Hong Kong Lotus Festival blooms at Po Lin Monastery through July 2

The third edition of the Hong Kong Lotus Festival, co-organized by Po Lin Monastery, the Institute of Horticulture (Hong Kong), and Sing Tao News Corporation, has returned with an enchanting display of 400 lotus varieties in over 6,000 pots.

The 12-day lotus extravaganza, open to the public until July 2 and free of charge, spans from Po Lin Monastery to The Big Buddha and features over 100 varieties of colorful water lilies and aquatic plants. 

In addition to lotus appreciation, more than 100 immersive, lotus-themed cultural activities have been organized for public participation, including a photography competition, cultural workshops, and sharings hosted by mainland artists. 

The exhibition is designed as a multi-sensory feast, featuring six themed experience zones that include visual spectacles, aromatherapy, tactile interactions, sound healing, lotus tea appreciation, and Zen-inspired spaces.

At the opening ceremony, Master Jing Yin, Abbot of Po Lin Monastery, highlighted that the lotus embodies noble virtue and holds profound significance in Chinese heritage. 

He explained that the exhibition aims to promote the monastery and lotus culture on an international stage.

Meanwhile, the exhibition has received strong support from the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Hong Kong, which has contributed 200 water lily seedlings imported from Thailand.

Chaturont Chaiyakam, Consul-General of Thailand, noted that the lotus symbolizes purity and spiritual enlightenment in Thailand, expressing hope to share Thai culture in Hong Kong through these water lilies.

Tracy So Mei-fong, Executive Deputy General Manager (Advertising & Business Development) of Sing Tao News Corporation, indicating the exhibition has become a cultural highlight in Hong Kong. 

"Our goal is to make the exhibition become an annual cultural event in Hong Kong and a benchmark event in the Greater Bay Area, contributing to the economic revitalization of Hong Kong and the cultural integration of the Greater Bay Area."

The exhibition has become an established cultural event brand for three consecutive years, showcasing the essence of Chinese culture embodied by the lotus," said Choy So-yuk, Honorary President of the Institute of Horticulture (Hong Kong).

(Judy Cui and Nathan Leung)