Life.Culture.Discovery.

An abandoned village is brought to life in this debut Hong Kong festival

The Countryside Harvest Festival takes place at the 400-year-old village of Kuk Po in Hong Kong’s far north

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The interior of a typical
farmer’s residence in Kuk Po, Hong Kong. Photo: Handout

Published: 12:45pm, 17 Jan 2025

Having seen its fortunes rise and fall over a span of four centuries, the village of Kuk Po, in Hong Kong’s far north, is once again set for another transformation – this time, into an unlikely proponent of cultural and ecological exploration, with the debut edition of the Countryside Harvest Festival running until February 16.

Founded as a Hakka village in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, Kuk Po recorded a population of more than 500 by the late Qing and by the turn of the 20th century it had become a market town in the Sha Tau Kok area. Residents made a living through rice farming and shrimp fishing, and built numerous Western-inspired buildings such as the grade three-listed Kai Choi School, which incorporated influences from villagers who had returned from overseas with new-found wealth.

Though the village has been abandoned in recent decades as its inhabitants went in search of better economic opportunities, Kuk Po has, starting in 2021, been revitalised as part of a government conservation project. Today, visitors can wander through mangroves and explore heritage sites along a 1.4km pathway connecting local landmarks.

Unicorn dancing and a parade will be one of the highlight events of the Countryside Harvest Festival: Kuk Po Sound-Sight-Taste Fusion Tour. Photo: Countryside Harvest Festival

The Countryside Harvest Festival features a series of events, exhibitions and performances under the theme of “Sound-Sight-Taste”. There’s a feast for the eyes as more than 20 art installations created in collaboration with local and international artists from Polytechnic University’s School of Design and inspired by Kuk Po’s historical charm will be displayed throughout the village.

Meanwhile, a photo exhibition organised by the Hong Kong International Photo Festival will showcase works from prominent photographers such as Changlin Fashi, Kelvin Yuen and Alfred Ko under the theme of returning home and reconnecting with one’s roots in a meditative treatise on the allure of the countryside in the modern era.

In a treat for the ears, a musical trio featuring World Harmonica Festival champion prizewinner Gordon Lee, multi-instrumentalist Vincent Liauw and singer Karen Kong will perform several sessions set amid Kuk Po’s abundant natural bounty.

The hybrid architectural style of the 90-year-old Lee’s Mansion is representative of the built heritage in Kuk Po. Photo: Handout

Those looking for a bit more action can participate in a two-hour Gyrokinesis workshop that helps participants connect with nature through music, body movements and art, in an exploration of physical and mental states. Alternatively, a sunset tea-tasting session using leaves harvested from around the village and served in pottery made using Kuk Po soil provides a unique sense of terroir.