(Hong Kong, 09 July 2024)

The Chinese Kungfu x Dance Carnival, which combines the themes of both martial arts and dance, had its grand opening today.

The opening ceremony was held at 10 am. The Hon. John Lee, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, delivered a congratulatory speech via a pre-recorded video. He said, “The Chinese Kungfu x Dance Carnival is one of the standout mega events in Hong Kong in the second half of this year. The Carnival, by showcasing the essence of martial arts and dance, presents the unique charm of Chinese culture to citizens and tourists in a novel way. It is an excellent platform to promote the spread of Chinese culture and its exchange between China and the world.

Commemorating with the 27th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, this event adds to the jubilation as the city celebrates its joyous return.”

Together with Ms. Tang Ya, founder of the organiser Tangya Arts Tech Limited, and Mr. Wong Yu-fan, founder and President of the co-organiser China International Wushu Institute, the opening ceremony was officiated by:

Mr. Cheuk Wing-hing, Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government

Mr. Fang Jianming, Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR

Mr. Raistlin Lau, Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism

Mr. Joe Wong, Permanent Secretary of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau

Mr. Ma Fung-kwok, Legislative Council Member

Mrs. Helen Chan, Vice Chairman of the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Committee

In her opening speech, Ms. Tang Ya, founder of the organiser Tangya Arts Tech, said, “We are glad to have gathered 3,000 performers from Hong Kong, Mainland, Macau and more than 10 other countries around the world for the event. They range from 4-year-old children to an 82-year-old Tai Chi master from Japan and a 96-year-old Choy Li Fut martial arts master. There are activities for everyone to have fun together, as well as to enjoy the superb performances from numerous martial arts schools and top-notch dance troupes.”

She added that, “The Chinese Kungfu x Dance Carnival is a carnival that belongs to the entire dance and martial arts communities. It is also a carnival where many people with their love of Chinese culture can join hands together to demonstrate cultural confidence and tell the good story about China and Hong Kong. The launch of this mega event fully exhibits Hong Kong’s strength as an East-meets-West centre for cultural and artistic exchange between China and the rest of the world.”

The group of officiating guests held a launching ceremony, marking the official launch of the six-day Chinese Kungfu x Dance Carnival. The performance in the opening ceremony was especially eye-catching. First, Andrew Pong, who is from a prominent wushu family, took the lead in demonstrating Bai He (White Crane) style Kungfu. Afterwards, hundreds of primary and secondary school students performed martial arts routines for thousands of spectators on the main stage of the cultural centre and in the open-air square. The simultaneous display of their skills attracted a large crowd of locals and tourists to photograph and record the opening event. As of 3 p.m., the carnival had received more than 10,000 visitors on the first day.

The Chinese Kungfu x Dance Carnival gathers 3,000 martial arts and dance performers from home and abroad over six days, presenting more than 60 performances and educational activities. From now until July 14, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre has numerous programmes for the public to enjoy free of charge, including: the Thousand-Person Martial Arts Performance, Chinese Kungfu Town by the Clock Tower walkway, Kungfu Spectacular and Tang poetry, music and dance performances. The public is welcome to join these admission-free events, adding to the vibrancy of this celebration of the city’s cultural prowess.

Chinese Kungfu x Dance Carnival

The Chinese Kungfu x Dance Carnival is a mega event financially supported by the Mega Arts and Cultural Event Fund under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. It is also a recommended programme of the second edition of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

Date: July 9-14, 2024 (6 days)

Location: Hong Kong Cultural Centre

Website: www.kungfu-dance.com.hk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/KungfuxDance