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Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre opens (with photos)
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     The Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Centre located at the Sam Tung Uk Museum was officially opened today (June 18). The ICH Centre aims to enhance the public's understanding and awareness of ICH through various educational and promotional activities.

     Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Michelle Li, said that ICH is closely related to our daily life and is also cultural treasure, which is highly valued by the government. Therefore the ICH Centre is established as a base to enhance the preservation and development of ICH.

     Other officiating guests included the Chairman of the ICH Advisory Committee, Professor Cheng Pei-kai; the Chairman of the Tsuen Wan District Council, Mr Chung Wai-ping; the Assistant District Officer (Tsuen Wan), Mr Patrick Chong; and the Head of the ICH Office, Ms Cissy Ho.

     A Fun Day entitled "ICH Fun @ Sam Tung Uk" was also held today. A wide range of interesting activities was offered, allowing visitors to experience local traditions. For instance, "Cantonese Opera Workshop" introduced the costumes, make-up and props of Cantonese opera. Visitors could put on Cantonese opera costumes and take photos.

     Demonstrations of traditional crafts were also available. A paper-crafting master used split bamboo and textured rice paper to create a Hakka unicorn, and highlighted the cultural symbolism of its unique features. During a demonstration of making cha kwo (steamed sticky rice dumplings), visitors could participate in the production and taste the cha kwo they made themselves. Performances were also featured in the fun day, such as Hakka kung fu with local martial artists displaying armed and unarmed combat and sparring, showcasing the traditions of the local Hakka ethnic group.

     The Hong Kong ICH Centre was established by the ICH Office of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department as a display and education centre. It promotes ICH through various educational and promotional activities, including exhibitions, lectures, seminars, ICH bearers' demonstrations and workshops.

     The first thematic exhibition held by the Centre, entitled "The Oral Legacies - Intangible Cultural Heritage of Hong Kong", is on display. The exhibition introduces 10 local items that have been inscribed on China's national list of ICH covering areas such as performing arts, rituals, festive events and traditional craftsmanship, representing the efforts of different local communities in passing on their customs and traditions.

Ends/Saturday, June 18, 2016
Issued at HKT 16:01

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