Culture & Leisure
Art Basel Hong Kong: Asia debut of Zero 10 sparks mixed reactions
- 2026-03-31
- Culture & Leisure
- The Young Reporter
- By: MA Yifan Chloe、SHI Puxuan AmyEdited by: LAU Ka Yan
- 2026-03-31
Zero 10, a digital art-theme exhibition area featuring 14 exhibitors, made its Asian debut on March 27 at the three-day Art Basel Hong Kong this year. The event drew 91,500 visitors, but scepticism towards digital art and AI use remains. Harvey Rayner, 51, an English artist for Art Blocks, writes code and algorithms to let people generate their own digital artwork on the computer and in print. “This type of digital artwork is not yet widely acceptable,” said Rayner. Joan Chen, 24, an exhibitor of Art Blocks, said some buyers may not have been exposed to digital artworks before, but they find participating in the creation of digital art a novel experience. Lydia Lee, 37, visited Rayner’s exhibition area and asked for the story behind the digital art piece creation. “I believe the collection value of digital artworks lies in the public’s interaction with them,” said Lee. “It is only valuable if one fully participates and understands the creative logic behind it.” “We’re really interested in educating and showing people here what generative art is,” said Rayner. According to the Art Market Report 2026 by Arts Economics, digital art is one of the most popular purchases among high-net-worth individuals. In the early sales of digital works at Art Basel Hong Kong this year, seven artworks priced over US$10,000 have been successfully sold. Joshua Chan, a 36-year-old visitor, said digital art is a new trend in the art world, but he finds it difficult to assess its value because of AI development. “I think the general public will be attracted by the interesting interactive installations in Zero 10,” he said. “But it still takes time for people to truly appreciate and accept new forms of art.” “Everyone may use AI to generate unique works. This is not something that only artists …
Edible art fair debuts in Hong Kong with mixed reactions
- 2026-03-31
- Culture & Leisure
- By: PENG Yixin Naomi、WU Sitan ElaineEdited by: Fu Rong
- 2026-03-31
Hong Kong’s first edible art fair opened on March 26 in Central, drawing visitors’ appreciation, though some questioned its educational value and food safety. Located at the Harbourfront Event Space, the Central Yards Edible Art Fair features a 20,000-square-foot tent, which houses 10 galleries showcasing different art movements. “You're not only looking and listening, but you can play, take pictures and also taste the edible art treat, which makes for a more immersive cultural experience,” said Levina Li-Cadman, 55, curator of the fair. “Our daughter was quite excited when she found out she could get different snacks from each exhibit. We are very happy to see her running around the interactive areas,” said Steve Jon, 36, who visited with his family. Cathery Xu, 39, chief executive officer of Sunflower Media, a cultural industry operator, said the exhibition had provided her with new ideas for planning future art and cultural events. Several visitors said the ticket was expensive, at over HK$300 per adult depending on the time slot. “The experience is quite fresh, but it doesn't seem to be worth it, considering that only two exhibition halls feature works by individual artists,” said Shelly Zheng, 25, a short video content creator on Rednote and Instagram. The fair features installations by two local artists, while the remaining exhibition halls are themed around art movements, including Modernism, Pop Art and Surrealism. Tom Audrew, director and head of leasing & operations of Central Yards, said in a press release that the fair allows both residents and tourists of different ages and backgrounds to learn about different forms of art, introducing a more accessible and inclusive art experience. “This exhibition aims to promote art education, but the content is too shallow," said Anthea Fan, chief editor of Art Map, a cross-disciplinary art platform focusing on …
Zero 10 makes its Asian debut at Art Basel Hong Kong
- 2026-03-31
- Culture & Leisure
- The Young Reporter
- By: YANG Shuyi、Li YinhengEdited by: QIN Ziyang
- 2026-03-31
Art Basel Hong Kong 2026, the annual art event, returned on March 27 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and will run for three days. This year's exhibition introduces the “Zero 10” digital art zone – its first appearance in Asia. The zone focuses on the use of technology in art, with 14 exhibitors showcasing how new tools are changing the way artists create. According to the Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report 2026, digital art is the third-largest category in total expenditure. And the expert said that with Zero 10 in Hong Kong and heading to Art Basel Switzerland this June, watchers expect digital wave growth through 2026. Follow the link below to watch the full reel: https://youtube.com/shorts/IkZ7smdla6k?si=sUcoGRbA6Qd92MWf
HKwalls 2026 innovates moving street art
- 2026-03-30
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: MA Yifan Chloe、SHI Puxuan AmyEdited by: Chun Lim LEUNG
- 2026-03-30
HKwalls Street Art Festival debuted its 11th edition from March 21 to 29 at the former Police Married Quarters in Central, turning Central and Western District into an open studio for street art. More than 20 local and international artists from 14 countries took part in workshops, art tours and traditional wall paintings, with the festival proposing a moving street art exhibition that allows artists to paint on trucks and let them roam across the city. Jason Dembski, co-founder of the HKwalls, said he had tried multiple channels to cooperate with truck owners willing to have their track be graffitied, including approaching individual truck owners on the street and contacting companies. “All the truck owners will keep the artwork for around three months,” he said. “Especially the drivers who are independent owners, they all seem very happy about the artwork and want to keep it for a long time.”. He added the project was an opportunity to integrate street art into more parts of Hong Kong. Ten artists jointly completed the graffiti or hand-painted designs for six trucks, which will later be used for regular cargo transportation. Taiwanese graffiti artist Leho, 30, said it was rare to have a chance to complete such a full-scale work on a truck. “It was usually identified as illegal graffiti in Hong Kong to paint on a vehicle," he said. Mooncasket, a 35-year-old local illustrator, painted on a truck for the first time. “I feel like the works that are created on small canvases might only sit inside a gallery or at home, while the audience could interact with my artworks and get more attention when there was a truck painting,” she said. Lindsey McAlister, 65, an artist who has attended the festival as a visitor for years, said she was looking forward to …
Plush flower exhibition marks its Asian debut in Hong Kong
- 2026-03-27
- Culture & Leisure
- The Young Reporter
- By: ZHOU Shiqing、Ye EnyiEdited by: Yu Yan Pui
- 2026-03-27
The Plush Flower Market was held at the Central Harbourfront from Mar. 19 to Mar. 22. It offers a variety of plush flowers for purchase. The touring exhibition marks its first presentation of plush flowers from the renowned Australian hyperrealist artist CJ Hendry outside the United States, with Hong Kong as its first stop in Asia. It is also one of the highlights in Hong Kong’s Art March 2026 programme. Follow the link below to watch the full reel: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KguLlHIyo2c
Different regional cultures blooms at HK Flower Show 2026
- 2026-03-23
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: XIE Xinni Cindy、Cao BeiyuEdited by: Lou Zhengzheng
- 2026-03-23
The Hong Kong Flower Show 2026 is hosted at Victoria Park from Mar 20 to 29. This year, the show features approximately 400,000 flowers, including about 40,000 violets as the main attraction. Exhibitors from 236 organisations across 10 countries and regions participated in this year’s show, showcasing flowers that represent the unique characteristics, traditions, and cultures. Follow the link below to watch the full reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWNs67AE-Eu/?igsh=MTcweXg2MjcyNW91aA==
Budget 2026: Hong Kong continues harbourfront construction, drawing in visitors
- 2026-02-25
- Politics
- The Young Reporter
- By: Baguio Anne、RONG Miu Tung ShellyEdited by: Lan Xinbei
- 2026-02-25
Hong Kong will continue to develop the harbourfront to attract tourists, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po announced in the budget speech on Wednesday, while also giving the Tourism Board HK$1.6 billion. With the opening of a waterfront site in Hung Hom by next month, the Kowloon promenade will be extended to 15 kilometers, Chan said. The government will also consider a new pedestrian harbourfront walkway in Kennedy Town. According to data from the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the number of visitors to Hong Kong in January reached 7.23 million, an increase of 9.6%, with overseas visitors increasing by 16.4%. The West Kowloon Cultural District on the harbour attracts many tourists. Eddie Massonique, a 25-year-old tourist from France, said he came to M+ recommended by friends, but what attracted him the most to West Kowloon was the seaside scenery. Anastashiia Armoldova, 32, a tourist from Ukraine, said she found the West Kowloon area by accident. “I think the Hong Kong government should strengthen publicity, such as advertising at the airport, to let more tourists and citizens know about this place,” she added. “My friends and I came here specifically to watch the sunset. The environment is very comfortable, and the scenery is good,” a local 14-year-old student, Ebbie Wong said. “But the transportation is not very convenient, and there are too few dining options; we have to walk far to buy food.” The Artpark in the district hosts many restaurants, but most are more expensive than local neighborhood cafes. Two 21-year-old students from Guangzhou, Wesly Peng and Gu Chuqi, said that this area is crowded. “We're looking for a restaurant, but the restaurants here are clearly very busy, with long queues,” said Peng. Gu said the government could add some minibus routes between Austin Station and the West Kowloon Cultural District …
Lunar New Year flower market kicks off in Mong Kok
- 2026-02-14
- Culture & Leisure
- The Young Reporter
- By: CHEUNG Ka Yi Ann、ZHANG Jiahe RoysEdited by: ZHANG Yiping
- 2026-02-14
The Mong Kok Lunar New Year flower market opened today at Fa Hui Park. This fair will run for 7 days until 1 February, the first day of the Lunar New Year. The fair features a total of 136 stalls, including 64 flower stalls, 66 decoration stalls, and 16 fast-food stalls. Follow the link below to watch the full reel: https://youtube.com/shorts/YC8vugA2QpI?feature=share
More than 7,000 kilometres from home: how Chinese expats adapt to life in Saudi Arabia
- 2026-02-14
- Culture & Leisure
- The Young Reporter
- By: LAI Uen Ling、MAO AnqiEdited by: Robin Ewing
- 2026-02-14
RIYDAH, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia is attracting more foreign residents than ever, with the number of non-Saudi residents climbing to about 15.7 million in 2024 — More than 2 million increase from the year before. Most come from South and Southeast Asia and neighbouring Arab countries. But among them are a growing number of Chinese expats, professionals working hard to adapt to life in historically one of the most religious and socially conservative countries in the world. This January, our reporters visited Riyadh to talk to people from mainland China and Taiwan who have come to the capital city for work, family or new opportunities. We discover how they are navigating daily life, forming connections and carving out a sense of home. #SaudiArabia #ExpatLife #ChineseExpats #Riyadh #LifeInSaudi
Dry stall rent reaches three-year high in lunar new year fair
- 2026-02-12
- Culture & Leisure
- The Young Reporter
- By: Man Cheok Lam Lorraine、Baguio AnneEdited by: CHENG Tsz Sen Sean
- 2026-02-12
Dry stall holders at the city’s largest Lunar New Year Fair at Victoria Park are facing the highest rent since the return of dry goods stalls in the 2024 fair. The government reintroduced dry goods booths after a four-year suspension after the dry stalls were canceled due to crowd control reasons in 2020. In the following years, they were canceled due to the pandemic. According to the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, this year’s fair had an average bid of HK$17,847 for a regular-sized dry stall, a 52.5% increase compared to last year. Icy Lo, 22, a Japanese goods seller, has been at the fair since last year. Lo said her rent this year has increased by around HK$4000-$5000. She added her sales on the first day were fine, and more people will be at the fair after normal working hours. Belle Chan, 25, a local nursing student, sells traditional Hong Kong snacks with her family. This is her fourth time holding a stall at Victoria Park. “The rent has gone up. Last year's rent was just around HK$8,000.” Chan said. Chan said more people are going to the fair when compared to the early post-COVID years, leading to higher bidding prices for a store. This year, her stall moved from the corner to the aisle and she worried this would worsen their sales. Despite the increased cost, some still wanted to try running a store. Kenny Cheung, 25, returned to Victoria Park to sell lion dance-themed merchandise after a seven-year absence. He said the rent was similar when he was last here. “I didn’t come to make a lot of money, but to enjoy the atmosphere and promote traditional culture,” Cheung said. Yeung Ying-kei, 18, a local student, visiting the fair for the first time with her friend from …
