Hong Kong’s unique culture
3b Emily Cheng
Hong Kong, as a shining star in the world, has a very important repertoire of culture. Culture is part of our lives, part of our daily lives. Though some are intangible, the culture has an essential status to represent Hong Kong, the unique Hong Kong.
There are two main types of cultural heritage in Hong Kong, tangible and intangible. Tangible cultural heritage, like historical buildings, are being demolished and turned into high, new, modern skyscrapers for big business. Avenue Walk, a street in Hong Kong Island, was once full of memorable, old shop. But it was turned into a commercial, profit-making street a few years ago.
Intangible cultural heritage, like Lion Dances and Cantonese Opera, though everyone might have heard of, are dying. The two traditional cultures have been passed down for many years, probably several decades or centuries. However, as fewer and fewer people are willing to explore ventures related to the cultural heritage, the glory of the culture is fading. The special purpose and objective of the cultural heritage will soon vanish from mankind. Perhaps people have already forgotten their aims, but they are part of Hong Kong and should be passed on from generation to another.
A new government department, which is named “Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum Office”, was set up in May this year. It claims that research studies are being done and they are now focusing on exhibitions and education. But I doubt whether the staff are working on the projects now. As setting up the office doesn’t mean the culture itself can be passed on. It may just be the façade, and it might turn people’s hope into tears. It brings hopes to people but take them back later. It may just add another layer of bureaucracy to the preservation.
Apart from the new department, Hong Kong hasn’t done enough to preserve its exclusive culture. Putting the academic activities more in their eyes, people ignore the development of culture. Few people are aware of either the tangible or the intangible cultural heritage. Most people don’t know how to cherish and treasure them. Just like the removal of Queen Pier. It was quite representative in Hong Kong. It had been a part of Hong Kong for years. However, it couldn’t avoid being removed. It is Hongkongers’ loss.
I think the most appropriate measure the government should do is to promote the cultural heritages in Hong Kong to the public.
For the tangible historical buildings, it’s time for the commercial sector to do something, as they know to earn big money. They can turn old, ancient, antique buildings to profit-making makings. For example, a historical pawn shop in Wan Chai, Wo Cheong Pawn Shop, has been turned into different high-class restaurants. But it still keeps its original appearance. It can preserve the dilapidated buildings, on the other hand, it earns money for preserving the cultural heritage.
And for the intangible cultural heritage, the government can do some promotion by holding regular events, like festivals and international competitions. A competition called “International Lion Dances Competition” can be held, as the “International Dragon Boat Competition” has been successfully held for many years. The Lion Dance contest will attract foreigners to learn and know more about Hong Kong’s special Lion Dances. Moreover, the government can actually hold a Cantonese Opera Festival to promote this unique cultural heritage of Hong Kong to foreigners. Or the Cantonese Opera can be added to the music curriculum of primary and secondary schools.
I hope when foreigners hear the words ”Lion Dances”, “Cantonese Opera” or “a repertoire of culture”, they can associate them with Hong Kong immediatelt.