Hong Kong’s vibrant cultural landscape will soon come alive with the eighth Yu Lan Cultural Festival, a three-day celebration of Chiu Chow heritage set to transform the Moreton Terrace Temporary Playground in Causeway Bay from September 12 to 14.

Recognized as part of China’s national intangible cultural heritage list since 2011, this festival offers a unique window into traditional practices while creating engaging experiences for both local residents and visitors. The event, organized by the Federation of Hong Kong Chiu Chow Community Organizations, promises to be more than just a cultural showcase—it’s a dynamic platform for community connection and preservation of centuries-old traditions.

At the heart of the festival are fascinating competitions that breathe life into age-old customs. The Festival Treats Competition, for instance, challenges teams of three participants in a thrilling display of skill and coordination. One team member throws rice packs from a platform while others attempt to catch them, with winners determined by the number of bags collected. Equally intriguing is the Festival Offerings Competition, where participants must carefully stack ritual offerings on a decorated wooden box, with the team creating the tallest stable stack emerging victorious.

This year’s festival introduces innovative experiences designed to make cultural learning interactive and accessible. The immersive theater performance “Come Home to Depart” will transform the festival grounds into a dynamic stage, inviting visitors to explore traditional settings through a family-friendly comedy. Another exciting addition is “Yu Lan: A New Chapter — Claws for Cards,” which encourages participants to collect themed cards at four locations, exchangeable for a special card set.

Hands-on learning takes center stage with a diverse array of workshops. Attendees can dive into paper-folding techniques, savor traditional tea tastings, and practice calligraphy—each session offering a tangible connection to Chiu Chow cultural practices. Complementing these workshops, exhibitions and guided tours will provide deeper insights into the festival’s rich cultural significance and the rituals associated with the Hungry Ghost Festival.

Bunny Chan Chung-bun, chairman of the organizing federation, emphasizes the festival’s broader mission of promoting unity and cultural appreciation across Hong Kong’s diverse population. With an anticipated attendance of over 20,000 visitors, the event has clearly struck a chord with the community.

Preliminary activities in August, including a seminar at the Central Library and a city tour revisiting historic Yu Lan celebration sites, have already begun building excitement and providing context for the main event.

What makes this festival truly special is its delicate balance between preserving tradition and embracing innovation. By offering a rich program that combines competitions, interactive experiences, workshops, and educational exhibitions, the Yu Lan Cultural Festival does more than entertain—it serves as a vital conduit for cultural transmission, ensuring that the intricate tapestry of Chiu Chow heritage continues to be woven for future generations.

As September approaches, Hong Kong stands ready to celebrate a cultural tradition that is at once deeply rooted and vibrantly alive, inviting everyone to participate in a remarkable journey of community, creativity, and connection.