Celebrating intangible cultural heritages in Longhua

Traditional Hong Kong paper craft, Chaozhou hand-pulled clay, and Shaanxi paper cutting are intangible cultural legacies from different parts of China. However, visitors to MH Maker in Longhua District can experience them all in one stop during the Mission Hills Intangible Cultural Heritage Week.

Hong Kong and Macao interns pose for a photo at MH Maker. Photos by Chen Xiao

The nine-day event, filled with experiences, workshops, performances, markets, exhibitions, and forums, started Aug. 10, captivating crowds eager to explore the treasures of traditional Chinese culture.

Families, especially parent-child pairs enjoying their summer break, thronged to the event to witness the enchanting world of traditional Chinese crafts. The festivities coincided with the Qixi Festival, also known as the Begging for Skills Festival, attracting dozens of Hanfu enthusiasts who gathered at Mission Hills Mall to engage in a long-scroll painting activity featuring cultural heritage symbols.

Hanfu enthusiastes gather at Mission Hills Mall.

Attendees also delved into hands-on activities such as lacquer fan painting and Sunmao wood art, marveling at the intricate transformation of simple wooden sticks into complex structures.

The event showcased Hanfu fashion shows, Hakka folk songs, Chaozhou hand-pulled clay, batik, glass blowing, and more, providing a diverse cultural experience for all the participants.

A notable aspect of the cultural week was the art salons, a popular attraction that drew crowds eager to explore the rich cultural offerings.

During the event’s opening day, Lu Yongsheng, president of an intangible cultural heritage inheritance association, captivated audience members with an interactive session on the history of Hong Kong’s paper craft. Through hands-on demonstrations, attendees gained firsthand insight into the intricate art of crafting traditional paper products.

Attendees make traditional Hong Kong paper craft works at MH Maker in Longhua District. 

The day also featured stellar performances, including a captivating flute recital by Xi Dihai, a distinguished flute professor from South China Normal University, and a moving Qixi poetry gathering curated by Wei Qiang, a renowned artist.

Musicians perform at a flute concert.

A highlight of the event was the participation of 11 university students from Hong Kong and Macao who undertook internships at Mission Hills Group. Guided by intangible cultural heritage inheritor Wang Ning, these students created batik artworks incorporating cultural elements from Hong Kong and Macao, which were displayed during the culture week.

Children play at Mission Hills Mall.

The event, the fifth edition of its kind, has attracted numerous visitors from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, fostering cultural exchange and engaging youth participation, according to Chen Yadong, who is in charge of MH Maker. He highlighted the event’s focus on public involvement, collaboration with the Hong Kong and Macao communities, youth engagement, and international cooperation.