Chinachem Group's "A Date with Hing Chun Alliance" Exhibition recognised at the Real Estate Asia Awards 2023

It is lauded with the Cultural Heritage Conservation Initiative of the Year award.

Renowned property developer, Chinachem Group, has been honoured with the prestigious Cultural Heritage Conservation Initiative of the Year award at the Real Estate Asia Awards 2023. This award solidifies the Group's contribution to conserving historic architecture and intangible cultural heritage in Hong Kong through their "A Date with Hing Chun Alliance" Exhibition held in Central Market.

“Committed to sustainable development, we actively contribute to society by adhering to the '3Ps': the balance of People, Prosperity, and Planet,” says Donald Choi, Executive Director and CEO of Chinachem Group. “By utilising local resources and potential, we help co-create public spaces and communities under the approach of ‘place-making’.” Helmed by the Group, the 4-month exhibition was curated by the Hong Kong Architecture Centre, and supported by the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department, the villagers of Hing Chun Alliance, and the Lions Club Nature Education Fund, from November 2022 to March 2023 at the Grade III historic Central Market, another revitalisation project of the Group.

What sets the exhibition apart is its immersive and innovative approach. Interactive elements engaged visitors' senses of sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste, offering a comprehensive exploration of traditional village life through the themes of "Clothes, Food, Home, and Commute." Authentic local produce grown in these villages, including coffee beans, turmeric, rice, ginger, and non-GMO papaya, were showcased, allowing visitors to experience the flavours of the region. Additionally, a visual journey is provided through the lens of Jacky Lee, a renowned and award-winning photographer who captures Lai Chi Wo's picturesque scenery throughout the four seasons.

A series of workshops, seminars, and expert-led docent tours were organised, enabling visitors to participate and gain a deeper understanding of Hakka folk songs, witness performances of Hakka Christmas carols by senior citizens, learn traditional cultivation techniques from local farmers, and discover the art of embroidered band knitting from Hakka inheritors. These experiences aimed to instil a sense of pride and appreciation for the heritage and way of life of the Hakka people.

The Hing Chun Alliance comprises seven villages, including Mui Tsz Lam, Kop Tong, and Lai Chi Wo, one of Hong Kong's oldest Hakka villages with a history spanning over 300 years. The Lai Chi Wo Rural Cultural Landscape previously received the Special Recognition for Sustainable Development in the 2020 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation, while the Lai Chi Wo Story Room, funded by Chinachem Group, offers a rewarding experience for visitors to understand villagers’ daily lives, wedding rituals, traditional medicine, and folk songs. 

The impact of the Hing Chun Alliance exhibition was remarkable. It attracted over 130,000 visitors and hosted more than 50 docent-led tours and workshops with 850 participants. These numbers reflect the exhibition's success in raising awareness and understanding of Hakka's cultural heritage.

Furthermore, the exhibition and its associated activities played a vital role in fostering urban-rural community building, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 of achieving "Sustainable Cities and Communities." By bringing together residents, visitors, and various stakeholders, the exhibition generated social and economic benefits for the local village communities, contributing to a stronger sense of belonging and inspiring collective efforts towards a more livable city and a better future for Hong Kong.