HK's unique culture to shine in mega events amid Hong Kong Super March

Hong Kong’s vibrant neighborhood elements, including its iconic mahjong traditions, dynamic street art, and community-inspired bars, will be showcased in the city’s most prominent arts and cultural events this month, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board.

The four headline events -- ComplexCon Hong Kong, HKwalls Street Art Festival, Art Central, and Art Basel Hong Kong -- will highlight the city’s unique local flavor while attracting global audiences. 

“HKTB also has connected with other art and cultural events around the town to further showcase Hong Kong’s diverse tourism appeal,” the board said in a statement on Wednesday.

Kicking off from March 21 to 23 at AsiaWorld-Expo, ComplexCon Hong Kong will feature star-studded performances by international headliners, including K-pop girl group NJZ, South Korean hip-hop artist ZICO, and American music producer Metro Boomin. 

Adding a local twist, HKTB will introduce an immersive mahjong culture experience, recreating nostalgic settings of classic Chinese banquets and lively public housing estates where locals gather to play mahjong.

From March 22 to 30, the 10th edition of the HKwalls Street Art Festival will turn the streets of Central and Sheung Wan into an open-air gallery.

Overseas and local artists will create stunning murals combined with digital artworks displayed on LED screens across the city. 

The murals will remain on display for at least a year, allowing visitors to explore and capture the charm of Hong Kong’s historic neighborhoods.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary from March 26 to 30 at Central Harbourfront, Art Central will feature 108 galleries showcasing works from over 500 artists across Asia and beyond. 

HKTB has partnered with mainland artist BOLOHO and local artists Tung Wing Hong and Maggie Chu to create live art inspired by the neighborhoods of Sham Shui Po, Yau Ma Tei, and Central & Sheung Wan.

Art Basel Hong Kong will return to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre between March 28 and 30, presenting modern and contemporary masterpieces from 240 galleries across 42 countries.

A highlight of this year’s event is the “Sun Moon Star” pop-up bar, a collaboration between HKTB and Art Basel under the theme of “Neighborhoods.”

Inspired by Wan Chai’s historic streets, the bar will showcase artwork by local artist Stephen Wong Chun Hei, blending Wan Chai’s landmarks with Hong Kong’s iconic skyline. 

The bar will also serve locally inspired cocktails, such as the signature “Yuen Yeung Martini,” celebrating the city’s East-meets-West culinary culture.

To enhance the visitor experience, HKTB has partnered with Citybus to launch the H1S HK Art Discovery open-top bus sightseeing route, connecting tourists to major cultural landmarks, including Central Ferry Piers, Tai Kwun, and the West Kowloon Cultural District.

(Ayra Wang)