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Moscow residents have been invited to take a "Journey to Hong Kong" at the first exhibition to be staged by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in the Russian capital.
The exhibition comprises four zones - city life, harbour, cultural heritage and green Hong Kong - that provide visitors with a snapshot of unique aspects of life in Asia's world city.
The exhibition is due to be opened today (October 9) by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, and will run until November 14. It is part of HKSAR Government efforts to build stronger cultural and economic links with Russia.
The exhibition is being staged at the Chinese Cultural Centre near downtown Moscow with assistance from the Chinese Ministry of Culture and the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Russian Federation.
In the "City Life" zone, visitors will be immersed in a giant streetscape featuring a replica tram stop and information on how to explore Hong Kong. An eye-catching panorama of the Hong Kong Island skyline highlights major or interesting landmarks.
This zone also includes a large "Faces of Hong Kong" collage featuring local people and several Russians living and working in Hong Kong, as well as information on Hong Kong-Russia links, facts and figures about Hong Kong and the implementation of "One Country, Two Systems".
In the "Harbour" zone, visitors will learn more about developments that will change the face of Victoria Harbour such as the new Central waterfront, the West Kowloon Cultural District and the plans for Kowloon East. Information on major harbour events such as "A Symphony of Lights", the cross-harbour swim and the international dragon boat festival is also included.
The "Cultural Heritage" zone highlights distinct Hong Kong culture such as martial arts movies, Cantonese opera, traditional festivals and local cuisine. Visitors will also be able to be photographed in Cantonese opera garb thanks to a life-size cut-out prop.
The "Green Hong Kong" zone introduces visitors to Hong Kong's rich and diverse natural heritage including the Geopark, wetlands, beaches and urban greenery.
"Journey to Hong Kong" features a series of 28 video clips produced especially for the Russian audience.
They include interviews with Russians living in Hong Kong, a virtual ferry ride across Victoria Harbour, as well as snapshots of daily life such as transport, wine and dine, the Bruce Lee exhibition, Cantonese opera performances and traditional festivals.
Visitors can access the videos via QR codes at the exhibition or by visiting the designated Russian-language website at www.hkinmoscow.gov.hk. Website visitors can download different wallpaper options featuring Hong Kong attractions.
During the exhibition period, a weekly lucky draw will be held with a "Lucky Eight" selection of Brand Hong Kong souvenirs as the prize.
The exhibition is part of the "Hong Kong Week" events in Moscow which also include a Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra ensemble concert on October 10 as well as a Hong Kong film festival from October 11 to 13. The website includes details of these events.
The overall purpose of these events is to promote the unique and diversified Hong Kong culture to the Russian audience. In 2011, Hong Kong and Russia signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Co-operation which has laid down a good foundation for strengthening bilateral cultural co-operation.
The Chinese Cultural Centre in Moscow was opened in December 2012. It is located at 1 Ulitsa Pravdy, Building 1, Moscow, and is open from 9am to 12.30pm and 3pm to 6pm on weekdays. It is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Admission to the "Journey of Hong Kong" exhibition is free of charge. For more information, please visit the website at www.hkinmoscow.gov.hk.
Ends/Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Issued at HKT 14:01
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