Tai Po Arts Center｜Hong Kong Arts Development Council Launches a brand new Art Walk -- Flow with Tai Po Today From the River to the Sea: A Cultural and Artistic Journey in Tai Po

Description

Having walked through the lanes of Tai Hang and savoured the stories of Yuen Long, the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC) proudly launches a brand new art walk of the Arts in the City Scheme -- Flow with Tai Po today. From 10 April to 5 May 2025, the new art walk will allow the people and visitors of Hong Kong to embark on an artistic journey from the Lam Tsuen River to Tolo Harbour, incorporating the essence of art and ecology. Public registration for various activities is open today.

Curated by Art Together, Flow with Tai Po brings together four artists including Ho Yuen-leung, Miki Ho Yin-yi, Wallace Yiu Chun-wa and Chan Ting to explore the stories of Tai Po through different art forms. Four sets of "pop-up" artworks will be displayed at the Tai Po Arts Centre and Kwong Fuk Bridge. In collaboration with various partners, the artists will host an array of arts activities, allowing the general public to gain deeper insights into the cultural landscape and ecological tapestry of Tai Po.

Flow with Tai Po    Awaken your five senses for an artistic exploration

From the Tai Mo Shan range, streams join together and form the Lam Tsuen River. Day and night, it runs through the forest without ceasing to nourish the flora, birds, fish and insects. This 10-km river flows through "Huge Step," a place which is now called "Tai Po.” Despite the changes over time, the Lam Tsuen River remains a unique and signature scenery in the district, nourishing the local ecosystem while shaping Tai Po's distinctive way of living. It is not only a moving body of water and a rich ecology, but also a living chronicle of the community, intricately connecting our lives with nature. 

Presiding at today’s opening ceremony, Professor Frankie Yeung Wai-shing, Vice Chairman of HKADC, said "Tai Po is a community that is rich in cultural heritage and vitality. Flow with Tai Po offers both locals and visitors a fresh perspective on the Tai Po community through local artists' creations, encouraging them to experience the connection between nature and culture."

The four sets of artworks of Flow with Tai Po integrate the community with the ecological environment, inviting the general public to engage their senses and explore the uniqueness of Tai Po. Ho Yuen-leung's installation "Corals Come Ashore" focuses on the corals in Tolo Harbour, bringing colourful inflatable corals into the Tai Po Arts Centre to recreate the vitality and beauty of Tolo Harbour's underwater world. Miki Ho’s community zine "Wander with Old Friends" guides the readers through the unique historical trajectories of six elderly residents, based on their personal growth stories. Wallace Yiu's ceramic work "The Silence of Fung-shui Woodland" reintroduces the protective fung-shui woodland to the Tai Po community, provoking nostalgia for the closeness to nature of days gone by. Chan Ting's audio-visual installation "Daydreaming Birdwatching House" draws from the living experience in Lam Tsuen, pondering the soulful connection among all living things.

Rediscover Tai Po Through Limited-time Activities 

In addition to the four sets of artworks, the artists in cooperation with various partners including Transport in Tai Po, the Coral Academy from the School of Life Sciences at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Outdoor Wildlife Learning Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society and Locobike to host a series of limited-time extended activities such as art workshops, performances, eco-art guided tours, oral history tours and cycling tours. Participants will not only engage in activities at the project's "base" in the Tai Po Arts Centre, but also visit Chai Kek, Lam Tsuen and various locations in Tai Po (including Mui Shue Hang, Kwong Fuk Bridge, the Egretry and Tai Po Waterfront Park) to experience the cultural charm and explore the ecological environment of Tai Po.

Alongside the artworks and activities, a personality test titled "What Type of ‘Traveller’ Are You?" (Link: shorturl.at/bP6vB) is also launched in parallel, inviting participants to discover their travel personality and design a personalised artistic journey. Limited-edition souvenirs are available for redemption by participants who share their results on social media.

Registration for the first round of Flow with Tai Po activities (10 April to 21 April 2025) is now open, while the second round (22 April to 5 May 2025) will be available for public registration on 16 April 2025. Be sure to make registration as seats are served on a first-come-first-served basis. (Registration link: popticket.hk/event/flow-with-tai-po).

You are cordially invited to join us in this artistic journey along the Lam Tsuen River, an ever-flowing source of tales and shared memories. Together, we will re-encounter Tai Po and further explore the wonders of this land. 

Ho Yuen-leung’s artwork

Coral Comes Ashore

Once, coral reefs thrived in Tolo Harbour. However, urban development has altered Tai Po's coastline and marine ecosystem, causing the corals and the vibrant ecosystem of Tolo Harbour to fade away and gradually be forgotten, submerged beneath the waves. 

Artist Ho Yuen-leung creates an installation “Coral Comes Ashore” with the theme of Tolo Harbour's corals. The oversized inflatable corals, vibrant in colour, recreates the vitality and beauty of the underwater life in Tolo Harbour in the old days. The artwork also invites viewers to participate in discussions about sustainable development and environmental protection, actively promoting the preservation of our precious natural environment.

Location: Tai Po Arts Centre

Time: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Extended Activities of Ho Yuen-leung: Coral Comes Ashore

1.      "Coral Bloom" Mini Inflatable Coral Workshop & Hoi Ha Wan Coral Visit

The waters around Tolo Harbour once served as an important habitat for various local corals. However, urban development has led to a drastic decline in the number of corals on the seabed. 

The activity comprises two parts: 

(a)    Workshop 

Participants will create their own inflatable coral installations to restore colour to the bleached corals and recreate a vibrant marine landscape. 

(b)   Coral visit 

Participants will embark on a journey to the waters of Sai Kung to appreciate the rare beauty of coral formations.

Event Details and Registration

 
2. "Coral Bloom" Mini Inflatable Coral Workshop

Climate change has exacerbated the problem of coral bleaching, endangering local corals. The workshop will allow participants to create their own inflatable coral installations. Colours of the bleached corals will be restored via painting to recreate a vibrant marine landscape. 

Event Details and Registration

 
3. "Journey of Coral Exploration & Restoration in Tolo 

Harbour" Seminar

When you think of corals in Hong Kong, what comes to mind? Hoi Ha Wan or Tung Ping Chau? Do you know that Tolo Harbour was once a sea of corals?

The Coral Academy from the School of Life Sciences at the Chinese University of Hong Kong has been dedicated to restoring the degraded coral communities in Tolo Harbour, aiming to rejuvenate the marine ecosystem. How can corals be restored? What can we do to help? Researcher from the Coral Academy will share insights in this seminar, discussing the current state of coral ecology in Hong Kong, the threats it faces, and the joys and challenges of conservation work.

Event Details and Registration

Miki Ho Yin-yi’s artwork

Wander with Old Friends

When did the water people of Tai Po "come ashore"? Have you ever tried swimming and digging clams in Tolo Harbour? This zine serves as an interactive guide leading readers — whether you are a Tai Po resident or not — to learn and gain a unique perspective of Tai Po through the personal stories of six elderly residents of Tai Po.

Miki Ho was born and raised in Tai Po; and she is still a Tai Po resident today. Miki Ho engages in conversations with six elderly residents of Tai Po, attentively listening to their traces of life in this community, and discovers that their memories are related to the Lam Tsuen River. By compiling their memories into a zine, Miki Ho showcases the various aspects of Tai Po during different periods. 

Location: Tai Po Arts Centre

Time: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Extended Activities of Miki Ho Yin-yi: Wander with Old Friends

1. "Wander with Old Friends" Zine Launch Event

Miki Ho has visited multiple places in the Tai Po district and engaged in in-depth conversations with six elderly residents. Based on their stories, she creates the zine titled "Wander with Old Friends." In this launch event, while sharing tea with the participants, Miki Ho will introduce the background of the zine and delve into the creative process as well as the remarkable stories that happened. Mr Ho, one of the interviewees, who used to be a boat dweller, will recount his personal memories of Tai Po.

Event Details and Registration

2. "Wander with Old Friends" Oral History Guided Tour

Starting from the bustling market at Fu Shin Street and walking down the Kwong Fuk Road to the seaside Tai Wong Yeh Temple, Miki Ho has visited multiple places in Tai Po and engaged in in-depth conversations with six elderly residents. Based on their stories, she creates a zine about the Tai Po community. The tour will lead participants on a journey retracing the route of the zine, allowing them to experience a unique historical journey.

Event Details and Registration

Wallace Yiu Chun-wa’s artwork:

The Silence of Fung-shui Woodland

Trees were once an integral part of people’s everyday life. Many villages in Tai Po are surrounded by fung-shui woodlands, which provide water sources for the Lam Tsuen River and serve as a symbol of protection for the villages. Fung-shui woodlands also play a practical role in mitigating the impact of typhoons and blocking sunlight. However, over time, these villages have become deserted, and the fung-shui woods have also grown silent.

Inspired by the She Shan fung-shui woodland, Wallace Yiu has created a series of clay works surrounding the woods and the tree species, which will be displayed at Kwong Fuk Bridge. Kwong Fuk Bridge serves as a resting place and main thoroughfare for the Tai Po community. The works of Wallace Yiu will reintroduce the fung-shui woodlands into the community, providing shelter for the people of Tai Po — just as the fung shui woodlands do. 

Location: Kwong Fuk Bridge

Extended Activities of Wallace Yiu Chun-wa: The Silence of Fung-shui Woodland

1."Reshaping the Form" Ceramic Coaster Workshop & River Ecology Guided Tour

The Lam Tsuen River nurtures a rich and diverse stream ecosystem. Wallace Yiu, together with ecological guides of the Outdoor Wildlife Learning Hong Kong, will lead the participants on an exploration of the ecological mysteries of this waterway. Participants will draw inspiration from the stream's inhabitants and use the natural materials collected on-site to create unique ceramic coasters.

Event Details and Registration

 
2. River Ecology Guided Tour & "Flow with Tai Po” Guided Tour

The event comprises two parts:

(a)    Ecological guides from the Outdoor Wildlife Learning Hong Kong will lead participants to Lam Tsuen River to learn about the ecology of the stream and the characteristics of this water area.

(b)   Guided tour (optional)

Introduce the creative concepts and stories of the works of Wallace Yiu, Ho Yuen-leung, Chan Ting and Miki Ho.

Event Details and Registration

Chan Ting’s artwork

Daydreaming Birdwatching House

Birdwatching houses are generally equipped with telescopes for visitors to observe both distant and nearby birds, as well as the surrounding ecological environment. However, this "Daydreaming Birdwatching House" is somewhat different—this small wooden house serves as a pop-up mini-projection room, presenting viewers with a semi-narrative, semi-documentary art experimental film themed on rural and urban life, and the spirit of all beings.

Living in Lam Tsuen, artist Chan Ting delves into her experience in the village as a starting point for creating this audio-visual installation. “Daydreaming Birdwatching House” revolves around the world where humans coexist with birds, prompting the audience to reflect on the relationship between people and nature. 

Location: Tai Po Arts Centre

Time: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Extended Activities of Chan Ting: Daydreaming Birdwatching House

1. "A Day in Lam Tsuen" Birdwatching and Community Guided Tour

Lam Tsuen is not only the home of the Wishing Trees; but also a beautiful homeland of the residents. You are invited to join us in “A Day in Lam Tsuen”. Under the guidance of the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, you will seek out bird sightings, awaken your five senses along the riverbank and appreciate the biodiversity of Lam Tsuen. Participants will then visit Chan Ting’s studio, where they can reflect in the sound of singing bowls; and during teatime, engage in casual conversations with the artist to experience the intricacies of life in Lam Tsuen. 

Event Details and Registration

2. “Daydreaming Birdwatching House" Performance

A Hong Kong urbanite goes about her hectic life as usual, until she suddenly hears some distant sounds from the countryside. The squirrel-like sounds seem to summon her, leading her into a daydream...

This is an experimental theatre performance derived from the "Daydream Birdwatching House." Chan Ting and Cantonese opera expert Rose Li Zi-rui will perform live and guide the audience into an enchanting dream. Rose Li will take on a female leading role and sing Cantonese opera, echoing the natural scenery and sounds of birds in Lam Tsuen. Chan Ting will use various materials found in Lam Tsuen to create experimental instruments, accompanying the storytelling with a unique musical rhythm.

Event Details and Registration

Details of Public Registration for Flow with Tai Po

First Round

Event period: 10 April to 21 April 2025 

Registration open date: 2 April 2025 

Second Round

Event period: 22 April to 5 May 2025 

Registration open date: 16 April 2025 

Registration: popticket.hk/event/flow-with-tai-po

“A River’s Journey” Cycling Tour

Let’s Go! Community group " Transport in Tai Po" will lead participants on a cycling journey along the Lam Tsuen River, exploring the community and learning about the daily lives of the people in Tai Po at various stops. Through the perspectives of “kaifongs,” participants will experience the unique charm of Tai Po — the community nestled between mountains and water.

Route:Tai Po Arts Centre → Mui Shue Hang → Kwong Fuk Bridge → Tai Wo Bridge → Tai Po Egretry → Tai Po Waterfront Park

Event Details and Registration

Self-Service “A River’s Journey” Cycling Art RouteDuring the event period, community group " Transport in Tai Po" in collaboration with Locobike will launch a special cycling art route. The route covers all four sets of artworks, as well as the community scenery and the historical-cultural stories of Tai Po. Members of the public can explore Tai Po at their own pace and gain a deeper understanding of this land of flowing waters.

Event Details

Flow with Tai Po Information Kiosk

During the event period, the information kiosk will be open daily for visitors to redeem souvenirs. Duty staff will also be happy to brief visitors on the details of the art walk.  

Opening dates: 10 April to 5 May 2025

Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Location: Tai Po Arts Centre (near the corner of Tai Po Mega Mall and Tai Wo Road)

Flow with Tai Po Personality Test: “Which type of ‘traveller’ are you?”

Do you know what kind of travel personality you belong to? Answer several simple questions to learn about the Arts in the City: Flow with Tai Po happenings that match your preferences! You can then arrange your unique art journey based on our recommendations. 

Participants who share the result on social media platforms and tag @artsinthecityhk can participate in the "Flow with Tai Po Lucky Draw" to redeem limited-edition souvenirs during the event period.

Link of Personality Test: shorturl.at/bP6vB