Journeys Within Travel Blog

Hong Kong’s vibrant cultural calendar is set for its annual highlight as the 54th Hong Kong Arts Festival (HKAF) announces its full program, featuring a comprehensive blend of international and local talent across multiple disciplines. Scheduled to run from February 27 to March 27, the festival will present more than 45 distinct programs, showcasing over 170 performances by more than 1,100 artists, complemented by an extensive roster of over 300 associated outreach and educational activities.

Spanning a full month, the 2024 HKAF establishes Hong Kong as a vital hub for global artistic exchange, offering audiences a wide spectrum of visual and performing arts. Events are slated for numerous key city venues, including the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Hong Kong City Hall, and Freespace at West Kowloon, ensuring accessibility across the territory.

Spanning Disciplines: From Spanish Dance to Classical Piano

The festival will commence with a powerful opening presentation: La Bella Otero by the renowned Ballet Nacional de España. This dramatic production chronicles the dynamic life of 19th-century Spanish performer Carolina Otero, drawing parallels with the narrative complexity of Bizet’s Carmen, promising an evening of passionate dance and historical intrigue.

Music enthusiasts will find a rich tapestry of offerings, extending beyond traditional orchestral works to encompass jazz and global music genres. A highlight for classical aficionados will be the solo piano recitals by Yunchan Lim and Aristo Sham, both recent laureates of the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, underscoring the festival’s commitment to hosting world-class musicians.

Beyond music and dance, the HKAF lineup features innovative theatrical experiences. This year introduces two sophisticated circus productions that integrate high-level acrobatics with contemporary dance and compelling narrative structures. Theatrical programs range from revitalized interpretations of established literary classics to cutting-edge contemporary drama, while traditional Chinese opera also maintains a strong presence.

Educational Outreach and Grand Conclusion

In addition to the main performances, the HKAF’s significant commitment to community engagement is reflected in its extensive lineup of educational and outreach activities. These programs are designed to deepen audience appreciation, foster emerging local talent, and make the arts accessible to broader demographics, underscoring the festival’s role beyond entertainment.

The 54th HKAF will conclude with Dream in The Peony Pavilion, presented by the Suzhou Song and Dance Theatre. This ethereal adaptation re-envisions Tang Xianzu’s revered Ming Dynasty masterpiece, The Peony Pavilion. The closing performance is expected to captivate audiences with its blend of lush visual production, intricate ensemble choreography, and romantic vocal duets.

Celebrating its decades-long history, the Hong Kong Arts Festival continues to serve as a pivotal cultural event, acting as a crucial interface between Asian audiences and the world’s leading artistic innovators. The dedication to presenting diverse art forms—from vanguard contemporary works to profound classical interpretations—reaffirms Hong Kong’s status as a dynamic international arts metropolis.

Full scheduling details, ticket availability, and venue information for all performances can be accessed via the official HKAF website.

Amidst the collective sorrow following the devastating Wang Fuk Court tragedy, Hong Kong found a moment of profound resilience and inspiration as kata athlete Grace Lau Mo-sheung achieved a historic gold medal at the World Karate Championships in Cairo, Egypt, on November 30. This victory marks a critical emotional uplift for the city grappling with cancellations and mourning, demonstrating the enduring “Lion Rock Spirit” of perseverance even during challenging times.

Lau, 34, secured her place in history by becoming the city’s first-ever world champion in the sport. Competing in the women’s kata finals, she outperformed Japan’s Maho Ono, achieving a decisive score of 46.1. The achievement arrived shortly after a massive residential fire claimed over 150 lives at Wang Fuk Court, plunging the city into a period of deep sadness and leading to the immediate postponement or cancellation of numerous public events.

Following her monumental win, Lau explicitly dedicated her efforts to the community, acknowledging the deeper significance of the achievement beyond sports. “I wanted to fight hard here to bring a little bit of positivity to Hong Kong people who have been suffering from the fire,” she stated, connecting her athletic pursuit directly to the city’s emotional well-being.

A Career Defined by Consistent Excellence

Lau’s gold medal in Cairo cements her status as a global powerhouse in kata. This latest triumph follows a string of significant international successes, showcasing consistent dominance in the discipline. Earlier this year in August, the karateka captured gold in the women’s kata event at the 2025 World Games held in Chengdu.

Her World Karate Championships résumé is notably robust, further illustrating her ascending trajectory in the sport:

• 2023: Silver medal in Budapest
• 2021: Bronze medal in Dubai
• 2018: Bronze medal in Madrid

The current world championship title elevates Lau from a consistent medal threat to an undisputed champion, providing Hong Kong with a much-needed narrative of strength and success during a difficult period.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

The concept of the Lion Rock Spirit—a term frequently invoked to describe the determined, persistent, and adaptive nature of Hong Kong’s people—is clearly embodied by Lau’s performance. While the city mourns, these moments of athletic excellence serve as vital reminders that progress and glory are still achievable, even when the immediate focus is on recovery and remembrance.

This unprecedented victory is not just a personal milestone for Lau but a collective symbol for Hong Kong, illustrating how individuals can inspire an entire populace through dedication and high-level execution. The positive message broadcast by her achievement provides a constructive counterpoint to the week’s tragic events, offering citizens a meaningful example of resilience and hope for the future. As Hong Kong continues its recovery and memorial efforts, Lau’s golden moment provides a tangible source of pride and unity.

Amber, the lauded restaurant situated within The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, concludes its three-month-long 20th-anniversary celebration with an extraordinary, one-night-only dining event. Dubbed the “Culinary Summit at Amber,” this exceptional eight-hands dinner on Thursday, December 16, brings together the talents of four acclaimed chefs representing twelve Michelin stars and one Michelin Green Star from across Asia and beyond. The event highlights global culinary collaboration, featuring a unique fusion of French, Korean, and Japanese flavors expertly paired with an exclusive selection of Dom Pérignon vintages, culminating two decades of culinary excellence at the iconic Hong Kong institution.

The anniversary campaign, tagged #AmberAt20, has treated diners to special experiences throughout the autumn, building anticipation for this grand finale. Amber’s Executive Chef, Richard Ekkebus, will host three internationally renowned culinary peers: Chef Jungsik Yim of Jungsik in New York and Seoul, Chef Yusuke Takada of La Cime in Osaka, and Chef Cedric Satabin from Alain Ducasse at Morpheus in Macau. This formidable quartet will collaborate on a meticulously curated menu designed to showcase harmonious understanding and seamless execution.

A Fusion of Flavors and Vintages

The collaborative dinner, officially titled #AmberAt20 Series: Dom Pérignon Society: A Culinary Summit at Amber, promises a sophisticated journey for the palate, where diverse culinary inspirations meet iconic champagne pairings.

The menu begins with a Japanese-inspired creation from Chef Yusuke Takada: a Black Kabocha Pumpkin, Chestnut & White Alba Truffle Dumpling served with Soy Milk, Dashi, Roasted Koji, Cacao Nib, and White Miso Sauce. This earthy richness is complemented by the subtle fruit notes of a Dom Pérignon Vintage 2015.

Next, Chef Cedric Satabin introduces a touch of French refinement with his Chilled Langoustine, featuring a Delicate Gelée with Spices and Kristal Caviar. This dish juxtaposes savory umami with the sweet, red fruit profile of a Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage 2009.

Chef Ekkebus contributes a complex, seafood-centric plate: Seared Normandy Scallop with Marigold Tapenade & Targette Sabayon over Bell Pepper & Szechuan Pepper Gel, accompanied by Scallop Roe Rice Flour Crackers. The savory notes and invigorating acidity of this course are matched with a classic Dom Pérignon Vintage 2012.

The finale comes from Chef Jungsik Yim, who presents his modern take on traditional Korean cuisine. Guests will enjoy Grilled Hanwoo Tenderloin accompanied by Korean-style Gamtae Noodles, paired with a Dom Pérignon Vintage 2004, known for its distinctive almond and cocoa aromas.

Booking and Experience Details

The celebratory “Culinary Summit” is an exclusive opportunity for gourmands to witness the convergence of Michelin-starred talent in Hong Kong. The experience is priced at $4,398 per person, which includes the carefully paired four-course dinner and four specific Dom Pérignon vintages.

Diners seeking to enhance their champagne experience have additional options, including the ability to add an exclusive glass of the rare Dom Pérignon Vintage 2005 Plénitude 2 for an extra $800. Further premium wine pairings are available at $1,200 per person, showcasing the Dom Pérignon Vintage 2013 (Magnum) and the aged Vintage 2006 Plénitude 2. Reservations are highly recommended for this highly anticipated event.

As Amber looks ahead into its third decade, this summit underscores its status as a premier global dining destination, continuing to attract and collaborate with the world’s most exciting culinary innovators. Such events reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a dynamic hub for fine dining and international gastronomic exchange.