The University has organised the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival to showcase the splendour and importance of diverse facets of Chinese culture. At the heart of the Festival lies the mission to inspire and engage the younger generation, strengthen a sense of pride and belonging to the Nation, and contribute to the development of Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

Since the launch of the Festival in March 2024, PolyU successfully organised various exhibitions showcasing Chinese traditional porcelain, embroidery, indigo dyeing, and other captivating art forms as the themes for the Festival. Through the workshops, University members and the wider community were also captivated by the intricate beauty and profound richness of Chinese traditional art, as well as gaining insights into the unwavering enthusiasm and tireless efforts demonstrated by the artists.

Artworks Exhibition of the International Innovation Centre of Chinese Traditional Culture and Artistry Inheritance

Eight artists from Tianjin were invited to display their artworks. The exhibition featured the works of HuLian Art Studio (Professor Zheng Yong’s Studio), three unique intangible cultural heritages of Tianjin (Clay Figurines Zhang, Tianjin Kite Wei, and Yucheng Hao New Year Painting), Hezhen Handmade Incense, Guanzhao Xuan, Zhao’s Gourd-making, and Tianjin Musical Instrument Zhang.

The pottery lacquerware by Professor Zheng Yong, Deputy Director of the International Innovation Centre of Chinese Traditional Culture and Artistry Inheritance, Tiangong University (photo below), has drawn the attention of many ceramic lovers. In particular, he created a pottery lacquerware piece for this exhibition, combining the characteristics of Hong Kong (Bauhinia blakeana) and Tianjin (China rose), which was donated to PolyU after the exhibition.

Mr Zhang Yu, the sixth generation maker of "Clay Figure Zhang"

Mr Wei Guoqiu, the fourth generation inheritor of “Kite Wei” 

Ms Zhang Hong, the seventh generation successor of Yucheng Painting House on Yangliuqing New Year paintings

Mr Zong Zhaorui, the fifth generation inheritor of Hezhen traditional handmade incense

Ms Zhao Yanju, the fifth-generation inheritor of Chen's porcelain (hand-painted) making skills on Guanzhaoxuan painted ceramics

Zhao Wei, the owner of Haogulu

 Mr Zhang Junguo, the third generation successor of "Tianjin Musical Instrument Zhang"

Watch the video here.

Splendid China Embroidery - Traditional Chinese Embroidery Crafts and Ou Embroidery Works Exhibition

The art of Chinese embroidery carries profound cultural and historical significance and is part of China’s intangible heritage. Among the many styles, the renowned Ou embroidery from Wenzhou in Zhejiang province stands out. Its complex stitching, vibrant and colourful textures, and exceptional fine craftsmanship make it a cultural treasure worth exploring. PolyU presented this exhibition in collaboration with the Wenzhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau, and the Zhejiang Industry and Trade Vocational College.

Ms Zou Shengzhu, a Senior Arts and Crafts Artist at the Zhejiang Industry and Trade Vocational College and a Zhejiang Arts and Crafts Master (photo below), explained that Ou embroidery is based on stitching, and is like drawing. It reflects people’s lifestyles, culture, and emotions. It is special as it has a strong theme, adopting vibrant colours and a sophisticated composition.

Indigo Dyeing from the Blue - The Silk Road Textile Dyeing Enters Hong Kong Exhibition

The exhibition offered a window into traditional Ranxie techniques. Ranxie is more than just an art form; it symbolises the lasting connections established along the ancient Silk Road, holding immense cultural value today and fostering a broad network of cultural exchange. The exhibition was collaboratively organised by Beijing Union University, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, and PolyU.

Much patience and precision are required for the exquisite techniques, including the Ranxie “Four Techniques”: twist-dyeing, wax-resist dyeing, clamp-dyeing, and ash-dyeing, to produce the artworks. Professor Guan Lansheng, Professor at Beijing Union University and an Inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage “Ranxie Tie-dye Technique”, shared his valuable experiences at the exhibition. Each art piece took nearly half a year to produce. Achieving the precise colour changes, particularly the blues, was a formidable challenge. Appreciating these artworks means recognising both their intricacy and the dynamic play of colours.

Watch the video here.

The PolyU Chinese Culture Festival reflects the University’s commitment to preserving and promoting Chinese heritage, a journey that requires determination, perseverance, and a shared passion for the richness of Chinese culture.