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Muse Fest HK 2024

Muse Fest HK 2024

With the theme “Hong Kong H.A.S. Museums” again this year, the 10th edition of the Muse Fest HK 2024 will take you on a journey to explore the museums under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), and experience the unique and diversified cultural connotation of Hong Kong concealed in the city. This will, bring you an alternative museum journey.

Kayaking/Canoeing training courses provided by LCSD

Kayaking/Canoeing training courses provided by LCSD

Kayaking / Canoeing is a sport for all ages. It requires no complicated equipment. All you need is a paddle and a lifejacket / buoyancy aid and you will soon enjoy paddling with simple instructions. The water sports centres under the management of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) are equipped with a variety of kayaks / canoes, including single and double kayaks, rescue kayaks, sea kayaks, multi-purpose kayaks and racing kayaks (K-1). Added to these are a wide range of structured programmes and our experienced instructors. No matter being a beginner or a professional paddler, there are always programmes suitable for you. These are some examples of the training courses: For beginners  Kayak 1 Star Award Training (1-day course)A course specially designed for beginners. It is intended to get you started on sheltered waters and introduce the basic paddling strokes, whistle signals, personal gear, the relevance of lifejacket / buoyancy aid, raft-up as well as capsize training. After successful completion of the course, you may proceed to the 2-Star Award Training.  For intermediates  Kayak Proficiency Gold Award Training (Techniques & Sea Trip) (2-day course)This is the highest level of training for Proficiency Award. It introduces the skills and knowledge including sculling draw, sculling for support, low brace turn, map reading and use of compass, etc. In this course, you will undergo a 15-kilometre sea trip training. Participant completed the 2-day Kayak Proficiency Gold Award Training is eligible to apply for the Attendance Certificate from Hong Kong Canoe Union (HKCU). The Attendance Certificate Holder is eligible to apply for one day examination on both written and practical assessment organised by HKCU or its affiliated clubs. If participant successfully passes the assessments, Kayak Proficiency Certificate will be awarded by HKCU.  For professionals  Advanced Canoe Lifeguard Training (Techniques) (3-day course)This is a comprehensive canoe lifeguard course designed to prepare student with advanced knowledge, skills and ability to handle unexpected events on the water. The contents of the course include searching technique, accident case study, full rolling skill, swimming in canoe, single blade stroke, various towing techniques and first aid skills, etc. The course aims at helping participants to prepare for the Advanced Canoe Lifeguard Certificate Examination.For more details about the training course of Kayak/Canoe, please visit the website of LCSD. And please read the Entry Requirement before enrolment. >>Click here for LCSD's training courses of Kayak/Canoe Sea expeditions or adventuresThe Water Sports Centres of LCSD offer various thematic water sports activities in marine ecology and coastal geological features for nature lovers to admire the coastal scenery. Apart from physical training, the activities also help participants to improve self-confidence, give full play to their potential and foster team spirit while planning their sea expeditions. By taking part in thematic sea trips, participants can maneuver their own canoes to enjoy at close range the fascinating scenery at sea and appreciate the wonders of nature in remote and uninhabited islands. The programmes will not only help to foster a sense of environmental protection among participants but also enable them to enjoy life at leisure.After getting the specific certificate of Kayak/Canoe or LCSD Kayak 3 Star*, you can join the sea expeditions or adventures organised by the Water Sports Centres of LCSD, the programes are Marine Ecological Tours, Coastal Geological Tours, Coastal Scenery Tours, or other Coastal Tours etc. For the details of the sea expeditions or adventures, please visit the website of LCSD.*For novices in canoeing, the Water Sports Centres of LCSD will provide one-stop service including provision of elementary training courses in canoeing (i.e. Kayak 1-star to 3-star Award) and design of appropriate sea expeditions or adventures to participants who are interested in canoeing and able to swim 50 metres with clothes. Please contact the Water Sports Centres for details.

LCSD to launch new sports and recreation services booking and information

LCSD to launch new sports and recreation services booking and information system

SmartPLAY, a new intelligent sports and recreation services booking and information system will be launched for user registration starting from July 3.  Available in both website and mobile app format, SmartPLAY enables users to register personal accounts, and search and book/enrol for sports and recreation facilities or programmes anytime and anywhere.  All people (including the existing Leisure Link Patrons) must register as a user of SmartPLAY and complete the authentication process before using the new system. The new system will be launched by phases.  Members of the public can utilise the new system on or before October.  They can then utilise the new Smart Self-service Stations at around 240 leisure venues under the management of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) during opening hours easily and conveniently, including the District Leisure Service Offices in various districts, sports centres, swimming pools, sports grounds, holiday camps and water sports centres, etc.  The eye-catching design and user-friendly services will bring a new look and experience to our citizens. For details, please check out the Facebook of LCSDPlusss and press release.

LCSD's Urban Sports Programmes

LCSD's Urban Sports Programmes

To further strengthen the promotion of urban sports that have been introduced in the Olympic Games and the Youth Olympic Games, as well as to encourage greater public participation in sports activities, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will organise a series of urban sports programmes including 3-on-3 basketball, breaking, futsal, skateboarding and sport climbing.  Some of the events are conducted to cater for youths, with a view to spurring more participation by them and exploring their potential in sports. Wish to join the urban sports programmes? Scroll down and learn more! Schedule of Urban Sports Programmes 3-on-3 Basketball Breaking Futsal Skateboarding Sport Climbing   Enrolment Method and ProcedureThe enrolment method and procedure for various programmes may vary. Please refer to the codes for enrolment method and procedure annotated at the programme schedule, as well the the notes on enrolment. Notes on Enrolment   Facilities and Venues SearchApart from the mentioned programmes, LCSD facilities are also available for conducting urban sports. At present, there are 14 indoor and outdoor sport climbing facilities, 8 skateboard grounds, 5 skateparks, over 120 5-a-side soccer pitches, some 500 basketball courts and over 190 dance rooms/activity rooms available for conducting urban sports. Search for facilities available for conducting urban sports   LCSD Edutainment Channel Learning Sports3-on-3 Basketball Roller Sports Sport Climbing Free Promotional Fun Days Suitable for YouthsWith a view to bolstering the participation of youth, LCSD will launch a series of free promotional fun days with specific urban sports themes which are suitable for youths, such as Skateboarding Fun Day for Youth, Breaking Fun Day for Youth and 3-on-3 Basketball Fun Day for Youth. Relevant national sports associations will send qualified instructors to demonstrate the sports and teach participants basic skills on-site. Participants can also join a play-in session to experience the fun of urban sports and explore their sport potential. Stay tuned! Click here to visit LCSD's Urban Sports dedicated website.    

A Guide to Flower Appreciation 2023

A Guide to Flower Appreciation 2023

1) Ngong Ping Cherry BlossomsThere is a recent trend to admire spring flowers and cherry trees in Hong Kong. The cherry blossoms in Ngong Ping thrived in the past four years and bloomed steadily after the adaptation period. It has become one of the cherry blossom viewing spots in Hong Kong. And a "blossom-seasons-tourism" has also been gradually developed on Lantau Island, allowing flower lovers and tourists to watch the beauty of blooming flowers and enjoy a leisurely journey. Details: https://www.cedd.gov.hk/eng/topics-in-focus/index-id-28.html 2) Blossoms Around the TownLook around and enjoy the beautiful blossoms in the city all year round! (Follow the Hong Kong Flower Appreciation Map below and be surprised!)   More about "Blossoms Around Town", please visit the website of Leisure and Cultural Services Department. 3) Hong Kong Flower Show 2023Hong Kong Flower Show 2023 (the Show) was held from 10 to 19 March 2023 at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay.  The Show this year takes as its theme “Bliss in Bloom”, featuring the gorgeously and uniquely grown hydrangea as its theme flower.  Long a darling of flower lovers, hydrangea is renowned for its glamorous large flowers and splendid colours in full bloom, definitely creating a captivating sense of bliss and romance in every corner of the Show. Details: https://www.hkflowershow.hk/en/hkfs/2023/index.html 4) "LCSD Plusss" Flower ExpressLeisure and Cultural Services Department provides weekly updates on flowers and plants on the "LCSD Plusss" Facebook page. Details: https://www.fa.gov.hk/en/videos.html 5) 【LCSD Edutainment Channel - 101 Academy】Appreciation of Flowers 101 Details of "Appreciation of Flowers 101": https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/edutainment/en/academy/page_75.html6) 【Development Bureau Webpage - Flower in Bloom】Development Bureau archives and categorises flowers and plants according to months from January to December on the dedicated website.Details: https://www.greening.gov.hk/en/resource-centre/plant-species-knowledge/flower-in-bloom/index.html7) 【Development Bureau Webpage - Landscape Corner】Development Bureau introduces on the dedicated website the seasonal plants and flowers that are available in different regions and seasons for the public to enjoy. Details: https://www.greening.gov.hk/en/greening-landscape/landscape-corner/index.html

[LCSDPlusss] The "Magic-hand" in the urban greening

[LCSDPlusss] The "Magic-hand" in the urban greening

This story is only available in Chinese. For more information on the subject, please visit the Leisure and Cultural Services Department Facebook Page.

[LCSDPlusss] About the frontline workers in Hong Kong City Hall

[LCSDPlusss] About the frontline workers in Hong Kong City Hall

This story is only available in Chinese. For more information on the subject, please visit the Leisure and Cultural Services Department Facebook Page.

[Intangible Cultural Heritage] 360° video on Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parad

[Intangible Cultural Heritage] 360° video on Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade

Intangible Cultural Heritage Promotional Videos ProjectThe Intangible Cultural Heritage Office and the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong co-organised the “Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Promotional Videos Project” in 2019. Through this project, students have produced 7 sets 360-degree virtual reality videos and documentaries for introducing local intangible cultural heritage (ICH) items. Under the guidance of instructors, students seized the opportunity to have close contact with local ICH items, interact directly with ICH bearers, as well as conduct video recordings of the activities by themselves, whereby deepening their understanding of each of the ICH items. Let’s enjoy their works together! Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade During the annual Dragon Boat Festival, three fishermen's associations in Tai O, namely Pa Teng Hong, Sin Yu Hong and Hap Sim Tong, organise a religious activity known as the dragon boat water parade. On the morning of the day before the festival, members of the associations row their dragon boats to visit four temples in Tai O, where they receive statues of the folk deities Yeung Hou, Tin Hau, Kwan Tei and Hung Shing. They carry the deity statues back to their associations’ hall for worship. On the day of the festival, the deity statues are put on sacred sampans towed by the associations’ dragon boats to parade through Tai O’s waters. After the ritual, the deity statues are returned to the respective temples in the afternoon. This unique religious activity has been inherited for more than a century. Tai O dragon boat water parade was inscribed onto the third national list of ICH in 2011. For more about Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade, please visit the website of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office.

Zookeepers of Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens

Zookeepers of Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens

The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, where many people spend their leisure time, is the oldest and the most popular park in Hong Kong.The Gardens is a place with beautiful scenery and a wide variety of mammals and birds. These lovable animal stars, like yellow-casqued hornbill, great white pelican, American flamingo, white-faced saki and Asian small-clawed otter, grow healthily under the care of the zookeepers. Watch the video and learn more about the work of zookeepers from the sharing of Wah and Vincent. (The video is in Cantonese)

[Challenging!] Hiking Routes Recommendations (Difficulty: 4 to 5 stars ★★★

[Challenging!] Hiking Routes Recommendations (Difficulty: 4 to 5 stars ★★★★★)

It’s time for a hike as autumn approaches! For hikers who are seeking further challenges, you may visit the “4-star to 5-star” hiking routes recommended by the dedicated website “Enjoy Hiking” of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and “Difficult” routes recommended by “Hiking Scheme” website of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Choose your preferred route and plan a hike with friends and family members! (★=Easy | ★★=Moderate | ★★★=Demanding | ★★★★=Difficult | ★★★★★=Very Difficult)     *Please choose>>> Hong Kong Island North New Territories West New Territories Central New Territories Sai Kung Lantau Jardine’s Lookout - Quarry Bay(Difficulty: ★★★★)Start at Mount Butler Road, walk along Sir Cecil’s Ride and proceed to Tai Tam Reservoir Road, Jardine’s Lookout and Siu Ma Shan. Continue along Quarry Bay Tree Walk to Greig Road, Quarry Bay. This route largely follows Section 2 of the Wilson Trail⋯⋯Read moreTo Tei Wan - Big Wave Bay (Difficulty: ★★★★)Start at To Tei Wan, Shek O Road, and walk uphill to Shek O Peak.  Then walk along the ridge between the peak and Wan Cham Shan, which resembles the back of a dragon and is well known as Dragon’s Back (Lung Chek).  Though a bit steep on both sides, the ridge offers stunning sea views on the east and west coasts and magnificent scenery along the path⋯⋯Read more (Back to Top) Wilson Trail (Section 8) Yuen Tun Ha to Cloudy Hill (Difficulty: ★★★★)Section 8 does not fall within the area of country parks and it starts at Sheung Wun Yiu, San Uk Ka. From there to King Law Ka Shuk, Tai Po Tau Tsuen, it is a cultural tour – as early as the Ming dynasty, the hills were once a kiln site because of its abundant water resources from Tai Mo Shan and rich deposits of porcelain clay in the soil⋯⋯Read more Wilson Trail (Section 9) Cloudy Hill to Pat Sin Leng (Difficulty: ★★★★)Section 9 starts from the summit of Cloudy Hill and ends at Hsien Ku Fung, traversing Hok Tau Reservoir, Ping Fung Shan, and Pat Sin Leng. Immersed in the peace and tranquility of the landscape at Hok Tau Reservoir before you take the footpath at the junction⋯⋯Read more Wilson Trail (Section 10) Pat Sin Leng to Nam Chung (Difficulty: ★★★★)The last section is a scenic route as well as an easy hike. After descending from Hsien Ku Fung, the stone stairs lead down to Pat Sin Leng Nature Trail. Along the trail, you will wend your way through the deserted ancient village of Wang Shan Keuk Ha Tsuen⋯⋯Read more Ma Mei Ha - Luk Keng (Difficulty: ★★★★)Ascend Ping Teng Au from Tan Chuk Hang, walk along Nam Chung Country Trail and head toward Nam Chung via Lo Lung Tin.  Take in the views of the north-eastern part of the New Territories and the boundary at Sha Tau Kok along the way⋯⋯Read more Wu Kau Tang - Luk Keng (Difficulty: ★★★★)Enter the ancient footpath of Lai Tau Shek from Wu Kau Tang and proceed to Lai Chi Wo.  On the way, visit the ancient temple and the Hakka village.  Take a close look of the old banyan, white-flowered derris, hollow tree, mangroves and the buttress roots of looking glass trees⋯⋯Read more Wu Tip Shan - Lam Tsuen (Difficulty: ★★★★)Start from the entrance to the cement-paved Wu Tip Shan Path and walk uphill. The route involves mainly uphill sections with hillside steps and downhill footpaths, so make sure you are physically fit for it. There is a viewing platform in the section between Wu Tip Shan and Kei Lak Tsai, where you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of New Territories North⋯⋯Read more Plover Cove Reservoir Country Trail (Difficulty: ★★★★★)Completed in 1968, Plover Cove Reservoir is the second largest reservoir in Hong Kong in terms of the area it covers.  The many undulating slopes and the lack of supplies on this long hiking trail that skirts around the reservoir make it a test of experience and fitness⋯⋯Read more (Back to Top) MacLehose Trail (Section 10) Tin Fu Tsai to Tuen Mun (Difficulty: ★★★★)The last section of the MacLehose Trail is the lengthiest one, crossing almost half of Tai Lam Country Park and extending to Tuen Mun Town. Kat Hing Bridge is at the intersection of streams and was once the main access connecting Yuen Long to Tsuen Wan. There used to be seven small crossing bridges⋯⋯Read moreYuen Tsuen Ancient Trail Country Trail (Difficulty: ★★★★)Ancient trails used to be a key route for villagers to communicate and do trade with the outside world in the old days.  Many of them, including Nam Hang Pai Ancient Trail, Kap Lung Ancient Trail, and Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail, lie inside Tai Lam Country Park, which also has the greatest number of country trails.  Linking Yuen Long with Tsuen Wan⋯⋯Read more Tsuen King Circuit - Sham Tseng (Difficulty: ★★★★)Enter the Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail from Pun Shan Tsuen in Chai Wan Kok and follow the path around Shek Lung Kung.  Cross Tin Tsing Bridge and walk past Tin Fu Tsai Campsite to reach Tsing Fai Tong.  Walk westward for about 1 km to a junction and continue down the path heading south to Sham Tseng Settlement Basin⋯⋯Read more Chuen Lung - Shing Mun Reservoir (Difficulty: ★★★★)Start at Chuen Lung minibus station at Route Twist. Upon reaching Choi Lung Restaurant, follow the driveway leading to Chuen Lung Management Centre. Continue along the Lung Mun Country Trail and proceed to the Shing Mun Forest Track (Reservoir Section). Take the path on the right leading to Pineapple Dam, where you may visit the Butterfly Paradise on the way. The trip ends at Shing Mun Road⋯⋯Read more Wong Nai Tun - Tai Tong (Difficulty: ★★★★)Visit Yeung Ka Tsuen Old House in Tai Tong, and the three ancient temples around Pak Fu Au.  Get spectacular views of the “Thousand-lsland Lake” in Tai Lam Chung Reservoir while walking along the MacLehose Trail in the reverse direction and enjoying the beautiful scenery on the way⋯⋯Read more (Back to Top) MacLehose Trail (Section 8) Lead Mine Pass to Route Twisk (Difficulty: ★★★★)Hong Kong used to have many mine sites, one of which was Lead Mine Pass. There were mining activities in the east of the present day Shing Mun Country Park in as early as the 1930s. The mine sites have gone derelict since the 1960s as a result of the emergence of a large number of overseas large-scale mine sites and the plummeting price of ore⋯⋯Read more (Back to Top) MacLehose Trail (Section 2) Long Ke to Pak Tam Au (Difficulty: ★★★★)MacLehose Trail Section 2 is one of the phenomenally popular hiking trails, and this is the best section for you to feel the beauty of the coast of Hong Kong.  At the start of MacLehose Trail Section 2 is the steep, 314-metre Sai Wan Shan; only after descending from this mountain can you reach Sai Wan beach, otherwise known as “the Maldives of Hong Kong”⋯⋯Read moreMacLehose Trail (Section 3) Pak Tam Au to Kei Ling Ha (Difficulty: ★★★★)Featuring undulating mountains with a steep gradient, the third section of the MacLehose Trail is definitely one of the top three in terms of difficulty. With the trail traversing Ngam Tau Shan, Wa Mei Shan, Lui Ta Shek and Kai Kun Shan, their dazzling heights at around 400 metres above sea level can offer you distinct appearances of the rolling mountains from different angles⋯⋯⋯Read moreMacLehose Trail (Section 4) Kei Ling Ha to Tate's Cairn (Difficulty: ★★★★)The fourth section of the MacLehose Trail is another gateway to even more breath-taking scenery, as the saying “Perfection knows no limits” goes. Go through Wong Chuk Yeung Village from Shui Long Wo, and then climb up to the 555-metre high Ma On Shan ridge. Although by no means an easy section, it commands Yim Tin Tsai and Kau Sai Chau from a height – the higher you are, the farther you can see⋯⋯Read moreTai Long Wan Hiking Trail (Difficulty: ★★★★)Starting at Sai Wan Pavilion, this immensely popular hiking trail first traverses Sai Wan and then Ham Tin Wan, both of which face the Pacific Ocean. It never ceases to amaze visitors with such landforms as streams and estuaries as well as turquoise water and fine sand⋯⋯⋯Read moreLau Shui Heung - Tai Po Tau (Difficulty: ★★★★)Start at Lau Shui Heung Reservoir and take the country trail on the right.  After passing Lau Shui Bridge, cross Lung Shan Bridge and walk through Kat Tsai Shan Au.  Walk slowly up Cloudy Hill (Kau Lung Hang Shan) located on the western boundary of Pat Sin Leng Country Park and enjoy a spectacular view of Tolo Harbour and Tai Po lying at the foot of the mountains in the north-eastern part of New Territories.  Continue along Section 8 of the Wilson Trail in the reverse direction to reach Tai Po Tau, where dining and entertainment options are conveniently available⋯⋯Read moreTai Au Mun - Hang Hau (Difficulty: ★★★★)Start at Tai Au Mun, walk slowly up the south-facing slope of High Junk Peak (Tiu Yue Yung), which is one of the three steepest climbs in Sai Kung with an elevation of 344 metres.  Carry on along the north side of the ridge toward Sheung Yeung Shan.  Visit Mang Kung Uk by the hillside and walk down the slope to Hang Hau, Tseung Kwan O through Wo Tong Gong⋯⋯Read moreUk Tau - Wong Shek - Hoi Ha (Difficulty: ★★★★)Visit the coastal mangroves at Uk Tau, Sai Kung before taking the Wong Shek Family Walk to Tai Tan.  Enter the Tai Tan Country Trail and enjoy the magnificent scenery of Tap Mun and Ko Lau Wan.  Follow the path around Lan Lo Au until you reach Hoi Ha Wan, visit the “Drumming Rock” and enjoy a spectacular view of Hoi Ha Wan⋯⋯⋯Read moreHau Tong Kai - Pak Tam Au (Difficulty: ★★★★)Walk into the tranquil woods from Hau Tong Kai, Sai Kung.  Climb slowly up the path leading to the mountain village Cheung Sheung and proceed to Au Mun to explore the views of Jacob’s Ladder, Yung Shue O Village and Kei Ling Ha Hoi.  In the afternoon, climb Ngau Yee Shek Shan (440m) and walk along Section 3 of the MacLehose Trail down to Pak Tam Au⋯⋯⋯Read moreChui Tung Au – Pak Tam Au (Difficulty: ★★★★)Start at Sai Wan Pavilion to Chui Tung Au and walk downhill to Sai Wan and Ham Tin Wan, where you can explore the beautiful beaches with powdery sand and clear water. Walk up to Tai Long Au and head toward Pak Tam Au via Chek Keng on the return leg. This is a rather long route with uphill and downhill sections offering splendid scenery but no breakaway points⋯⋯Read morePak Sha O - Shui Long Wo(Difficulty: ★★★★)Enter a concrete path after reaching the road sign for Pak Sha O on Hoi Ha Road. Walk to She Shek Au via Ha Yeung and Nam Shan Tung.  Go downhill, walk past an old church and proceed to Sham Chung, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of a vast area of grassland.  Walk along the coastal path which leads to Yung Shue O through an area of mangroves.  Then walk along the catchwatch to Shui Long Wo while taking in the wonderful sunset views over Three Fathoms Cove⋯⋯Read more Devil's Peak - Tseng Lan Shue (Difficulty: ★★★★)Start at W020 of Wilson Trail and walk slowly up to the relics on Devil’s Peak (Pau Toi Shan) (Note: the path leading to the wartime ruins is rather rugged).  Get a panoramic view of the eastern part of Hong Kong Island and Yau Tong.  Continue up the path to a morning walker garden on Black Hill (304m) and have a bird’s eye view of the much changed Tseung Kwan O⋯⋯⋯Read more (Back to Top) Chi Ma Wan Country Trail (Difficulty: ★★★★)Chi Ma Wan Country Trail, with a total length of 18.5 kilometres, starts and ends at Shap Long Campsite.  The trail almost circumnavigates Chi Ma Wan Peninsula, offering hikers vistas of Pui O Bay, Ham Tin Village and Cheung Sha⋯⋯Read more Lantau Trail (Section 2) Nam Shan to Pak Kung Au (Difficulty: ★★★★)Adorned with a seemingly limitless sea of silvergrass at an elevation of 869 metres and 749 metres respectively, Sunset Peak and Yi Tung Shan have not only been a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, but also a magnet for photography aficionados.  You can reach them by walking along the stone steps from the barbecue site at Nam Shan Au, the start point of Section Two of the Lantau Trail⋯⋯Read more Lantau Trail (Section 3) Pak Kung Au to Ngong Ping (Difficulty: ★★★★)Before Hong Kong became a city and a trading port, Lantau Peak had always been referred to as ‘Lan Tau’, which is the romanisation of the words ‘broken head’ in Chinese, by local villagers because the outline of its summit looks broken apart.  In the 19th century when the British came to Hong Kong, the whole island was called the same name; this is how Lantau Island got its name⋯⋯Read more (Back to Top) (The information are provided by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and Leisure and Cultural Services Department)

[Starters] Hiking Routes Recommendations (Difficulty: 1 star★)

[Starters] Hiking Routes Recommendations (Difficulty: 1 star★)

It’s time for a hike as autumn approaches! For elementary level hikers, you may visit the “1-star” hiking routes recommended by the dedicated website “Enjoy Hiking” of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and “easy” routes recommended by the “Hiking Scheme” website of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Choose your preferred route and plan a hike with friends and family members! (★=Easy | ★★=Moderate | ★★★=Demanding | ★★★★=Difficult | ★★★★★=Very Difficult)     *Please choose>>> Hong Kong Island North New Territories West New Territories Central New Territories Sai Kung Lantau Aberdeen Nature Trail (Difficulty: ★)The first leg of Aberdeen Nature Trail skirts along Lower Aberdeen Reservoir on a level path. Once privately owned by a papermill, the reservoir was surrendered to the government⋯⋯Read moreAberdeen Tree Walk (Difficulty: ★)Aberdeen Tree Walk lies near the urban area and takes about 10 minutes' walk from Aberdeen's downtown area. To nearby residents, the green haven is a cherished “Backyard Garden of Hong Kong Island⋯⋯Read more Pinewood Battery Heritage Trail (Difficulty: ★)Located inside Lung Fu Shan Country Park, the Pinewood Battery Heritage Trail features some batteries that have been standing for as many as a hundred years within a span of 400 metres⋯⋯Read morePok Fu Lam Family Walk (Difficulty: ★)How far is the countryside from the city? In the case of Pok Fu Lam Family Walk, the only family walk on Hong Kong Island, it is only a 5-minute walk away. Although undulating⋯⋯Read morePok Fu Lam Tree Walk (Difficulty: ★)Pok Fu Lam Tree Walk is the first Hong Kong tree walk featuring native plant species. This route winds along Lugard Road by the Peak Galleria. While admiring the beauty of nature⋯⋯Read moreQuarry Bay Tree Walk (Difficulty: ★)Quarry Bay Tree Walk is a comfortable and peaceful route, connecting Mount Parker Road and Kornhill Garden. It also overlaps with Stage 2 of Wilson Trail and part of the Eastern Na⋯⋯Read more Wong Nai Chung Tree Walk (Difficulty: ★)Wong Nai Chung Tree Walk is in essence the sections of Sir Cecil’s Ride between Wong Nai Chung Gap Road and Mount Butler. The Tree Walk is 2.2km in length, flat and smooth, and it takes about one hour to complete⋯⋯Read more Tai Tam Family Walk (Difficulty: ★)Hiking trails in Hong Kong are oases of serenity in the urban jungle. Among them is Tai Tam Family Walk, one of the best places to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The family walk is easily accessible by public transport⋯⋯Read moreTai Tam Tree Walk (Difficulty: ★)Tai Tam Tree Walk, about 70m in length, is the shortest tree walk in Hong Kong’s country parks. With 12 information plates installed along the Tree Walk introducing trees including⋯⋯Read more Pok Fu Lam Reservoir - Hong Kong University (Difficulty: ★)Start at Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road and walk along the Peak Trail in a reverse direction.  Enter Lugard Road at the Peak to take in the spectacular views of Victoria Harbour on the path skirting around the Peak⋯⋯Read more (Back to Top) Ap Chau Geosite (Difficulty: ★)Located to the east of Sha Tau Kok, Ap Chau, which literally means ‘duck island’, got its name because it looks like a duck on water. Composed of red breccia, which is rare in Hong Kong⋯⋯Read moreBride's Pool Nature Trail (Difficulty: ★)Located at the northwestern corner of Plover Cove Country Park, Bride’s Pool Nature Trail meanders along the valley and skirts along cascades. The trail is easy to walk⋯⋯Read more Chung Pui Tree Walk (Difficulty: ★)Chung Pui Tree Walk is a circular route 0.25km in length, spanning along Brides’ Pool Road. Fourteen species of trees are introduced along the Tree Walk⋯⋯Read more Fung Hang Family Walk (Difficulty: ★)Visitors are a rarity in many border regions, but it is these areas that provide a habitat for a wealth of wildlife. The same is true of Hong Kong. During spring and summer, Sha Tau Kok Hoi, in which the famous egretry in A Chau is situated⋯⋯Read more Hok Tau Reservoir Family Walk (Difficulty: ★)Located inside Pat Sin Leng Country Park, Hok Tau Reservoir was once an area of streams and marshes with abundant water supply. Therefore an irrigation reservoir was built there in 1968⋯⋯Read more Lai Chi Wo Nature Trail (Difficulty: ★)Located in the Double Haven Geo-Area, Lai Chi Wo Nature Trail passes through an old Hakka village. It is the best place to get close to wildlife in Lai Chi Wo, and explore Hakka culture and history⋯⋯Read more Tai Mei Tuk Family Walk (Difficulty: ★)Tai Mei Tuk is located on a promontory of Plover Cove, which is encircled on three sides by mountains. In the 1960s the then Director of Water Supplies Department T.O. Morgan proposed linking Pak Sha Tau and Tai Mei Tuk with a 2-kilometre dam to cut off the cove from the sea⋯⋯Read more Ma Shi Chau Nature Trail (Difficulty: ★)Ma Shi Chau Nature Trail is located in the Ma Shi Chau Special Area, which is fairly close to Yim Tin Tsai. Formed as a result of deposition of fine particles that gradually turn into sandspits, a tombolo emerges⋯⋯Read more Lok Ma Chau - Ho Sheung Heung (Difficulty: ★)Start at Lok Ma Chau Path and proceed to Lok Ma Chau Garden.  There is a viewing platform in the garden, where you can overlook the vast area of fish ponds near Shenzhen River.  Then take the concrete path leading to the villages which have been excluded from the closed area since 2013⋯⋯Read more (Back to Top) Chuen Lung Family Walk (Difficulty: ★)Situated on a hill in Tsuen Wan, Chuen Lung is an ancient Hakka village, as well as a resting place for hikers to enjoy Dim Sum⋯⋯Read more Ho Pui Reservoir Family Walk (Difficulty: ★)Located inside Tai Lam Country Park, Ho Pui Reservoir is an irrigation reservoir in Pat Heung, Yuen Long that feeds the fields in northwest New Territories. Compared to other large reservoirs, Ho Pui Reservoir bears a closer resemblance to a small lake in the woods⋯⋯Read more Rotary Park Nature Trail (Difficulty: ★)The Rotary Park Nature Trail is the perfect place for children to get close to nature. With barbecue sites at the start point, the trail is easily accessible and suitable for families⋯⋯Read more Tai Tong Tree Walk (Difficulty: ★)Adjacent to Tai Tong BBQ Site No.1 in Tai Lam Country Park, Tai Tong Tree Walk is only 650m in length with 9 information plates erected⋯⋯Read more Twisk Nature Trail (Difficulty: ★)If you look at photos taken in the 19th century, you will discover that mountains in Hong Kong were not covered in the lush green vegetation we see today. In fact, the government started large scale afforestation work only after the Second World War⋯⋯Read more Tai Mo Shan Family Walk (Difficulty: ★)Located inside Rotary Park, Tai Mo Shan Family Walk is a circular walk that skirts along a forest. The stone-paved path is easy and short, taking no more than half an hour to finish⋯⋯Read more Tuen Mun-Lam Tei Reservoir - Miu Fat Buddhist Monastery (Difficulty: ★)Start at Wah Fat Playground, climb up the stone steps and continue along Tuen Mun Fitness Trail (Section 10 of the MacLehose Trail).  Then make a turn to Tuen Mun Trail. Proceed to Lam Tei Reservoir via Fu Tei.  This gentle half earth half concrete path offers an open view⋯⋯Read more (Back to Top) Eagle's Nest Nature Trail (Difficulty: ★)Eagle’s Nest, also known as Tsim Shan, is located inside Lion Rock Country Park and is near Shek Lei Pui Reservoir. On Eagle’s Nest, black kites, raptors commonly seen⋯⋯Read more Hung Mui Kuk Nature Trail (Difficulty: ★)Between spring and summer, visitors to Hung Mui Kuk are bound to fall into a fanciful reverie when strawberry trees scatter all over the mountain and the valley. This is how Hung Mui Kuk got its name⋯⋯Read moreKam Shan Family Walk (Difficulty: ★)Monkeys in Hong Kong do not live in Water Curtain Cave as depicted in fairy tales; most of them are found in Kam Shan, or commonly known as Monkey Hill. Starting at Kowloon Reservoir and Shek Lei Pui Reservoir, Kam Shan Family Walk is⋯⋯ Read moreKam Shan Tree Walk (Difficulty: ★)Kam Shan Tree Walk is located in Kam Shan Country Park, with the entrance set at Kowloon Reservoir. The Tree Walk links to Stage 6 of MacLehose Trail at Golden Hill Road. The adjoining Kowloon Byewash Reservoir greets visitors with a beautiful scenery⋯⋯Read more Ma On Shan Family Walk (Difficulty: ★)Ma On Shan Family Walk is located on the hillside of Ma On Shan, Hong Kong’s fourth tallest peak at an elevation of 702 metres. The family walk starts and ends inside large barbecue sites, making it an ideal place to have a barbecue, relax and exercise⋯⋯Read moreNai Chung Tree Walk (Difficulty: ★)Nai Chung Tree Walk is located in the Nai Chung Barbecue Site of Ma On Shan Country Park. Despite a length of only 270m, the Tree Walk enables people to learn more about trees while strolling along it⋯⋯Read more Pineapple Dam Nature Trail (Difficulty: ★)Hong Kong’s iconic delicacy pineapple bun contains no pineapples, but Pineapple Dam Nature Trail definitely has an intimate relationship with pineapples⋯⋯Read more War Relics Trail (Shing Mun) (Difficulty: ★)Many military relics of the Second World War in Hong Kong have survived into the present. The 250-metre war relics trail located on the slope of Smuggler’s Ridge of Shing Mun and Kam Shan Country Parks⋯⋯Read more (Back to Top) Clear Water Bay Tree Walk (Difficulty: ★)Clear Water Bay Tree Walk is cutting across dense woodlands in the mid slopes of Tai Hang Tun in Clear Water Bay Country Park. There is a viewing platform and a visitor centre at the start of the Tree Walk. Looking southeast from the platform, you will see the magnificent scene of waves patting Tsing Chau and Nine Pin Group⋯⋯Read moreKei Ling Ha Tree Walk (Difficulty: ★)Kei Ling Ha Tree Walk is located in Ma On Shan Country Park and starts at Shui Long Wo, Sai Sha Road. This tree walk is 0.65km in length⋯⋯Read moreLai Chi Chong Geosite (Difficulty: ★)Roaming the countryside has become an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city for many city-dwellers. Lai Chi Chong, located on the southeastern shore of Tolo Channel, is an arcadia popular among hikers⋯⋯Read morePak Tam Chung Family Walk (Difficulty: ★)Located at the entrance of Sai Kung Country Park, Pak Tam Chung easily evokes the childhood memories of many Hong Kong people, as it is a popular site for school picnics in spring and autumn⋯⋯Read morePak Tam Chung Nature Trail (Difficulty: ★)Pak Tam Chung Nature Trail is built along the river, offering the scenery of fresh and sea water converging to create unique habitats. At low tide, fiddler crabs and mudskippers appear on the muddy surface of mangroves⋯⋯Read morePak Tam Chung Tree Walk (Difficulty: ★)Located in Sai Kung West Country Park, Pak Tam Chung Tree Walk is 580m in length and a part of it overlaps Pak Tam Chung Hiking Practice Trail⋯⋯Read morePak Tam Country Trail (Difficulty: ★)Started as an ancient village path connecting Pak Tam Au and Pak Tam Chung in the past, Pak Tam Country Trail is an easy route with muddy paths and stone trails through weeds, exuding a sense of antique elegance⋯⋯Read moreSharp Island Geo Trail (Difficulty: ★)Located in Port Shelter, Sai Kung, Sharp Island is connected with a small island called Kiu Tau by a tombolo, which is accessible when the tide is low. Remember to check tidal information before crossing the tombolo⋯⋯Read moreSheung Yiu Family Walk (Difficulty: ★)Sheung Yiu Family Walk is an attractive place where everything is packed into one – here visitors can have a barbecue, go on a hike, and learn about natural habitats and Hong Kong folklore⋯⋯Read moreTai Tan Tree Walk (Difficulty: ★)Tai Tan Tree Walk is a circular route with a length of 230m. It starts from Pak Tam Road and is adjacent to Wong Shek Tree Walk. The Tree Walk encircles a barbecue site and an outing site, with a campsite nearby⋯⋯Read more Tsiu Hang Nature Trail (Difficulty: ★)Located inside the AFCD Lions Nature Education Centre, Tsiu Hang Nature Trail is an easy walk. You will be fascinated by the natural habitats comprising mosses, fungi (e.g. mushrooms), and the decomposing logs by the roadside⋯⋯Read moreWong Shek Family Walk (Difficulty: ★)Hailed as the ‘backyard of Hong Kong’, Sai Kung is a place of scenic beauty that can be fully appreciated along Wong Shek Family Walk. Located next to Wong Shek Pier, the family walk is gently undulating with long benches along the way and thus not physically demanding at all⋯⋯Read more Wong Shek Tree Walk (Difficulty: ★)Wong Shek Tree Walk is located in Sai Kung East Country Park, with a full length of 410m. It joins Wong Shek Family Walk and Pak Tam Road and is adjacent to Tai Tan Tree Walk⋯⋯Read more (Back to Top) Tei Tong Tsai Country Trail (Difficulty: ★)Has the question of the location of the lesser-known Po Lam Monastery ever come to your lips? Po Lam Monastery, situated at the ending point of Tei Tong Tsai Country Trail, is not accessible by vehicles.  Visitors can only get a view of the hidden and tranquil monastery after completing the trail on foot⋯⋯Read more Fan Lau Country Trail (Difficulty: ★)The multicultural facet of Hong Kong could be manifested in Fan Lau Country Trail. Situated in the southernmost area of Lantau Island, Fan Lau Country Trail exhibits a blend of historical characteristics⋯⋯Read more Lantau Trail (Section 1) Mui Wo to Nam Shan (Difficulty: ★)The first leg of the Lantau Trail runs parallel to South Lantau Road.  Along the way, the footpath overlooks several villages, namely Luk Tei Tong Village, Tai Tei Tong, Pak Ngan Heung, Mui Wo Kau Tsuen, and Chung Hau⋯⋯Read more Nam Shan Tree Walk (Difficulty: ★)Nam Shan Tree Walk is 440m in length, passing through the Section 2 of Lantau Trail, with one end joining South Lantau Road. Nam Shan Tree Walk is a wooded path⋯⋯Read moreNgong Ping Tree Walk (Difficulty: ★)Ngong Ping Plateau is humid and foggy all year round. Its fertile soil nourishes a great variety of wild plants. There are 15 information plates installed along Ngong Ping Tree Walk to showcase native plants⋯⋯Read more Shek Mun Kap - Ngong Ping (Difficulty: ★)Start at Shek Mun Kap and walk up to Ngong Ping via Tei Tong Tsai.  This section comprises mainly uphill paths and steps.  There are a number of old temples along the way.  After going through Dongshan Famen, you may visit Wisdom Path, Po Lin Monastery, Tian Tan Buddha Statue and Ngong Ping Village⋯⋯Read more (Back to Top) (The information are provided by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and Leisure and Cultural Services Department)

Sports Recommendation: Judo

Sports Recommendation: Judo

The first impression people usually have about Judo is that it is a competition between two people in white robes with black belts tangling together. Some people even think that Judo is just about lifting people up and throwing them onto the ground. In fact, Judo is a sport that emerged in modern times and yet with well-established competition rules. It was not until 1964 that Judo was listed as an official event in the Tokyo Olympics and gradually became one of the popular sports. There are many players participating in international sports events.Characteristics of Judo“Maximum efficiency with minimum effort” and “mutual welfare and benefit” are the mottos of Judo athletes as well as the fundamental principles of Judo. The goal is to train and educate the body and mind rather than simply focusing on competing and trying to win. “Maximum efficiency with minimum effort” refers to using one’s strength in the best way, that is, to overcome force with softness; “mutual welfare and benefit” refers to growing with fellow partners and learning from each other. During practice, in addition to pursuing the improvement of their own techniques, Judo athletes also need to grow with their team members to achieve the goal of training the body and improving spiritual cultivation. Etiquette is highly valued in Judo, with “beginning with etiquette and ending with etiquette” being the two requirements. Judo students must salute before entering the dojo, when they see their teacher, and to one another before practice. Judo techniques and Kata (forms)Judo techniques can be divided into three categories: throwing techniques, grappling techniques and body-striking techniques.  Throwing techniques are used to cause the opponent to fall down; grappling techniques are used to press the opponent on the ground and attack them with joint techniques or strangulation techniques; body-striking techniques are direct blows with fists and feet.  Defence against weapons is also part of Judo, but it is only allowed to be used in Kata (forms) training due to its dangerous nature.  In competitive Judo (such as the Olympic Games), Judo events only allow the use of throwing techniques; and pinning techniques, strangulation techniques and joint techniques of the grappling techniques. In Judo competitions, both contestants will use Judo techniques at will and there are no fixed moves.  However, Judo itself has a set of strictly prescribed practice methods called “Kata”, which are like martial arts routines. Kata illustrates the understanding and theory of Judo and is practised in pairs. Kata is mandatorily assessed in rank examinations.  Judo is very particular about the practice of Kata.  During practice, the two parties are divided into the tori (taker or the one who performs the technique) and the uke (receiver or the one to whom the technique is performed).  The moves, order and etiquette of both parties are subject to meticulous and rigorous rules to allow athletes to learn Judo techniques in a clear order.  Judo attaches great importance to the cultivation of Kata, and each dan has a different assessment range for Kata.  Athletes must be familiar with both roles as the taker and the receiver when using various techniques. The benefits of JudoJudo is a sport that trains strength, speed, physical fitness and body coordination.  The various movements of Judo involve multiple sets of muscles of the body. These movements do not only increase muscle strength but also improve the elasticity of bones, ligaments and joints and have certain benefits for maintaining bone health.  On the other hand, Judo focuses on etiquette and decent character which can cultivate good behaviour such as athletes’ willpower, endurance and respect for others in the long run.Development and promotion of Judo in Hong KongJudo is originated in Japan, which means that most of the participants were Japanese nationals in the early days of its development in Hong Kong.  In the 1960s, various Judo training classes were launched.  In 1966, the Judo master Mr Takeo Iwami set up a Judo dojo in Hong Kong, becoming the first Japanese master to establish a Judo dojo in the territory.  Judo has blossomed in Hong Kong since then with the establishment of various Judo associations that jointly promote Judo and establish systematic training plans.The progressive learning method of Judo has resulted in a clear advancement model and has transformed traditional Japanese Jujutsu into a modern sport with a fair and just referee system.  The Judo Association of Hong Kong, China mainly assists in the promotion of Judo in the community and takes athletes to the international arena.  It also organises various competitions, provides a competitive platform for athletes to continuously engage in exchanges to improve their skills, and enhances the level of local Judo athletes.

[Intangible Cultural Heritage] 360° video on Mid-Autumn Festival - The Tai

[Intangible Cultural Heritage] 360° video on Mid-Autumn Festival - The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance

Intangible Cultural Heritage Promotional Videos ProjectThe Intangible Cultural Heritage Office and the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong co-organised the “Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Promotional Videos Project” in 2019. Through this project, students have produced 7 sets 360-degree virtual reality videos and documentaries for introducing local intangible cultural heritage (ICH) items. Under the guidance of instructors, students seized the opportunity to have close contact with local ICH items, interact directly with ICH bearers, as well as conduct video recordings of the activities by themselves, whereby deepening their understanding of each of the ICH items. Let’s enjoy their works together! Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance The event has been held for more than 100 years. Tai Hang was originally a Hakka village. The folk story has it that a plague broke out in Tai Hang in 1880. To dispel the disaster and ward off the disease, villagers crafted a dragon and inserted joss sticks all over it. On the evening of the 14th, 15th and 16th of the eighth lunar month, villagers paraded with the fire dragon around the village and let off firecrackers. The plague ended soon afterwards. Since then, villagers have performed the three-day fire dragon dance every year to pray for peace in Tai Hang. Tai Hang fire dragon dance was inscribed onto the third national list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011. For more about Tai Hang fire dragon dance, please visit the website of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office.

Sports Recommendation: Race Walking

Sports Recommendation: Race Walking

Race walking is one of the athletics events.  Athletes of race walking put their power, strength, endurance and skills to the test. Not only one’s body but also his/her willpower can be strengthened through race walk.   Various major races are held every year and attract a lot of participants. Origin of race walkingRace Walking, evolving from common walking, originated in the United Kingdom in the 19th Century. The first race walking event was held in 1866,  organised by the Amateur Athletic Club, and was a 7-mile race. At the end of the 19th Century, “race walking trips” were popular in some European countries, and people walked from one city to another. Race walking was then passed on to all countries in Europe, America and Asia.Rules of race walkingRace walking in the early days had simple rules and allowed athletes to adopt the manner of the common way of walking or arbitrary way of walking. There were no strict requirements for skills. As for contemporary race walking, very strict requirements are set on the skills and the strides: athletes must continuously walk forward while their foot soles should keep contacting with the ground surface without any space left between each sole and the ground surface; the leading leg must keep straight during the period when the foot hits on the ground and then is raised up and the athlete’s knee cannot bend; the stride must be large and the motion needs to be in a natural and coordinated manner. In a race walking competition, six to nine judges are in post for monitoring the athletes. According to the rules of race walking, judges have to make a judgment of athletes’ motion, without the aid of any equipment but with naked eyes only, on whether it violates any rule. If the judges believe that something is wrong with the athletes’ motion, they will show a yellow paddle; if rules are violated (including space between the sole and the ground or a bending knee), a red card will be shown. Should an athlete receive red cards from three referees, he/she is disqualified and must leave the track or course immediately.Benefits of race walkingWhen compared to other athletics events, race walking is an aerobic sport involving medium to low strength and can help strengthen the muscular power of one’s legs, shoulder, back, abdomen and waist and improve the cardio-pulmonary function. Besides, the workout can help strengthen the body and willpower. Practice of race walking can be carried out at all times, unrestricted by climate, site or equipment. The distance and speed can be easily adjusted. Race walking is an outdoors sport suitable for all seasons and all people regardless of age and gender.The Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association (HKAAA) is founded in 1951 and is a statuary organisation representing all athletics sports in Hong Kong.  Since its founding, HKAAA has been dedicated to actively promoting the sport of race walk and organising various events and training courses so that Hong Kong people can enjoy the joy of race walking. Please browse the website of HKAAA for details of training courses and events, or call 2504 8218 for enquiries.

The Virtual Tour of "The Rise of the Celestial Empire: Consolidation

The Virtual Tour of "The Rise of the Celestial Empire: Consolidation and Cultural Exchange during the Han Dynasty" exhibition

Is it possible to tour the exhibition of the Hong Kong Museum of History while at home? Sure it is! A 360-degree virtual tour of the exhibition  "The Rise of the Celestial Empire: Consolidation and Cultural Exchange during the Han Dynasty" co-presented by the Hong Kong Museum of History and Art Exhibitions China is now on-line. You can explore the stunning and rarely seen cultural relics and know more about the history, art and culture of the Han dynasty at your own pace comfortably from home.>>>Click here to join the virtual tour!

[Intangible Cultural Heritage] 360° video on Bamboo Theatre Building Techn

[Intangible Cultural Heritage] 360° video on Bamboo Theatre Building Technique

Intangible Cultural Heritage Promotional Videos ProjectThe Intangible Cultural Heritage Office and the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong co-organised the “Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Promotional Videos Project” in 2019. Through this project, students have produced 7 sets 360-degree virtual reality videos and documentaries for introducing local intangible cultural heritage (ICH) items. Under the guidance of instructors, students seized the opportunity to have close contact with local ICH items, interact directly with ICH bearers, as well as to conduct video recordings of the activities by themselves, so as to deepen their understanding of each of the ICH items. Let’s enjoy their works together! For more about Intangible Cultural Heritage, please visit the website of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office.

Viva! River 360° Virtual Tour

Viva! River 360° Virtual Tour

To give new art inspiration to the vibrant development of Tuen Mun, a district with long history and significant local characteristics, the Art Promotion Office has launched "Viva! River" featuring local artists/artist duos Adonian Chan, Kay Chan, Ken Lo, Ricci Wong, Cold Ears Factory (Eastman Cheng and Joey Leung) and La Belle Époque (Billie Ng and Mary Cheung). Six sets of artwork including sculptures, urban furniture, a community weaving piece, and even an interactive installation with music elements have all been installed along the Tuen Mun River — an artistic journey begins here! The participating artists have visited different places, such as schools, malls, parks and housing estates. Various kinds of collaboration have also taken place in the communities, where the public and artists exchange ideas to envision a more vital public space from the perspective of art and design.Wish to stay at home to have a view of the artworks and attractions in riverside? Don‘t miss the "Viva! River" Virtual Tour which offers an interactive 360-degree experience! .Please swipe the screen to experience the 360° virtual tour .For a better experience, you may change the video quality to 1080s or above (The video is boardcasted in Cantonese) For the details if the "Viva! River" project, please visit the Art Promotion Office website.

Protecting primates at HK zoo

Protecting primates at HK zoo

(The photo is provided by Information Services Department) The Siamangs or black-furred gibbons and their famous friends the Bornean Orang-utan twins have not seen many curious visitors around their enclosure for a while. Their home at the mammal section of the Zoological & Botanical Gardens has been temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 epidemic. Playful tricksDespite the lack of visitors, staff ensured the playful primates were kept busy. To keep the animals active, the zookeepers incorporated a variety of training techniques, such as tying fruit to tree trunks to motivate them to climb and move around the enclosure. “We make food balls to encourage them to use their fingers to take the food. This ensures they frequently use their fingers and stimulates their brain, since they have to figure out how to get the food,” Leisure & Cultural Services Department Senior Amenities Assistant Cheung Wai-lam explained.Reducing riskThe animals not only stayed active but continued to grow healthy during the epidemic with the help of their caretakers. Stringent anti-epidemic measures have been implemented at the gardens to protect the health of the animals living there. Staff must wear full protective gear, such as gowns and face masks, as well as disinfect their footwear each time they enter the mammal enclosures. Mr Cheung noted that the mammals get their temperatures checked and their health is closely monitored. “The animals’ eyes, ears, mouth and nose are checked to see if they have a runny nose or tears. We will also assess the flexibility of their arms and legs and if they have any wounds. We look at if they are breathing fast which could mean they are nervous. Also, their coats should be bright and waterproof to indicate that they are healthy.” (The photo is provided by Information Services Department) Breeding seasonThe mammal families at the gardens expanded during the epidemic. The Buff-cheeked Gibbons, Ring-tailed Lemurs, White-faced Sakis, Black & White Ruffed Lemurs and Cotton-top Tamarins all welcomed new additions to the family. Mr Cheung said the birth of a Cotton-top Tamarin in May was particularly special. “We are very happy about the birth as the Cotton-top Tamarin is an endangered species. They are not only bred overseas. Now we have one born in Hong Kong. We provide them with protein-rich foods and grow their favourite plants to create a good environment for them to breed.” The Zoological & Botanical Gardens enhanced cleaning and disinfection of the mammal enclosures during the epidemic. During these days when seeing the primates is not possible, the public may learn more about their characteristics and behaviour through the Leisure & Cultural Services Department’s online platform Edutainment Channel and get prepared for future visits.  (Information provided by Information Services Department)

Music talent hits the main stage

Music talent hits the main stage

(The photo is provided by Information Services Department) "My Main Stage" Music Production Pilot Programme is a part of the Leisure & Cultural Services Department’s 2019-20 General Education in Arts Programme for tertiary students. Launched in September last year, its goal is to nurture a new generation of aspiring music talent.Mastering musicThe pilot programme’s founder Chiu Tsang-hei mobilised other music and songwriting professionals in the industry, like Eric Kwok and Chan Wing-him, to offer students advice. “I started the My Main Stage Music Production Pilot Programme three to four years ago. It was intended to hunt for potential music talent in secondary schools and prepare them for a career in the music industry. “The Leisure & Cultural Services Department suggested that I should expand the programme to tertiary institutes. So the pilot programme was included in the General Education in Arts Programme for tertiary students last year.” He explained that the assistance from the Government is crucial. It saved him from having to liaise with different institutes and made the recruitment process simpler. The pilot programme comprises a series of workshops, masterclasses, production coaching and performances aimed at elevating students’ music production skills. (The photo is provided by Information Services Department) Rachel Yu studied music at her university due to her passion for music as a youngster. Inspired by the touring talks held by eminent music producer and composer Chiu Tsang-hei, she entered the My Main Stage Music Production Pilot Programme early this year. “I joined this programme because I wanted to seek professional advice from very experienced tutors, for example, in writing lyrics, composing or music production. I wanted to polish up my musical skills,” said Rachel. In an achievement that took almost a year of hard work under the guidance of local music professionals, Rachel was able to produce the best version of her very own song.Coaching onlineFaced with the COVID-19 epidemic, Chiu said technology has played a vital role in making it possible for him to communicate with students while practising social distancing. He has made good use of video conferencing software and online teaching technology to stay in touch with students. “It enabled me to provide them with comments and critiques after I listened to their songs. It was just as easy for them to send their revised work back to me. “I could also use emails and other tech tools to help me so I didn’t have to rely on face-to-face teaching.” Rachel said Chiu’s support is invaluable as he has enlightened her on improving her vocals. “At first, I sang very badly but he forced me to practise every day. Every day I sent him a music demo of me practising the song. “For more than two weeks, I kept practising the song and my performance got better. When I recorded the vocal part, it was a lot better than before.” Trustworthy programmeAnother participant, Bu Yu, described the programme as a trusted platform to learn from local music professionals. “We did not have the chance to learn pop music production in secondary schools. We could only enrol in music school classes on the market. “Such classes may not be reliable and the teaching quality is not guaranteed. So I could only learn music production by myself before I joined the programme,” said Bu. One of the tutors is Arnold Chan who believes the pilot programme is a rare opportunity for students to learn as much as they can about music production in about a year. “I know a lot about the technical aspects of music production, for example, the mixing and recording process, compression, EQ - which is equalisation skills - and some balance skills. “The students would have to spend a lot of time if they had to learn these skills by themselves from the Internet and they may have some problem-solving issues that require help from us.” Arnold’s advice to students is to seize every opportunity to explore all aspects of music production if they truly want to excel in the music industry. “For top singer-songwriters and producers these days, they have to do all kinds of jobs. So I think they have to grasp as much experience as they can to try to meet professional standards.” (Information provided by Information Services Department)

Big body is a must for Rugby?

Big body is a must for Rugby?

In general, people think that body contact is very likely in a Rugby match, therefore only people who are physically competent should play. This, however, is wrong. The key to scoring lies is dodging and not colliding. Collision with another player is at most a defensive movement, but effective dodges give one the chance to score. When tackling the ball carrier, defenders can hold him down with any contact below his shoulder without any intention to harm. Otherwise, it is considered a foul. The team with the higher score wins the match. For a player to score, he must carry the ball into the in-goal area and touch the ground with it, which is known as a “touchdown”. After the touchdown, the team will be rewarded a chance for a conversion goal, in which extra points are rewarded if the player is able to kick the ball over the crossbar and between the two goal posts. Furthermore, the ball carrier can also drop the ball during general play and kick it directly to the goal when it bounces off the ground. During the match, the ball carrier can run forward, kick the ball forward, or pass the ball to rear-side teammates. A player who is in an offside position is liable to sanction if he participates in the offensive. If the ball carrier in either team carries or kicks the ball outside the playing area, the other team gains a throw-in. If you are interested in playing rugby, you can browse the webpage of Hong Kong Rugby.. (Information source: Community Sports Club Bulletin Episode 27, LCSD)

Singing Nanyin as We Go @ Tai O

Singing Nanyin as We Go @ Tai O

Singing Nanyin as We Go @ Tai O A song art sung in the Cantonese vernacular, nanyin was a kind of popular entertainment for the people of Hong Kong. Nanyin was mostly sung by blind artistes, accompanied by zheng and yehu, and to the rhythm given by clappers. The lyrics often reflected the living hardships of the lowest stratum of society. Today, it has become part of our intangible cultural heritage and was inscribed onto the first Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Hong Kong. it was once a popular form of entertainment in Hong Kong during the early 20th century. The Intangible Cultural Heritage Office invited the troupe group "The Gong Strikes One" to tour Hong Kong's 18 districts and use nanyin to recount the history of local communities and to bring in-depth cultural insights. Below is the performance of the tour in Lautau Island, Tai O. To watch more about "Singing Nanyin", please visit the website of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office.

American Football VS Rugby

American Football VS Rugby

You may be wondering what the difference is between American Football and Rugby. Let us talk about the players’ equipment first. There are more physical collisions in American Football, so players must wear sturdy protective equipment, including a steel helmet, shoulder guards, neck guard, chest protector, and shin guards, etc. Players without adequate protective equipment are not allowed to take to the field. In addition, due to the thick inner lining of the helmet, it is difficult for players on the field to hear the words of their coach and fellow teammates, so the helmet is built with wireless headphones. In contrast, due to the fact that Rugby rules prohibit any deliberate attacks to injure opponents, players only have simple protective equipment and only wear braces, shoulder pads and shin guards, etc. With regard to the game itself, in American Football, each team sends 11 players onto the field, while Rugby rules allow 15 players onto the field. In American Football, the match is divided into four quarters of 15 minutes, whereas rugby matches are split into two halves of 40 minutes.The rules of the two sports share both similarities and dissimilarities. In both sports, general rules requiring players to run forward with the ball and to only pass to their rear when tackled are similar, and touchdown scoring rules are almost the same, e.g. three points can be scored by kicking the ball through the posts. As for their differences, for example, in American Football, when a touchdown is scored, as long as any body part of the holder of the ball passes into the touchdown zone, six points can be scored, whereas in rugby, the holder of the rugby ball and the ball must be in full contact with the ground to score five points. For American Football, although no relevant National Sport Association has been set up in Hong Kong yet, many enthusiasts of this sport form their own teams to play. For details, please browse the Hong Kong American Football League website. . (Information source: Community Sports Club Bulletin Episode 27, LCSD)

Not a IQ quiz: If Tai Po is Hiking, then what is Tsuen Wan?

Not a IQ quiz: If Tai Po is Hiking, then what is Tsuen Wan?

There are particular sports activities with local characteristics assigned and promoted for every district by The Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Can you name the sports activities of your district? Southern DistrictIndoor Lawn BowlsThe indoor bowling greens at the Ap Lei Chau Sports Centre are the first of its kind under the LCSD’s management. With a total of six rinks, the venue provides an ideal practice area for lawn bowls enthusiasts and athletes.To promote indoor lawn bowls, the Southern District Leisure Services Office organises a range of activities including training courses, competitions, programmes for the elderly and promotion days. The Office also joins hands with schools in the district and the National Sports Association to promote and develop the sport further.(Searching: Indoor Lawn Bowls) Central and Western DistrictBadmintonBadminton is a sport suitable for the whole family.  Various types of badminton activities, including demonstration and promotion day, age group competitions, training courses and fun days, are organised by the Central and Western District Leisure Services Office for the enjoyment and well-being of participants of different ages.(Searching: Badminton) Wan Chai DistrictDance and Fitness ActivitiesThe “Good Fit Training Scheme” is a thematic local sports programme on dance and fitness. It is designed jointly by the Wan Chai District Leisure Services Office, the Wan Chai District Council and the Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong, China, with an aim to encouraging the public to exercise regularly.The Scheme offers fitness training in Eastern and Western exercise disciplines under the guidance of professional instructors. Each term of the programme carries a different theme, such as “stretching and breathing exercises”, “cardio and martial arts training” and “body toning and alignment”. The diversified activities allow participants to relax and refresh, and add to the fun of exercising.(Searching: Dance | Fitness) Eastern DistrictArcheryArchery helps improve physical strength, concentration and endurance, and is suitable for people of all ages.The Eastern District Leisure Services Office promotes archery through a variety of activities organised at Siu Sai Wan Sports Ground, such as fun days, training courses, competitions and guided visits to archery events. It also actively implements the School Outreach Programme to increase students’ interest in the sport.(Searching: Archery) Sham Shui Po DistrictGateballGateball is a team sport which stresses strategy and co-operation, and is suitable for all ages. The game has been widely promoted and developed in Sham Shui Po District, and can be played on the natural turf gateball courts of Lai Chi Kok Park, Sham Shui Po Park and Tai Hang Tung Recreation Ground.A range of gateball activities, such as training courses, fun days and competitions, are organised by the Sham Shui Po District Leisure Services Office to enable participants to share the fun of this healthy sport.(Searching: Gateball) Yau Tsim Mong DistrictSport ClimbingTai Kok Tsui Sports Centre houses the largest indoor sport climbing facility under the LCSD’s management. The two indoor climbing walls of the Centre, each 9m in height, provide a total of ten climbing lanes.Training courses and fun days are regularly organised by the Yau Tsim Mong District Leisure Services Office and the participants can experience the delights of indoor sport climbing.(Searching: Climbing)HockeyThe King’s Park Hockey Ground on Wylie Road, Kowloon is the only purpose-built hockey venue in the territory. Apart from being used for staging major hockey events, the venue is also used by the Hong Kong Hockey Association and the Hong Kong School Sports Federation for training and competition.To promote the sport of hockey, the Yau Tsim Mong District Leisure Services Office regularly organises fun days and training courses for children at the King’s Park Hockey Ground. These activities encourage the public to get to know the venue and introduce them to the sport.(Searching: Hockey) Kowloon City DistrictDance ActivitiesDance activities come in a wide array of forms and styles, and are suitable for people of any age. The Kowloon City District Leisure Services Office offers regular training courses covering social dance, children’s dance, jazz, Chinese dance and Western folk dance. Other activities organised by the Office include the monthly “Dance Play-in” which is open to the elderly for free, the “Kowloon City District Dance Competition”, the “Dance for Health – Social Dance Night” and the “Dance cum Recreation and Sports Carnival”, bringing to participants the joy of dancing.(Searching: Dance) Wong Tai Sin DistrictFootballFootball is a very popular sport. The Wong Tai Sin Football Team has enjoyed very successful seasons in the Second and Third Division football leagues since 2012. With its promotion to the Hong Kong Premier League in the 2014/15 season, the team can be counted on to bring home further awards and honour.To further develop football in the district, the Wong Tai Sin District Leisure Services Office organises training courses and seven-a-side competitions, and join hands with the Wong Tai Sin District Recreation and Sports Council in holding football fun days and five-a-side (futsal) competitions.(Searching: Football) Kwun Tong DistrictCanoe PoloHong Kong has excelled in the sport of canoe polo and achieved remarkable results in the Asian Canoe Polo Championship. Since the 1980s, many outstanding players have emerged from Kwun Tong, thanks to the commitment of the district to promoting the sport.The Kwun Tong District Leisure Services Office organises training courses for beginners on a regular basis to raise public interest in canoe polo. Fun day-cum-carnivals are also held from time to time at Kwun Tong Swimming Pool to introduce the participants to the fun of the sport.(Searching: Canoe) Islands DistrictFootballFootball is a team sport that demands co-operation among the players. The Islands District Leisure Services Office organises football activities including training courses, competitions, and promotion days to help the local community explore the benefits of sports and develop a stronger sense of belonging. These activities also aim to enhance interest in football and help the relevant National Sports Association identify potential athletes for further training.(Searching: Football) Tuen Mun DistrictLawn BowlsWu Shan Bowling Green is the first outdoor artificial lawn bowling green provided in the district by the LCSD. For years it has served as an ideal practice ground for lawn bowls enthusiasts.Efforts have been made by the Tuen Mun District Leisure Services Office to promote lawn bowls as a major sport of the district. Through the training courses, fun days and programmes for the elderly regularly organised by the Office, participants can acquire the basic skills of lawn bowls and sample the delights of the sport.(Searching: Lawn Bowls) Yuen Long DistrictSwimmingSwimming is the signature sport of Yuen Long. The Yuen Long District Leisure Services Office organises a series of swimming activities for the public, from which talented swimmers are identified to receive further training with the relevant National Sports Association.(Searching: Swimming)RugbyYuen Long District has seen rapid development and population growth in recent years, with teenagers accounting for a large proportion of its residents. To further promote sports in the community and make good use of its facilities, the Yuen Long District Leisure Services Office runs a rugby promotion programme and names rugby the most representative sport of the district. The programme, which is co-organised by the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union and subsidised by the Yuen Long District Council, will provide local teenagers with more sporting opportunities and options, and help them form the habit of exercising regularly.(Searching: Rugby) Tsuen Wan DistrictDance ActivitiesDance activities are suitable for all ages. Dance classes and fun days are organised in Tsuen Wan District to encourage the public to participate in dance activities regularly and make exercise a habit so as to establish a healthy life style.The Tsuen Wan District Leisure Services Office organises a variety of dance activities such as demonstrations, dance night and competition. They provide great opportunities for dance lovers to share experience and refine their dancing skills.(Searching: Dance) Kwai Tsing DistrictBMX Cycling“BMX” is short for “Bicycle Motocross”, a sport that originated in California, the United States, in the early 1960s. BMX races, which are held on tracks built on compacted soil with jumps and banked turns, appeal especially to thrill-seeking youngsters. The sport has seen rapid development in recent years and was included as a new event in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.The Hong Kong Jockey Club International BMX Park in Kwai Tsing District is the territory’s first BMX training and competition venue of international standards. Managed by the Hong Kong Cycling Association, the Park opened to the public in October 2009. Activities including BMX fun days and training courses are regularly organised by the Kwai Tsing District Leisure Services Office to promote the sport.(Searching: BMX)Air-gun ShootingAir-gun shooting has grown in popularity in recent years. The Hong Kong ISSF Air Gun Shooting Centre at Kwai Shing Circuit, Kwai Chung, is the first indoor public air-gun shooting training centre of the LCSD. Converted from the former Jockey Club Kwai Shing Public Squash Courts, the Centre opened in June 2009. Under the management of the Hong Kong Shooting Association, the Centre provides 20 shooting lanes, each 10m in length. Air-gun shooting activities are organised by the Kwai Tsing District Leisure Services Office on a regular basis for the wide promotion of this newly-popular sport.(Searching: Shooting) North DistrictTable TennisTable tennis is one of the favourite activities in North District. There are dedicated venues for the sport, enabling the residents to play table tennis in their spare time.The North District Leisure Services Office regularly organises table tennis activities such as training courses, play-ins for the elderly, carnival, district age group competition and team competition, which help increase public interest in the sport and promote its development at the district level.(Searching:Table Tennis) Tai Po DistrictHikingThe lush, rolling countryside of Hong Kong is home to many historic sites and distinct landforms.The Tai Po District Leisure Services Office organises hiking activities with themes such as “nature”, “scenery”, “heritage” and “family”. Participants will be able to immerse themselves in the rustic charm of the countryside through direct contact with nature and visits to places of historic or scenic interest.(Searching: Hiking)Table TennisTable tennis is an exercise of moderate intensity. It is good for training reflexes and the mind, and is very popular among the residents of Tai Po District.To promote and develop the sport, the Tai Po District Leisure Services Office organises a variety of table tennis activities. Participants of different ages can receive professional coaching and pit their skills against each other.(Searching:Table Tennis) Sha Tin DistrictWushuWushu activities at the community level are useful in identifying athletes suitable for further training.The Sha Tin District Leisure Services Office organises a varied programme of wushu activities including training courses, open events and fun days, which helps introduce beginners to the sport and provides a platform for wushu practitioners to enhance their skills.(Searching: Wushu) Sai Kung DistrictWater SportsSituated in the east of Hong Kong, Sai Kung District boasts an extensive coastline that is conducive to the development of a variety of water sports.The Sai Kung District Leisure Services Office regularly offers courses in canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and dragon boat training. Participants have the opportunity to acquire water sports skills and water safety knowledge while enjoying the summer fun.(Searching: Water Sports)  

Sports Recommendation: Mountain Craft

Sports Recommendation: Mountain Craft

(Image is designed by the student of Hong Kong Design Institute) In addition to emphasizing essential safety skills, mountain craft also encourages you to exercise your willpower and perseverance, and helps you develop communication, cooperation and problem solving skills. Mountain CraftIf you want to get closer to nature on an outdoor adventure to see natural views from high up, mountain craft, which consist of hiking and camping activities, is undoubtedly a perfect choice for you. But before setting out, remember that careful planning of the route and taking note of weather conditions are critically important to mountaineering activities as the mountains are dangerous.  Basic equipment Safety always comes first when participating in mountaineering activities, and you must ensure the adequacy of all climbing equipment. In terms of clothing, participants should wear loose and comfortable clothes, and should bring hats, waterproof jackets, towels and extra clothes with them. Hiking shoes should also be worn to protect the feet and prevent slips and injuries. Also, hiking sticks are great for supporting you and helping you keep your balance.Bring maps, compasses, torches, whistles, multi-purpose pocket knives and sufficient food and drinking water, as well as insect repellent, personal medicine and a first aid kit with medicine, bandages and painkillers in case of emergencies.Activities such as camping require the preparation of many items such as tents, camp lights, cooking utensils, fuel, sleeping bags and personal cleaning products. As such, it is recommended to come up with a checklist of necessary items beforehand.  Knot tying and protection Depending on the difficulty of the route, you should be equipped with items such as a karabiner, climbing rope and slings that are suited to the difficulty of your hiking route. In addition to this, participants need to be familiar with basic binding and hitching methods and the following types of knots: overhand knot, reef knot, single figure eight, double figure eight, follow through figure eight, clove hitch, round turn & two half hitch, bowline, double fisherman’s knot, etc. Proper employment of the equipment and tying techniques mentioned above will reduce the chances of injury significantly.  Points to note when crossing rivers If a river must be crossed as part of the hiking route, climbers must be led by an experienced leader when crossing the river. You should always walk in shallow and slow-moving areas of the river during the crossing and should avoid wet rocks and tree trunks. Slip-proof hiking shoes should be worn during the crossing. A hiking stick should be used for balancing and path finding purposes during the crossing. Do not risk water wading unless it is necessary. For safety reasons, it is best to form a group of at least two and consider the adequacy of equipment, the opinions of group members and the water temperature before risking a river crossing.  Mountain Craft training To promote greater awareness of mountaineering safety and techniques among participants through systematic training, the China Hong Kong Mountaineering and Climbing Union (formerly known as Hong Kong Mountaineering Union) offers specialized training courses such as the Mountain Craft Certificate Course which targets participants at different levels of expertise. The training courses include Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 Mountain Craft Training Course and Mountain Craft Coach Training. All courses are taught by registered coaches. The aim of the courses is to cultivate further interest in mountaineering among participants while teaching them essential mountaineering skills and knowledge. For more information, please visit the official website of the China Hong Kong Mountaineering and Climbing Union or call 2504 8125 for enquiries. 

Dance – an art and a sport

Dance – an art and a sport

(Image is designed by the student of Hong Kong Design Institute) Dancing is more than an art. It is also a sport which helps to maintain health, to boost immunity, and to improve mental wellness by releasing emotions.An accumulation of at least 30 minutes of dance (at least 10 minutes per session) every day persistently can bring you the following benefits: - Improving your cardiopulmonary functions and blood circulation;- Enhancing the mobility and flexibility of joints to lower the risk of injuries and falls;- Strengthening your muscles and reducing the risk of osteoporosis;- Reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke and diabetes mellitus as well as preventing some types of cancer (e.g. colorectal cancer);- Relieving stress, boosting confidence and improving mental health;- To broaden social circle; and- To burn calories to help you maintain a healthy body weight. There are many types of dance, each with its own characteristics, some of which are as follows:Social dance    In the old days, Social dance was a classy social and recreational activity that catered for minority interests. With growing popularity, it has been taken up by people from all walks of life. Today, social dance is not only a kind of art performance, but also a competitive event in the sports arena. Modern danceOnly becoming popular in Hong Kong in the mid-70s, modern dance has developed rapidly since then. With different schools and distinctive styles, it has multiple expression techniques that stress the uniqueness and creativity of the dancers.    Jazz danceJazz dance with strong beats and diverse steps, is very popular among young people. Since it has fewer rules as compared with social dance, dancers can express themselves freely through dancing. Chinese danceChinese dance is divided into classical dance and ethnic dance, reflecting Chinese cultural characteristics and traditional customs of ethnic groups. Rich in content and varied in forms, it enables dancers to understand more about the culture and arts of our country through dancing.    Folk danceFolk dance is a very common form of entertainment in festive celebrations and gatherings. Though easy to learn, its clear rhythm calls for co-ordination and co-operation among dancers. Cultural characteristics of different places can also be displayed. It is such a dance suitable for all. Children danceDance tailor-made for children can be called children dance. It adopts basic techniques of various types of dance (such as ballet, jazz dance and folk dance). Light and lively in mood, it helps children to develop an interest in dancing.    Street danceOriginated in the United States, street dance is an umbrella term which includes a fusion of many dance styles associated with different street cultures or music styles. Hip-Hop and break dance are the two most common types of street dance. The common characteristic of street dance is strong swinging movements, a variety of improvised moves and that there are no rules on what you wear. The best aspect of street dance is its rich vibrancy and passion. Regular practice can improve your whole body co-ordination. Line danceLine dance is a type of Contredanse and is widely popular across the world. It has its origins in the western United States at the time when disco was dominating the dancefloors. It is made up of simple dance moves and does not require a partner. The dancers stand in lines and dance the same steps with the sound of cheerful music and repeated turns. In addition to improving cardiopulmonary functions, joint mobility and hand and foot coordination, line dance can also improve memory and sense of direction.    Group danceGroup dance includes various types of dance from line dance to jazz dance, Chinese dance, folk dance, social dance and Latin dance, etc. A partner is not required for these dances. Props such as fan, sleeve, scarf, tambourine and bamboo clapper are normally used by dancer to move with pleasant music. If you are interested in dance, please visit the website of Hong Kong DanceSport Assciation or Hong Kong Dance Federation for further information. You may also check out the activities about dance published on our website.

Sports Recommendation: Canoeing

Sports Recommendation: Canoeing

There are various types of canoe. Different types of canoe are used for different purposes. In general, the sport can be divided into kayaking and Canoeing. As far as design is concerned, a kayak has a covered deck while a canoe only has an open deck. Both types of canoe are equipped with seats. A kayak paddler uses a paddle with two blades while a canoe paddler uses a paddle with a single blade.Athletes in a sprint wins if they finish the race the fastest. The course of a sprint is located on a river or sea. The distances are 200 metres, 500 metres and 1000 metres. There are groups of 1, 2 or 4 athletes. The course of a slalom is on river rapids. Athletes need to go through a number of gates during the race. A gate consists of two poles. There are downstream gates and upstream gates. Athletes need to pass through a downstream gate in the downstream direction and an upstream gate in the upstream direction. If the athletes touch the pole of a gate or fail to pass through a gate, there will be time penalties. In addition to speed racing, canoeing has other forms of competition, for example canoe marathon, which requires high physical fitness, and canoe polo, which requires teamwork. Here are a few common forms of canoeing in Hong Kong: •Canoe MarathonCanoe marathon is long distance canoeing. It is usually divided into age groups. The course is about 18 to 23 km long, while courses of international competitions may be up to 30 or 40 km long, which are extremely challenging. If geographical or other factors make it impossible to have a course of a suitable length, then the course goes around a short course a number of times. Canoe marathon requires athletes to have explosive sprinting strength. It also tests their ability of making turns. Some marathon courses goes through rivers, lakes, rapids, bays and the sea, which test athletes' ability to canoe on calm water and rapid currents. The most highly regarded canoe marathon is the ICF World Canoe Marathon.•Canoe PoloAs the name suggests, canoe polo is a combination of canoeing and water polo. It is played by two teams of five players. The players control the canoe and try to score goals. The team with more goals wins. Canoe polo is challenging and exciting. Athletes need good canoeing skills and a sensitive touch for offence and defence.•Kayak Course RaceIn kayak course race, athletes need to pass all checkpoints to reach the finishing point. The course is from 1000 m to 5000 m long, depending on factors such as the age of the athletes or the environmental restrictions. Since the race is not carried on fixed channels, athletes must have a good sense of distance, be skilful and devise a strategy to pass the checkpoints in the best route.There are many canoe elite athletes in Hong Kong. The have represented Hong Kong in international competitions such as the Olympic Games, World Championships, the Asian Games and the National Games of the People's Republic of China. They have won prizes in various international and intercity competitions.Kayaking Courses offered by Water Sports Centres of the LCSDKayaking is a sport for all ages. Its equipment is simple. It is a popular outdoor sport. The Water Sports Centres of the LCSD provide different types of canoe for rent. They offer different kayaking certificate training courses, which last from one to three days and include training courses for young people which provide basic knowledge and practice opportunities to children from 8 to 13 years old. Many community canoe clubs also provide courses that are suitable for people all ages. Participants can enjoy paddling under guidance from coaches.To take a kayaking course, visit the website of the LCSD or visit the related courses (Canoe or Kayak)promoted in Youth.gov.hk website.

The dragon boat sport requires team work

The dragon boat sport requires team work

Do you remember? At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the dragon boat was one of the transportations for the Olympic torch relay in Hong Kong, adding a refreshing and regional touch to the event. Origin and developmentThere are numerous versions about the origin of the dragon boat. The most widely adopted version is: it started from 278 BC, during a period known as the Warring States in Chinese history, to commemorate the patriotic poet Qu Yuan. Since then the dragon boat races have been held every year on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. Despite being a festive activity for the Tuen Ng Festival, the dragon boat race was not considered as a sport activity until 1976. In that year the former Hong Kong Tourist Association held the first International Dragon Boat Invitational Competition at Shau Kei Wan Typhoon Shelter. It brought international recognitions to the dragon boat race which eventually became a sports competition. As the dragon boat sport gained popularity around the globe, the International Dragon Boat Federation was formed in 1991 during the Hong Kong International Races. The Asian Dragon Boat Federation was formed in Beijing in the following year. The Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association (HKCDBA) and other local groups are dedicated to organising and promoting dragon boat activities in Hong Kong. Team workThe dragon boat sport requires team work. The drummer, paddlers and steersman have to cooperate to attain speed. • Drummer and paddlerStationing on the bow, a drummer is responsible for conducting the tempo of the paddlers. An excellent drummer can help the paddler crew push the envelope. When two boats are getting close or their drumbeats overlap, the drummer has to blow a whistle so that the paddlers at the back of the boat can get the signal to keep up with the tempo. There are three to five ways of drum beating. Different beating sounds represent different ways and speed of paddling. The crew have to paddle in accordance with the drum beats. The more uniformly the crew paddles, the faster the boat will go. • SteersmanA steersman is responsible for keeping the boat to move in a straight course. A skilful steersman can help the boat accelerate by reducing drag when he minimises the contact between the boat and the water surface. The steersman needs to keep the flat part of the rudder beneath the water during the whole course of the race, and is not allowed to make any move that would induce thrust. In general, persons having reached the age of 12 and with the ability of swimming 50 metres are eligible to join this sport. If you are interested in taking training courses on the dragon boat sport, please contact the HKCDBA at 3618 7510 or visit their website. You may also look for training classes provided by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

Lifeguard

Lifeguard

Lifeguard Leung Wing Yin said, “Many people think that lifeguards simply enjoy the sun when on duty.  This is definitely not the case!  We are responsible for rescuing the swimmers in distress and providing first aid in cases of drowning.  Besides, we have to keep the venues clean and in good order.” Lifeguard Ho Wing Yin said, “We also conduct regular training and sometimes mobilisation drill exercises for rescue operations for a variety of situations in order to best equip ourselves for emergencies.” Please watch the video for more information about the job duties of lifeguards. Organisation chartOfficial recruitment page