Community Conservation Initiatives

South China Research Center

For heritage conservation, our Center collects many source materials which, if not collected immediately, will soon disintegrate into oblivion. We also record events, particularly rituals, which are undergoing rapid changes due to modernization. We further catalogue and publish collected materials.

Heritage Education in Tai O, Lantau Island (2007)

Supported by the Lord Wilson Heritage Trust, 50 school trips were organized in Tai O. Pupils were first briefed by our researchers on the local history of Tai O and then meeting with the local residents for a first hand understanding of farming, fishing, salt-making, and local religion. Published a book on completion of the project.

"Traditional Festivals and the Hong Kong Community" in China Story (2008)

Jointly organized with the Hong Kong History Museum, this exhibition was to introduce Intangible Cultural Heritage of Hong Kong during the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games at the game venue. Athletes and visitors were introduced to activities and meanings of Hong Kong’s traditional festivals.

Study on Restoration of Disused Salt Pans in Tai O (2009- )

Appointed by the Civil Engineering Development Department (CEDD), we reviewed the history of salt pans in Hong Kong, studied the methods of salt-making operation, and made several study trips to Taiwan and Shanwei on the subject.

Territory-wide Survey of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Hong Kong (2009- )

Commissioned by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), we ran the territory-wide survey for establishing the first official list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Hong Kong. Collection, photography, and interviewing of key heritage items in Hong Kong, and organized public reporting of possible candidate items for consideration of the advisory board.

Cooperating with Outside Organizations

For example we organized jointly with the Sai Kung District Community Center for a seminar on the geology park. In cooperation with YWCA, a project for secondary school students on oral history was organized.