Hong Kong has applied for the inscription of Cheung Chau's Jiao Festival, Tai O's dragonboat water parade, Tai Hang's fire-dragon dance, and the Yu Lan Ghost Festival on the third national list of intangible cultural heritage in China.

Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing today said it is the first time the Government has submitted its own applications to inscribe local items on the national list of intangible cultural heritage.

"The submission of these four items is a trial. We hope to be able to establish a more comprehensive selection and application mechanism in the longer run," Mr Tsang said.

"The items have been conserved from generation to generation in the Hong Kong community for more than 100 years. They are well recognised by the general public."

The result will be announced in June.