Hong Kong: Through the Looking Glass Exhibition
Dim sums, char siew buns and shopping at Sa Sa – these are just a few of the things we miss about Hong Kong. While it’s been a while since we’ve travelled there, you’ll be glad to know that the Hong Kong Tourism Board has brought over lil’ bits of HK to Singapore.
From now till 17th April 2022, head down to Suntec City for the Hong Kong: Through the Looking Glass Exhibition that’s FOC. You can experience the country’s heritage, unique food culture and traditional festivals through the 40 hand-made miniature models that are detailed to a T. Here’s what you can expect:
Hong Kong’s food delicacies
I’m sure many of us sorely miss the many delicacies Hong Kong has to offer, be it milk teas and chee cheong funs from teahouses or streetside food like curry fish balls and egg waffles.
The artist also included models of customers with their pet birds as this was a common practice in teahouses.
Look out for the Handsome Man Teahouse exhibit that’s an homage to the quintessential teahouses that’ve been around since the 1850s. There are also mosaic tile stairs that lead up to the bakery, and patrons interacting with the staff on the floor.
Admittedly, our first pit stop after touching down in Hong Kong is the nearest streetside stall for cheap and yummy snacks. The Snack Street exhibit shows 13 food stalls selling our faves like roasted chestnuts, baked yams and curry fish balls. Those who’ve had these in winter will remember the warm comfort they bring after walking around battling the cold.
You might also notice that herbal tea shops are literally everywhere, making it the perfect place to chill at after a long day of shopping. The Hong Kong Herbal Tea exhibit captures the charm of these shops, with detailed rows of the various herbal teas sold including the silver chrysanthemum tea and five flower tea.
Reminisce unique traditional festivals
Hong Kong is home to several traditional festivals, including the Cheung Chau Bun Festival held to rid any negative juju from the island. A main highlight of the festival is the Bun Scrambling Competition, where participants go head-to-head and climb up a 14m tower that’s completely covered in buns.
Bun Scrambling Competition IRL (left), Bun Scrambling Exhibit (Right).
One of our colleagues witnessed the festival in 2019 and shared that the buns on the tower aren’t real, so you’re unlikely to see participants pausing for a snack break during the race. If your curiosity has been piqued, head over to the Cheung Chau Bun Festival exhibit which shows the event in detail.
The artist studied under a lantern master to recreate the intricacy of each lantern.
Imagine our local celebrations during the Mid-Autumn Festival, but multiply the festivities trifold – that’s how the folks in Hong Kong do it. The Sung Fook Lan Lantern Shop exhibit portrays a shop akin to the many in Hong Kong that sell various kinds of traditional lanterns during the festival.
A ritual that’s been ongoing for over 130 years.
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, there’s also a vibrant dragon dance which you can view at the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance exhibit. Spot each individual spike on the dragon, and snap photos of the dragon’s glowing body thanks to the optical fibre it’s been made out of.
Admire intricate architecture
Singaporeans are used to living in a concrete jungle peppered with greenery. Upgrade your IG feed with shots of Hong Kong’s dense infrastructure instead and check out the Yue Man Square exhibit.
There’s also the Tai O Stilt Houses exhibit, where you can see how stilt houses have evolved over the years through the 3 versions that are on display. The details of the houses are also shown with the main residential area, front deck and terrace.
Visit the Hong Kong: Through the Looking Glass Exhibition this April
These exhibits are just a taste of what you’ll find at the Hong Kong: Through the Looking Glass Exhibition, in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
With 40 miniature replicas of places and things that aptly represent Hong Kong, those yearning to travel there can head down to reminisce about previous – and upcoming – trips. If you’ve never visited Hong Kong, consider this your introduction into the multifaceted nation.
To redeem, upload a photo or video of the exhibition on your social media and tag @discoverhongkong.
Image credit: Joycelyn Yeow
While you’re there, score a limited edition Arts in Hong Kong colouring book when you post about the exhibition. There’s also the exclusive miniature clay workshops where you can learn to craft your own mini Hong Kong delicacy from the clay artist. Classes are available on weekends and public holidays, and walk-ins only.
Discover the “Hong Kong: Through the Looking Glass” Exhibition
This post was brought to you by the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
Photography by Chan Huiwen.
Event Information
Hong Kong Tourism Board
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