Hong Kong Chief Executive: Bay Area blueprint expected by early 2019

The much-anticipated development plan of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is likely to be released early next year, providing firm policy support and fresh opportunities for the 11-city cluster, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor revealed on Saturday.

Lam said that with the development of the GBA entering a new level, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will tie its future closely to the country's overall development and more proactively seek opportunities within that context.

The city's top official made the remarks to reporters before she left for Beijing on Saturday, for her annual duty visit.

Lam noted that next year also marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. She said more opportunities lie ahead for Hong Kong and the SAR appreciates the continuous support from the central government. She added that Hong Kong will make full use of those opportunities.

During her four-day visit to the capital, Lam will meet with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang on Monday, to present them with details of Hong Kong's latest developments including political, economic and social affairs.

Shortly after Lam's arrival in Beijing on Saturday, she co-officiated at the opening ceremony of an exhibition, "The Oral Legacies: Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region". The exhibition will remain open until Jan 5.

Lam extended thanks to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for its great support in the conservation of intangible cultural heritage in Hong Kong. She acknowledged the ministry's efforts and guidance that made the exhibition possible.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Director of the Prince Kung's Mansion Museum Sun Xuguang said one purpose of the exhibition was to deepen the understanding among Chinese mainland visitors of Hong Kong's traditional culture, through the interactive, visualized exhibits.

Sun added that the event presents new opportunities to increase cultural exchanges and cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong.

The exhibition, at the Prince Kung's Mansion Museum in Beijing, is the first thematic exhibition in the mainland featuring Hong Kong's intangible cultural heritage.

A total of 20 items of intangible cultural heritage from Hong Kong are exhibited, including Cantonese Opera, the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance performed during Mid-Autumn Festival, Hakka Unicorn Dance and Hong Kong-style Milk Tea Making Technique.

Also on display are hand-made lion head festive lanterns, Hong Kong-style cheongsam, Kwan Kwa Wedding costumes, and Cantonese Opera costumes. Visitors will have a taste of some authentic Hong Kong-style milk tea on Dec 16.

Hong Kong's Leisure and Cultural Services Department disclosed the city's first intangible cultural heritage list in August 2017. The list is comprised of 20 items. Ten of those are part of the country's intangible cultural heritage list.