“Chinese Arts in the Fragrant Harbour’s Embrace: The University of Hong Kong Libraries & Chamber of Young Snow Culture Festival” is a transcendent cultural event that vividly showcases the profound depth and exquisite elegance of Chinese arts and culture.
In collaboration with the University of Hong Kong Libraries, the Chamber of Young Snow is presenting a three-month exhibition titled Dreamlike Dunhuang: Recreating the Grandeur of Dunhuang, running from June 7 to September 7, 2025, at the University of Hong Kong Libraries. Jointly curated by the Dunhuang Research Institute, the University of Hong Kong Libraries, and the Chamber of Young Snow, this marks the first time the Dunhuang Research Institute has partnered with a Hong Kong higher education institution and a private organisation to stage an exhibition.
The opening ceremony was graced with speeches from several distinguished guests, including:
Professor Ian Holliday, Acting Registrar, Vice-President & Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) of the University of Hong Kong
Ms. Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs
Ms. Wang Hui Hui, Deputy Director and Research Curator of Dunhuang Academy Exhibition Center
Dr. Li Shi Cheng, Founder of Chamber of Young Snow
Ms. Flora Ng, Chief Information Officer and University Librarian of the University of Hong Kong
After the speeches, the ribbon-cutting ceremony was officiated by (from left):
• Mr. The Honourable Andrew Lam Siu-Lo, Legislative Council Member
• Ms. The Honourable Elizabeth Quat, Legislative Council Member & Vice-Chairperson of Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB)
• Dr. The Honourable Moses Cheng, Member of the Executive Council
• Dr. Zhao Sheng Liang, Researcher of Dunhuang Academy
• Dr. Li Shi Cheng, Founder of Chamber of Young Snow
• Ms. Alice Mak, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs
• Professor Ian Holliday, Acting Registrar, Vice-President & Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) of the University of Hong Kong
• Ms. Wang Hui Hui, Deputy Director and Research Curator of Dunhuang Academy Exhibition Center
• Ms. Flora Ng, Chief Information Officer and University Librarian, The University of Hong Kong
• Professor the Honourable Lau Chi-Pang, Legislative Council Member
• Dr. Edward Chen, Honorary Professor of HKU Business School and Distinguished Fellow of the Centre of Asian Studies at the University of Hong Kong
• Mr. Peter Lau Man-pong, Chairman of the Board of Governors at Hong Kong Arts Centre
The exhibition features 78 representative pieces/sets of Dunhuang artworks. Through six thematic units – “Unit 1: The Long Silk Road,” “Unit 2: Murals in Splendid Hues,” “Unit 3: Sacred Buddhist Shrines,” “Unit 4: Myriad Scenes of Human Life,” “Unit 5: Treasures of the Stone Library,” and “Unit 6: Journey to the Pure Land” – complemented by immersive digital films, it showcases the millennial craftsmanship of Dunhuang caves and the enduring vitality of cultural heritage. A key highlight is the precise 1:1 replica of Cave 45 from the Mogao Grottoes – exhibited in its entirety in Hong Kong for the first time within the “Sacred Buddhist Shrines” section. This cave chamber spans approximately 25 square meters with a height nearing 5 meters.
Caption: A highly realistic 1:1 scale replica of Dunhuang’s Mogao Cave 45, exhibited in Hong Kong for the first time
The cave chamber features Tang Dynasty mural designs on all four walls and the caisson ceiling (cave roof), with the ceiling exhibiting an intentionally sloped visual perspective. It includes seven polychrome sculptures of distinct characters, recreating the grand scene from the Mogao Grottoes where the main Buddha sits in full lotus position upon a Sumeru throne, flanked by attending disciples, Bodhisattvas, and Heavenly Kings listening to the Dharma. Notably, the Bodhisattva statues are uniquely characterized: crafted with feminine torsos in graceful “S”-curve postures, their bodies softly contoured, lips subtly upturned, and eyes rendered with lifelike vitality. In striking contrast, the Heavenly Kings manifest powerfully robust forms, radiating formidable strength.
On the third-floor exhibition zone, “Journey to the Pure Land” immersively presents Dunhuang Buddhist artistry through digital media. Beyond Flying Apsaras and musical-dance murals, a large-scale animated screen displays “Dunhuang Murals in Motion,” dynamically reimagining static frescoes to make depicted figures dance before viewers’ eyes. The display also features 10 distinctive Mogao caisson patterns illuminated in lightboxes suspended from the ceiling. Floor cushions allow visitors to lie down and gaze upward, experiencing the rich visual impact of these grotto ceiling designs.
The exhibition serves as the centerpiece of the “HKU Libraries Chamber of Young Snow Festival.” Other events include five public lectures, two cultural performances, and eight workshops – all 15 programs were fully booked due to high demand.
On the event day, Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble further enhanced the artistic atmosphere by delivering two exceptional music performances for the audience.
The exhibition is now open and will run until September. We invite everyone to visit HKU Libraries and experience the enchanting charm of Dunhuang culture in person!
Once again, heartfelt thanks to all for your support for this Culture Festival and Exhibition!
Exhibition Details:
Exhibition Dates: 7 June 2025 – 7 September 2025
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 9:00 pm; Saturday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
(Closed on Sundays and public holidays)
Exhibition Area: G/F, 2/F Exhibition Area & 3/F Ko Wong Wai Ching Wendy Fine Arts Digital Library, Main Library