A Cinematic Journey Begins at Hong Kong International Airport
As travelers arrive at the bustling Hong Kong International Airport, they are greeted not just by the usual airport amenities but by a vivid re-creation of scenes from the blockbuster film “The Siege of Kowloon Walled City.” The Arrivals Hall transforms into a time capsule, offering a glimpse into the life of 1980s Kowloon Walled City, complete with a vintage cha chaan teng, an old-style barbershop, and a stall serving the city’s iconic char siu rice.
Lam Tin-fuk, Chairman of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, regards the airport as the perfect platform to showcase the rich tapestry of Hong Kong’s culture to the world and actively participate in the promotion of local arts and culture.
Embracing the Silver Screen
The recent box office success of “The Siege of Kowloon Walled City” has spurred a collaboration between the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Airport Authority, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, and the film’s producers to create an exhibition themed “Step into Hong Kong, Step into the Movies.” This exhibit aims to immerse visitors in the city’s history and culture through meticulously reconstructed sets from the film.
A towering 6.5-meter replica of the Walled City’s tenements and iconic scenes, all built to scale, bring the movie’s classic moments to life, complete with a neon sign that adds a cinematic flair to the display. Information panels narrate the history of Kowloon Walled City, and the “Hong Kong Movie Travel Guide” by the Tourism Board beckons visitors to explore further.
John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, praises the local film industry as a shining jewel of Chinese cinema and a vital cultural asset that tells the stories of Hong Kong. The exhibition not only allows visitors to relive the past but also showcases the meticulous craftsmanship behind local productions, igniting a passion for Hong Kong cinema.
Elevating the Travel Experience
Ms. Zhang from Wuxi, who works in the film industry, was immediately captivated by the exhibit upon her arrival. She praised the nostalgic and uniquely Hong Kong atmosphere of the display. Zhang, on her fourth visit to the city, finds the airport exhibition creative and believes it will boost local tourism.
The film-themed exhibition will run for approximately one and a half months, surprising visitors with a series of cultural and artistic displays and performances that highlight Hong Kong’s distinctive culture. The “Hong Kong International Airport Arts and Culture Festival 2024” will conclude at the end of the month.
Zhang Li Jiahui, Acting CEO of the Airport Authority, states that the airport has been a proponent of cultural development since 2015, offering a stage for renowned and emerging local artists to share their work with global travelers. The festival enriches the journey of every passenger passing through the airport.
Showcasing Unique Culture
Since 2015, the Airport Authority has been organizing cultural and artistic events, enhancing the airport experience for travelers and showcasing the talents of local artists and the city’s unique urban culture.
The “Hong Kong International Airport Arts and Culture Festival 2024” features four themed exhibitions, including traditional crafts and digital art. “Hong Kong Craft Street” introduces six local crafts, some of which are listed as intangible cultural heritage. Interactive installations allow visitors to explore and experience these traditions, with personalized postcards featuring the “Lee Hon Kong” calligraphy and limited-edition luggage stickers designed by renowned illustrators.
Children from mainland China have expressed their delight at the interactive nature of the exhibition, particularly enjoying the “Travel Expert” and “I Love Hong Kong” stamps.
Large digital screens throughout the airport display dynamic artworks created by local artists and students, exploring Hong Kong’s vibrant urban and visual culture. The exhibitions also transform the city’s picturesque natural scenery into moving images, bringing the beauty of Hong Kong to life on the big screens.
Throughout the years, the airport’s cultural events have drawn inspiration from Hong Kong movie locations, traditional festivals, and local crafts to showcase the city’s unique cultural landscape. These events not only infuse the airport with cultural vibrancy but also aim to enhance service quality and passenger experience, creating a welcoming gateway to Hong Kong for all visitors.
