A sweet blend: HK’s heritage month mixes tradition, tourism & milk tea

Hong Kong is showcasing its rich cultural tapestry through its inaugural Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Month, with tourism sector leaders highlighting how traditional practices—from lion dances to Hong Kong-style milk tea—can become a major draw for visitors.

Lawmaker Perry Yiu Pak-leung, representing the tourism sector, praised the government's initiative to launch ICH Month, turning the traditionally quiet travel month into a vibrant celebration of local traditions.

"Many of Hong Kong's intangible heritage items are deeply connected to daily life, like the craft of making silky milk tea—something tourists find fascinating," Yiu told a radio program on Tuesday.

From festivals to everyday attractions

Yiu suggested moving beyond seasonal displays, such as the iconic Cheung Chau Bun Festival's floating parade, to regular interactive experiences.

"Why limit lion dances to festivals? A dedicated venue could host weekly performances, coupled with workshops on crafting lion heads," he said. However, he acknowledged the challenge of finding suitable spaces and urged authorities to repurpose underused sites for long-term heritage exhibitions.

One proposal includes transforming areas adjacent to declared monuments like the Lo Pan Temple in Kennedy Town into hands-on workshops, where visitors could try traditional wood carpentry while learning about the temple’s architectural significance.

Meanwhile, Yiu advocated for stronger ties with mainland China, proposing partnerships with heritage practitioners and museums to expand promotional efforts.

Dragon boat fever boosts business

The power of cultural tourism was evident during the recent Stanley Dragon Boat Races, which attracted 192 teams—including an international investment bank that flew in staff from Singapore.

Stanley Dragon Boat Association chairman Wong Kam-chuen noted that the event packed local restaurants and drew influencers, proving its economic impact.

As Hong Kong reinvents its cultural offerings, the fusion of tradition and tourism may just be the recipe to keep the city’s allure flowing, much like its beloved milk tea.

(Marco Lam)