‘Chinese Arts in Fragrant Harbour’s Embrace, The University of Hong Kong (HKU) Libraries & Chamber of Young Snow Culture Festival’ is a transcendent cultural feast, that vividly portrays the profound depth and exquisite elegance of Chinese culture and arts. Held from June to September 2025, the Festival programme features one exhibition, five public talks, eight workshops and two performing arts events, totaling 16 exciting events, designed to immerse participants in the charm of Chinese culture.
The Culture Festival marks the first collaborative project between HKU Libraries and Chamber of Young Snow. Notably, it is also the first time HKU Libraries and Chamber of Young Snow have partnered with Dunhuang Academy to present a Dunhuang arts and culture exhibition - making HKU the first academic institution in Hong Kong to host a Dunhuang exhibition. The opening ceremony was held on June 7th, 2025 at Main Library, HKU. Among the guests of honour, were: Professor Ian Holliday, Vice-President & Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) and Acting Registrar of HKU; Miss Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs (HYAB); Ms. Wang Hui Hui, Deputy Director and Research Curator of Dunhuang Academy Exhibition Centre; Dr. Stephen Suen, Founder of Chamber of Young Snow; and Ms. Flora Ng, Chief Information Officer and University Librarian of HKU.
During his speech, Professor Holliday, Vice-President & Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) and Acting Registrar of HKU, stated: “Rooted in the East but with a global vision, HKU has always been committed to promoting cultural exchange and academic heritage. With profound depth and enduring legacy, Chinese culture is a shared treasure and an integral part of human civilization.
As we gather here, we recognize the immense potential of our youth—the driving force behind HKU’s legacy and future. I am committed to empowering every student to think boldly, act responsibly, and contribute meaningfully to society. Together, let us embrace this journey of knowledge, collaboration, and transformation, ensuring that HKU remains a beacon of excellence and a platform where youth aspirations turn into global impact.”
Miss Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs praised the “Dreamlike Dunhuang: Recreating the Grandeur of Dunhuang” Exhibition, stating that it is not only a showcase of Dunhuang art but also a tribute to the profound heritage of Chinese culture. She highlighted that the exhibition deepens public interest towards cultural and artistic pursuits, particularly among youths, encouraging their active participation in cultural preservation and innovation. Miss Mak also mentioned how HYAB has been vigorously advancing various exchange and internship programmes in the mainland and overseas, in order to promote youth engagement in understanding the nation and the world. Since 2018, HYAB and Dunhuang Academy have collaborated under the “Youth Internship Programme at Dunhuang” as part of the “HYAB Thematic Youth Internship Programmes to the Mainland”, that enables Hong Kong youths to acquire knowledge in cultural relic conservation and restoration, while gaining insights into the artistic and cultural legacy of Dunhuang.
Having travelled specially from Dunhuang to Hong Kong to attend the ceremony, Deputy Director and Research Curator of Dunhuang Academy Exhibition Centre, Miss Wang Hui Hui emphasised: “While Dunhuang – a jewel blooming in the desert – and Hong Kong – a bold city standing amid winds and waves – may be geographically distant, both serve as vital hubs that bridge Chinese and foreign cultures. Our shared mission and goal, are to protect, preserve and utilise humanity’s collective cultural heritage, ensuring that the exceptional traditional Chinese culture embodied in these artifacts can continue to enrich contemporary society.”
Similarly, in his remarks, Dr. Stephen Suen, Founder of Chamber of Young Snow, highlighted:“Hong Kong has never been a passive observer of history; it has always been a dynamic bridge for cultural dialogue. At Chamber of Young Snow, we uphold two guiding principles: Perfect Harmony in East and West” and “No Border in Arts and Culture.
We aspire to see Hong Kong flourish as a cultural bridge, building upon our established strengths in business, finance, arbitration, education, and beyond. This Festival stands as a testament to Hong Kong’s enduring role as a global cultural hub.”
Finally, Ms. Flora Ng, Chief Information Officer and University Librarian of HKU, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Central Government and the University for their unwavering support. She noted that this Dunhuang exhibition was planned and prepared just within three months – from the initial research trip to the grand opening – now, featuring the first-ever, full-scale 1:1 replica of Mogao Cave 45, displayed in Hong Kong. Ms. Ng extended special thanks to Mr. Jimmy Lo and Professor Lee Mei Yin from Friends of Dunhuang (Hong Kong), as well as Dunhuang Academy and HKU Libraries for their tireless efforts in bringing the exhibition to fruition. She also specially acknowledged the generous support received from Chamber of Young Snow towards the Festival, for having exceeded the original plan tenfold and turning what once seemed impossible into reality.
Also invited to the opening ceremony, were: Dr. Zhao Sheng Liang, Researcher of Dunhuang Academy; Dr. the Hon Moses Cheng, GBM, GBS, JP, Member of the Executive Council; Hon Elizabeth Quat, SBS, JP, Legislative Council Member and Vice-Chairperson of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong; Hon Andrew Lam Siu-lo, SBS, JP, Legislative Council Member; Professor the Hon Lau Chi-pang, BBS, JP, Legislative Council Member; Professor Edward Chen, Honorary Professor of HKU Business School and Distinguished Fellow of the Centre of Asian Studies at the University of Hong Kong; and Mr. Peter Lau Man-pong, Chairman of the Board of Governors at the Hong Kong Arts Centre – who kindly spared time to be guests of honour for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Closing the ceremony, the Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble performed two remarkable musical pieces: “Water Drum” and “Three Variations of Yangguan”. The ensemble was established in 2018, consisting of two composers and eight musicians. Their mission is to promote Dunhuang culture through music, bringing the captivating scenes and stories depicted in the Dunhuang murals to modern stages and reviving the brilliance of this ancient art.
HKU Libraries hopes, that this Culture Festival will serve as a bridge that connects the past and the future, the East and the West- allowing the myriad splendours of Chinese culture to shine brightly on the world stage.
"Dreamlike Dunhuang: Recreating the Grandeur of Dunhuang" Exhibition
- Exhibition Period: Saturday, June 7, 2025, to Sunday, September 7, 2025
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
- Venue: G/F, 2/F Exhibition Area & 3/F Ko Wong Wai Ching Wendy Fine Arts Digital Library, Main Library, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
- Email: [email protected]
- Fee: Free Admission
- For more details about the exhibition, please visit here.
For more details about the Festival's events, please visit here.
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