Paper Dreams by Master Hui 雄獅紮作技藝超群名揚海外承傳後世

In the skilled hands of Master Hui Ka Hung, paper transforms into vibrant, lifelike creations embodying Hong Kong’s cultural heritage.

Hong Kong is a fast-paced city filled with innovation and potential. Among its towering skyscrapers are streets alive with people rushing to their next destination. Beyond the urban chaos lie alleys steeped in history and tradition. It is here that artisans preserve Hong Kong’s cultural heritage through traditional skills passed down for generations. Among them is Master Hui Ka Hung, whose workshop, Hung C Lau, has become synonymous with the art of paper craft.

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseNovember 20, 2025design annual, Heritage, heritage, craftmanship, hong kong, Hong Kong, Cultural HeritageComment

An Enduring Elegance: Kwan Kwa Tradition 欣賞裙褂

For generations, the Cantonese people of Hong Kong have upheld a unique tradition – the wearing of the exquisite Kwan Kwa, a traditional bridal ensemble consisting of a jacket and long skirt, for weddings. While not exclusive to the region, this elegant attire has been meticulously preserved and distinctly developed in Hong Kong, rendering it a cultural icon that embodies the city's rich heritage.

Fastening Elegance: Royce Chau weaves creative flair into the traditional craft of floral button-making 綻放於衣裳上

The art of crafting handmade knotted floral buttons, a cherished Chinese tradition, often goes unnoticed by modern fashion enthusiasts. Adorning cheongsams and other garments, these buttons complement the chosen fabric and colour, serving as a small yet intricate detail in the time-consuming tailoring process of traditional Chinese dresses. Royce Chau knows this firsthand, having studied tailoring Chinese garments when she couldn't find a traditional Chinese outfit she liked while living in Singapore. Unable to find what she sought in numerous department stores, she resolved to learn how to make one herself.

Still Glowing Strong: Hong Kong's Neon Heritage Burns Bright Amid Preservation Projects Spotlighting a Vivid Aspect of Contemporary Chinese Culture 香港霓虹地標的二次生命

Growing up in Hong Kong, Cardin Chan often walked confidently at night on streets illuminated by giant neon signs whose kaleidoscopic beams pierced the darkness, forming phosphorescent pathways that mapped the city into distinct districts with their own visual signatures. Featuring customized logos and Chinese calligraphy, the signs had been emblazoning the facades of family-run restaurants, bars, shops and theatres for decades, infusing Hong Kong’s commodity-driven economy with kinetic energy, character and otherworldly glamour.

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseSeptember 20, 2024art, chinese, hong kong, Hong Kong, design, product design, design annual, Cultural HeritageComment

MAD ABOUT MAHJONG 碰得起的手雕藝術

As is the case with many things in life, the passage of time has transformed mahjong from a humble household pastime to an invaluable piece of East Asian and Southeast Asian cultural heritage. Popular in China in the 19th century, the tile-based game has recently found its way into the world of high fashion, with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Prada and Brunello Cucinelli now producing their own exquisitely crafted, limited-edition mahjong sets. One set from S.T. Dupont comes with a price tag of £800,000 (or C$1.3 million). It features exquisitely handcrafted tiles made of precious gemstones like Tanzanian rubies and diamonds — the ultimate in board game luxury.

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseAugust 21, 2023mahjong, games, Cultural Heritage, hong kongComment