The inaugural Countryside Harvest Festival commenced at Kuk Po in Sha Tau Kok today.

Located in northeastern New Territories, Kuk Po is a Hakka village with over 300 years of history, and is known for its picturesque scenery and rich biodiversity. The full title of the event is 'Countryside Harvest Festival: Kuk Po “Sound, Sight, Taste Fusion” Tour'.

Showcasing local and international artists, the festival features art installations, photography exhibitions and musical performances, as well as the “Good Day” market, and a variety of rural experiences.

Speaking at today’s opening ceremony, Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan said the event uses music, art and traditional cuisine to connect natural ecology, historic buildings and rural culture. He expressed hope that the event will develop as a new in-depth eco-tourism experience, enhance public awareness of nature conservation, foster urban-rural symbiosis, invigorate the local economy, and contribute towards building a sustainable future.

The festival runs this weekend and next weekend, from noon to 7pm. Admission is free.

Complimentary scheduled ferry services are operating each day of the festival to transport visitors between Sha Tau Kok and Kuk Po.

The art exhibitions run from today until February 16.