Hong Kong's City of Life's December 2002 recommendation: North District

Hong Kong's North District, filled with a host of unexplored attractions, will be in the spotlight during December 2002 as the City of Life Hong Kong is it! campaign's "Recommendation of the Month - North District".

Details of the wide range of tourism-related events and activities taking place throughout North District month were announced at a ceremony held by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) today (26 November) at the Fung Ying Seen Koon temple, Fanling.

Officiating at the launch ceremony were North District Council Chairman, Mr Pang Hang-yin, JP; District Officer (North), Mr Wong Hon-ho, JP; HKTB Acting Executive Director Mrs Grace Lee; Assistant Commissioner for Tourism, Mrs Winifred Chung; and North District Council, City of Life: Hong Kong is it! North District Working Group Chairman, Mr Cheung Fo-tai.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Pang said that over the past decade, the North District had experienced drastic changes in terms of infrastructure, especially in terms of development near the railway stations around the town centres. Nevertheless, the fascinating walled village culture and heritage relics that represent the district remained the most appealing attractions. "Visitors can enjoy a taste of early rural life at our well-preserved walled village and heritage sites," Mr Pang noted. "Even today, a host of traditional Chinese food such as the big bowl feast, fried rice crackers and sweet dumplings can still be found within the area. This makes a trip to North District a truly memorable culinary experience."

Mrs Lee said that in order to promote Hong Kong and design a well-planed itinerary for visitors, one of the most important steps was to conduct a detailed study of existing attractions and visitors' preferences. "Our surveys indicate that visitors from long-haul markets such as Europe, The Americas and Australia have a great interest in our unique culture. This is why we strongly encourage the trade to promote excursions such as the Heritage Tour, which includes places of interest in the New Territories."

Mrs Lee added that many visitors enjoy Hong Kong's green scenery and remote spaces. "Accessibility to Hong Kong's green areas is not a problem as visitors can generally travel from city centre to unspoilt greenery in an hour on our superb public transport system," Mrs Lee said. "Visitors can also experience the contrast between Hong Kong's cityscape and green areas on our Land Between Tour, which includes visits to attractions such as the Tang Chung Ling Ancestral Hall, Lo Wai and Luk Keng in the North District."

The City of Life: Hong Kong is it! North District Working Group established by the North District Council is co-ordinating a host of activities during December. An opening carnival on 1 December at Fanling Recreation Ground will feature a singing performance by local artistes and a professional Canadian acrobatic cycling team. Local residents will also perform traditional mountain songs and a re-enactment of a "boat riding on land" wedding ceremony. This tradition originates from ancient times when fishermen, accompanied by the sound of clamorous music, travelled in boats to collect the bride to attend her wedding. The ceremony was later adapted to take place on land after fishermen and their families began living onshore.

Traditional snacks such as fried rice crackers and sweet dumplings, which are closely associated with the North District, will be included in the entertainment, along with a children's fun area and game booths.

The Taoist Fung Ying Seen Koon temple has been chosen as the main feature attraction for the month-long promotion. Visitors are able to gain a better understanding of Taoism and its influence on Chinese culture by attending events at the temple during December. Highlights will include an exhibition on the development of Taoism in Hong Kong, Taoist orchestra performances, and seminars on Taoist rituals and Taoism. For details, please refer to the programme highlights attached.

Flower lovers should not miss the annual Chrysanthemum Exhibition at Wun Chuen Seen Koon. The 17th event will take place between 5 December 2002 and 4 January 2003, bringing together spectacular floral exhibits from across Mainland China and overseas.

From 20 December to 26 December the annual North District Flower, Bird, Insect and Fish Show will take place at the Fanling Recreation Ground. Visitors will be able to enjoy close-up views of Hong Kong's flora and fauna. Exhibits will include rare species of flowers, birds, insects and fish. The highlight of this year's exhibition is fish and shells. On 20 December at 3:00 pm, the North District Art Advancement Association will stage a cultural variety show at the same location. The show will feature singing, dancing and performances that showcase the attractions and culture to be found in North District.

Beginning on 7 December, North District Council is arranging a free shuttle bus service on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays to allow visitors to visit various attractions conveniently. Student volunteers will serve as tourist ambassadors taking visitors to scenic spots including the Liu Man Shek Tong Ancestral Hall, Wun Chuen Seen Koon, Yim Tso Ha Egretry and the Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail. The guided tour lasts for around 2½ hours. Chinese and English introductory materials will be provided with commentary delivered by the student ambassadors in Cantonese. Group size is limited to 20. Advanced registration is required on a first come, first served basis. 

Visitors and local residents will be provided with an opportunity to take photographs of a Welcome Arch that has been erected at Fanling Recreation Ground. Other lighting decorations have also been arranged in various locations to create a district-wide festive atmosphere. Further information on other attractions in the North District can be found in December's Attractions, published by the HKTB.

Since September 2001, each of Hong Kong's 18 districts has been taking its turn to promote its attractions as the "Recommendation of the Month", part of the City of Life: Hong Kong is it! campaign. The campaign is organised by the HKTB in co-operation with the Hong Kong SAR Government's Home Affairs Department, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Tourism Commission, with the support of the 18 District Councils and with The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust as Principal Sponsor.