Spectacular architectural exhibition impresses pupils, teachers

A six-day exhibition highlighting the nation's architecture history and development opened to the Hong Kong public on Monday. Students, teachers and a construction expert who participated in the exhibition's opening ceremony shared their excitement and expectations with China Daily.

During the ceremony, the results of a Hong Kong youth architecture painting competition were also unveiled. Starting in September, the competition received 1,100 entries from 12,000 Hong Kong students in 258 secondary and primary schools.

1. Yip King-hong, 10 years old

Grade 5 student at Tak Sun School

I am very excited to participate in the event. I didn't expect to win the top prize in the painting competition and meet Chief Executive Carrie Lam. I saw many majestic buildings at the exhibition. Personally, I am very interested in ancient buildings. They are beautiful and artistic.

2. So Lok-ching, 10 years old

Grade 5 student at Marymount Primary School

What impressed me most in the exhibition were the models and photos of some of the tallest buildings in Hong Kong. Their designs are so unique and spectacular. I feel quite proud Hong Kong can design and construct such distinctive and magnificent buildings.

I'm also quite interested in the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) in Beijing, which is the major venue for aquatics competitions during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Its design fits the venue's function, and is of much aesthetic value. I must go to Beijing to visit it after cross-border travel resumes.

3. Leung Siu-tong

Supervisor at Xianggang Putonghua Yanxishe Primary School of Science and Creativity

The exhibition enables children to learn about the (nation's) history and technological progress from ancient times to the present.

I hope students can learn of the brilliant architectural culture of both Chinese and Western societies. I also hope they can realize Hong Kong is an inseparable part of the nation and the country offers significant support to the city's development.

When they grow up, I hope they can participate in national development in various aspects.

4. Wong Shuk-fan

Principal, Holy Cross Lutheran School

The development history of the construction industry is a fresh angle for students to understand our country's history and culture and feel the strength of science and technology.

I also feel excited after seeing the exhibition. I hope to visit these constructions personally after the border fully reopens to see the originality of our country's ancient constructions and the designs and techniques of our contemporary buildings.

I would encourage our students and teachers to see the exhibition to increase their understanding of the nation. I also hope materials of the exhibition will be digitized to benefit our teaching.

5. Hung Cheung-shew

Executive director and vice-president of China State Construction International Holdings Limited

I believe the exhibition will arouse visitors' interest in architecture. I welcome more young people to join the industry.

I hope in the future, there will be more buildings using environmentally friendly technologies to create a better living environment and improve people's livelihoods.

The temporary hospital (The North Lantau Hospital Hong Kong Infection Control Centre), which was built under the help of construction experts from the Chinese mainland, reflects the central government's care and support to Hong Kong. I really appreciate the mainland expert team's assistance.