HONG KONG – The 54th Hong Kong Arts Festival is set to be the largest edition ever, featuring over 1,100 leading local and overseas artists to stage 170 performances across more than 45 programs, along with about 300 “PLUS” outreach and education events.

A highlight of this year’s festival – running from Feb 27 to Mar 29 – is a music performance that blends technology and art to bring a beloved master back to life. Through technological magic, the audience will experience the presence of the late Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto performing live once more.

The "PLUS" events offer a diverse range of activities from exhibitions, masterclasses, workshops, backstage tours, artist talks, film screenings to local tours — all designed to bring arts closer to the public.

Twin jewelry shows

Hong Kong's twin jewelry shows are set to take place in early March, drawing over 4,000 exhibitors from more than 40 countries and regions, with approximately 70 percent of participants coming from outside Hong Kong.

The 12th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show will be held from March 2-6 at AsiaWorld-Expo, showcasing a vast selection of jewelry raw materials, including diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.

Meanwhile, the 42nd Hong Kong International Jewellery Show will run from March 4-8 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, featuring finished jewelry pieces and a diverse range of exquisite designs.

The World Gold Council will debut at the event by establishing a dedicated Hard Pure Gold Pavilion, which will feature innovative gold craftsmanship and breakthrough technologies in the sector.

Tangyuan cultural fest

Foshan will host its first tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) cultural festival at Qiandeng Lake park on March 3, the Lantern Festival.

The event will feature a variety of activities, including a tangyuan-making competition, a dessert and food market, and night shows.

Ten thousand portions of tangyuan will be distributed to attendees.  

Among the highlights of the event include an intangible cultural heritage parade, with performances to bless the Chinese New Year, a grand Chaoshan cloth-made horse dance, Shifan music performances, and a water curtain light show.