The opening ceremony and reception for Shanghai Culture Week was held today at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC).

Shanghai Culture Week is presented by the Leisure & Cultural Services Department, the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture & Tourism and the Center for China Shanghai International Arts Festival.

While addressing those gathered at the opening ceremony and reception, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung said that as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges, Hong Kong is tasked with the mission of connecting China with the world and has a responsibility to promote traditional Chinese culture to the world.

He highlighted that this year, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government established the Chinese Culture Promotion Office and organised the inaugural Chinese Culture Festival designating Shanghai as its focal city. The department is co-presenting Shanghai Culture Week this time to showcase the unique charm of Shanghai's culture to the public and visitors.

The first programme, The House of Wulong, a classic play of the Qi School performed by the Shanghai Jingju Theatre Company, was staged at the HKCC immediately after the ceremony, marking the opening of Shanghai Culture Week.

The Shanghai Jingju Theatre Company will also perform the Shanghai-style Peking opera Seven Heroes & Five Gallants at the HKCC on August 3 and 4.

The Shanghai Chinese Orchestra will stage two performances of Shanghai-style Chinese music in New Oriental Chinese Music Scene (concert version) on August 5 at Hong Kong City Hall, and on August 6 at Tsuen Wan Town Hall.

The “Fragrance of Time - In Search of Chinese Art of Scent” exhibition, currently being held at the Hong Kong Museum of Art until October 16, is also one of the events of Shanghai Culture Week.

Moreover, the Jiading District Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Protection Office will organise an exhibition at the HKCC's foyer on August 3, featuring ICH items of traditional craftsmanship and handicraft arts. Admission to the exhibition is free.