In September 2009, the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region submitted an application for the Jiao Festival of Cheung Chau, the Dragon Boat Water Parade of Tai O, the Fire Dragon Dance of Tai Hang and the Yu Lan Ghost Festival of the Hong Kong Chiu Chow Community to be inscribed on the third national list of intangible cultural heritage. All these four items fall within the definition of "Social practices, rituals and festive events" set out in the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). These items feature distinctive individual characteristics and exert an important influence on the communities. In the current macro climate of urbanisation and globalisation, local cultural events such as these which promote community cohesion as they are handed down from generation to generation are not only extremely precious, but also are hard to come by in a busy modern city like Hong Kong.

Illustrated with panel texts and supplemented with artefacts and an AV programme, this exhibition at our lobby aims to enhance the public's understanding of these four items of living heritage that are unique to Hong Kong. We also hope it will raise public awareness and concern for our valuable intangible cultural heritage.