This year’s edition of the Ap Lei Chau Hung Shing Cultural Festival and the Southern District Hung Shing Bazaar have kicked off to honour Hung Shing, the God of the Southern Sea. The celebrations will last until March 17, and will revolve around the theme ‘The Legacy of Heritage’. During this time, locals and visitors can experience the rich traditions of Ap Lei Chau through performances, interactive workshops, and religious ceremonies.
What is the Hung Shing Cultural Festival?
The tradition that has endured for over a century centres around residents of Ap Lei Chau seeking Hung Shing’s blessings for favourable weather and community harmony on the 13th day of the second lunar month. The festival is organised by the Ap Lei Chau Kai Fong Tung Hing Association and features a diverse array of events, including the lighting of water lanterns, dragon boat blessings, lion dances, a grand festival parade, and religious opera performances to showcase the area’s rich cultural heritage. This year’s festival lasts from March 2-17, 2025.
What Events Can I Attend at the Festival?
There are several activities that visitors can attend during the course of the two-week festival. They include:
Southern District Hung Shing Bazaar
Win a prize at game booths and grab a bite at food stalls serving up delicacies unique to the Southern District. Don’t miss street performances of magic, music and dance shows, as well as handicraft workshops that reveal the secrets to three traditional trades. Catch scheduled lion dances, learn about the history of the practice at the Lion Dance Exhibition, or try your hand at some moves at the Lion Dance workshop.
When: 1pm-10pm, March 8-12; 11am-5pm, March 15-16
Where: Ap Lei Chau Park Soccer Pitch
Admission: Free. Register for the Lion Dance Experience Workshop here.
Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter Guided Boat Tour
Learn about one of Hong Kong’s most significant typhoon shelters during this boat tour that starts at the monumental Hung Shing Temple and passes by key landmarks in the area. Participants will get an audio guide that reveals the stories and sentiments unique to this typhoon shelter. There will be three tours on each day, all lasting 30 minutes. Spots are limited, and are reserved only for people who register online.
When: 5:30pm-6pm. 6:15pm-6:45pm & 7pm-7:30pm, March 8-12
Where: Ap Lei Chau Hung Shing Temple Pier
Admission: Free. Register here.
Religious Opera Performance
This is a major highlight of the festivities and stars renowned Chinese Opera performer Joyce Koi and her Ming Chee Sing Chinese Opera Troupe. Audiences will be seated in a traditional bamboo theatre and will be regaled by 11 classic tales, such as Prime Minister of 6 States, Contention for the Seal, Tang Ming Huang, The Peony Pavilion; The Purple Hairpin, and The Flower Princess.
When: 1:30pm-4:30-pm & 6:45pm-10:30pm, March 8-12
Where: Bamboo Theatre, Ap Lei Chau Park Soccer Pitch
Admission: Free for matinee shows, tickets required for night shows
Water Lantern Night
If you stay until after sunset, you can watch devotees lighting water lanterns in an appeal to Hung Shing for a prosperous year ahead. Those who reserve their tickets online will get a free water lantern, but there are lanterns available for HK$38 at the site of the event.
When: 6:30pm-9:30pm, March 8-12
Where: Ap Lei Chau Park Soccer Pitch
Admission: Free
Another major attraction is the International High-Pole Lion Dance Invitation Competition 2025 from 11am-6pm on March 15 — a free event that requires online reservation. Watch the traditional Blessing of Dragon Boats at the waterfront promenade from 11am-11:45 am on March 16, followed by the Hung Shing Festival parade from 1:30pm-5pm at Ap Lei Chau Main Street.
Image credits: Hong Kong Tourism Board
