Hong Kong and Sydney: A Kaleidoscope of Cultures

Australians were given a teasing insight into Hong Kong's rich mix of cultural and heritage attractions today, Thursday 22 August, as the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) launched its "Cultural Kaleidoscope" programme in Sydney.

Hong Kong's Chief Secretary, The Honourable Donald Tsang, GBM, JP, was on hand to officially launch the promotion on the lawns of the Museum of Contemporary Art at world-famous Circular Quay. 

During his six-day visit to Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, Mr Tsang has been meeting business and political leaders, explaining why Hong Kong will remain an important global conduit for trade and investment following China's accession to the World Trade Organization.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, HKTB Executive Director Clara Chong said travellers today want to do more than just observe Chinese culture from the window of a tour coach; they want to experience it for themselves and learn more about it, and to understand why it has such an influence on Chinese people worldwide. 

"What we are trying to do through the City of Life: Hong Kong is it! campaign - and now through the addition of 'Cultural Kaleidoscope' - is expand the breadth and depth of our visitors' experiences when they come to Hong Kong," Ms Chong explained afterwards to the media. "The message we want to put across is this: Tourists may think they know Hong Kong, but there's more to discover than they ever realised. We want to provide something new, fascinating and a little unexpected for our Australian visitors."

Ms Chong said that the HKTB's mini-exhibition, which runs until Sunday, would give Australians a brief taste of the fascinating attractions and activities they can see and enjoy on a visit to Hong Kong, Asia's most popular single destination. The exhibition - the centrepiece of which is a float from the Cheung Chau Bun Festival - includes fortune telling, Chinese massage, calligraphy and noodle making, providing a glimpse of the City of Life's unique charm, excitement and fusion of cultures.

Through the "Cultural Kaleidoscope" programme, tourists can join free classes on Chinese tea preparation, antique appreciation, pearl and jade grading and Chinese clothing, unravel the mysteries of feng shui and Chinese martial arts, and practise tai chi.

They can also take a series of guided architecture and heritage walks, join a guided tour of "The Hong Kong Story" at the Hong Kong Museum of History, or sail on Victoria Harbour on board the Duk Ling, a real Chinese junk.

Today's launch featured cultural and trade displays informing the Australian public of the wide range of sightseeing, heritage, shopping and dining experiences awaiting them in Hong Kong. 

A line up of top musicians - including pre-eminent singer-songwriter Christine Anu, who sang the closing song at the Sydney 2000 Olympics - performed at the ceremony. Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra's flautist Mr Tam Po-shek appeared with renowned Aboriginal didjeridoo player Goomblar Wylo and the Sunup Bush Band, highlighting Hong Kong's unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures.