Local Journeys into Living Heritage 

Programmes in July 2026

 

 

 

Programmes in July 2026

 

Every district in Hong Kong is home to a wealth of distinctive intangible cultural heritage (ICH). From culinary crafts such as the making of wontons, dumplings, Hong Kong-style milk tea and bamboo-pole noodle-making, to traditional craftsmanship like neon tube fabrication, umbrella making, wooden boat building and stilt house construction, as well as festive events including the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, Pok Fu Lam Village Fire Dragon Dance and the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade. Each of these living traditions carries the stories and collective memories of local communities.

 

This season, the "Meet the Masters!" Series features the theme "Local Journeys into Living Heritage". From July to September 2026, the programmes will introduce a range of community-rooted ICH items through sharing and demonstrations. Participants are invited to step into the neighbourhoods, explore in person, and savour the flavours and experiences these traditions in person, and to bring ICH into the fabric of everyday lives.

 

 

Light Traces of Neon: Sharing and Demonstration on Neon Tube Making and Styling Technique

The history of neon light signboards production in Hong Kong dates back to the 1920s, reaching its heyday in the 1970s and 1980s, when many shop owners and restaurants began using neon tube signage to attract customers.

 

This activity will provide a brief overview of the development on neon tubes and signboards in Hong Kong and showcase the craft behind these eye-catching neon light tube, including key steps of glass tube heating, bending, welding, vacuum evacuation and gas filling. The activity will also feature demonstration of fundamental neon tube making techniques for shaping letters and patterns, as well as of how neon tube craft applied in art installations and small decorative objects, allowing participants to experience the brilliance and charm of this craftsmanship.

 

 

 

A Taste of Hong Kong in a Cup: Sharing and Demonstration on Hong Kong-style Milk Tea Making Technique

Hong Kong-style milk tea is one of the city's iconic beverages, renowned for its rich aroma and silky texture. The repeatedly used cloth filter turns brown like stockings, giving rise to the nickname "silk stocking milk tea". Originating from adaptations of British milk tea recipes by local eateries, Hong Kong-style milk tea developed its distinctive flavour through the use of stronger black tea and condensed milk, making it an everyday favourite in Hong Kong.

 

This activity will outline the origins of Hong Kong-style milk tea, with a focus on tea blend selection, the ideal proportion of tea and milk, making technique such as "brewing" and "force-pouring" the tea. Through this hands-on experience, participants can appreciate the craftsmanship and food culture behind a single cup.

 

 

 

Even Strands of Noodles: Sharing and Demonstration on Noodles Making Technique

Known for its distinctive production method, the noodles making technique developed in the late Qing period in Guangzhou's Xiguan area, using a mixture of flour and egg, along with bamboo pole pressing to create fine, springy noodles. The craft was introduced to Hong Kong in the early 20th century where it evolved from street-side hawkers to dai pai dong stalls and noodle shops. In recent years, however, machine-made noodles have largely taken over, and hand-pressed bamboo pole noodles have become increasingly rare.

 

This activity will trace the development of noodles making technique, exploring its close connection with wonton noodles. Through demonstration of pressing and cutting the dough, to explain how ingredient proportions and the force of pressing affect the texture of the noodles. Participants will gain insight into how this craft has become part of Hong Kong's everyday culinary culture.

 

 

 

Honey from Flower Fields: Sharing on Honey Making Technique

In the past, some rural households in the New Territories kept bees in wooden boxes on open ground outside their homes for their own use or for selling honey. Over time, larger-scale apiaries emerged in Hong Kong, and in recent years, beekeeping has expanded into diverse settings, including apiaries in restaurants, private farms, home gardens and even urban settings. Common species include Italian honey bees, local Chinese honey bees and Caucasian bees.

 

This activity will present an overview of the development of local beekeeping and honey production techniques, covering the basics of hive arrangement, colony management and honey extraction. Through equipment and honey displays, participants will learn how different bee species and floral sources influence honey flavour, and how local honey production is intertwined with rural, countryside and urban environments in Hong Kong.

 

 

Remarks: The above programmes may be subject to change or cancellation. Please take note of our update.

 

The above programmes are also the activities in the Chinese Culture Promotion Series. The LCSD has long been promoting Chinese history and culture through organising an array of programmes and activities to enable the public to learn more about the broad and profound Chinese culture. For more information, please visit https://www.ccpo.gov.hk/en/.