Special Exhibition
Exhibition Summary
To travel between Hong Kong's urban areas and the airport, one must pass through a small island called Ma Wan. On the southwestern side of the island lies the Kap Shui Mun channel, a historic waterway that once connected the Pearl River to the open sea. From sea gate to island, tax station to town, islands to the mainland... This exhibition, titled "Water Arteries," presents Ma Wan's cultural landscape to the public by tracing the history of Ma Wan dragon boats.
While Hong Kong was among the first to turn dragon boat racing into a sport and internationalise it, public understanding of dragon boats often remains limited to commemorating Qu Yuan during the Dragon Boat Festival. In southern China, however, dragon boat racing is not confined to the fifth lunar month; it is a custom used to ward off epidemics, offer thanks to deities, and mark local identity. The "Ma Wan Luen Tsing Dragon" not only continues the traditional practices of fishermen's dragon boats but has also reshaped the island's sense of place amid urbanisation.
This exhibition approaches the subject from a design perspective, combining artefacts, infographics, and historical documents. Through participatory workshops, it bridges the gap between dragon boats and spectators, as well as between the island and the city. Visitors will have the chance to view a real dragon boat head up close and gain a fresh perspective on Ma Wan.
We express our sincere gratitude to the Design Trust Feature Grant and the Hong Kong Maritime Museum for supporting the Island Studies Network (Hong Kong) in carrying out local historical research, and for generously providing venue space in alignment with the museum's mission. Through this exhibition, these precious materials are now being shared with the public.
Exhibition
Press Release
Disclaimer:
Design Trust provides funding support to the project only and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of Design Trust.
Exhibition Period:
2026/02/03-2026/04/20
Venue:
Long Gallery, Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Podium Level, Central Pier No. 8, Central
Opening Hours：
Monday to Friday : 09:30 - 17:30 ; Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays: 10:00 - 19:00
*Closes on the first two days of the Chinese New Year.
Entrance:
Free (Limited to this exhibition area; admission fees apply for other galleries)