diverse culture, and promote the deep integration of culture and tourism.
This year’s event will offer over 50 performances, 80 promotional booths, as well as 40 site visits that feature more than 100 intangible cultural heritage items, she said.
“A total of nine themed tours covering eight selected districts will be offered, such as exploring the art of Guqin in Sham Shui Po, and learning about the craftmanship behind Chiu Chow food making. Participants will have the opportunity to hear the stories and experiences directly from local artisans,” Law said.
To enrich the tourism experience, the minister said the administration has partnered with the Tourism Board and the airport, launching highlight tours and live demonstrations of Hong Kong-style milk tea making, respectively.
The Space Museum will also present a horse-themed light and sound show on its exterior walls every evening from June 11 to 24, marking the Year of the Horse.
