Still Glowing Strong: Hong Kong's Neon Heritage Burns Bright Amid Preservation Projects Spotlighting a Vivid Aspect of Contemporary Chinese Culture 香港霓虹地標的二次生命

Growing up in Hong Kong, Cardin Chan often walked confidently at night on streets illuminated by giant neon signs whose kaleidoscopic beams pierced the darkness, forming phosphorescent pathways that mapped the city into distinct districts with their own visual signatures. Featuring customized logos and Chinese calligraphy, the signs had been emblazoning the facades of family-run restaurants, bars, shops and theatres for decades, infusing Hong Kong’s commodity-driven economy with kinetic energy, character and otherworldly glamour.

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseSeptember 20, 2024art, chinese, hong kong, Hong Kong, design, product design, design annualComment

The Inspiration Behind Love at Mid-Autumn 2024: A Time Capsule 愛在中秋2024：霓虹幻境

In this article, you will have a chance to read about the inspiration behind the 2024 design which represents the feature story in this edition: the disappearing neon lights of Hong Kong’s streetscapes. Each and every handmade glowing neon sign symbolizes a life and history — a dream, a business, a family’s livelihood and service to the local community. This year’s tin design is a love letter to Hong Kong’s infamous vistas, full of life and vitality, and the city’s spirit, hustle, and bustle. Enjoy our design process!

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseSeptember 18, 2024art, chinese, Love at Mid-Autumn, hong kong, Hong Kong, Mooncakes, Mid-Autumn FestivalComment

A Light Never Goes Out: Honouring Hong Kong's Neon Legacy In Film 電影《燈火闌珊》：向璀璨香港往昔致敬

In 2022, the film A Light Never Goes Out rekindled our fascination with the radiant neon lights of Hong Kong, offering a fresh glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship behind these iconic signs. The film’s nostalgic portrayal has sparked renewed interest in the cultural and historical significance of neon lights, leading the 2024 Design Annual to feature two compelling stories on this luminous subject.

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseSeptember 11, 2024art, design annual, hong kong, hong kong filmComment

Hins Cheung “The Prime Classics”: Unforgettable First Solo Concert in Toronto

August 3, 2024, marked a momentous occasion for fans of Hins Cheung as the renowned Hong Kong singer held his first-ever solo concert in Toronto. Coinciding with his 23rd debut anniversary, the event was the grand finale of his North American tour, held at the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino. This concert was a long-awaited moment for many dedicated fans, who had eagerly anticipated his return to the city after 15 years.

Current AffairsFête ChinoiseAugust 6, 2024music, Music, hong kong, Hong Kong, concerts, CelebrityComment

Rediscovering Roots Through A Unique Lens: A Journey through China

Dive into a heartfelt story from our dear friend and collaborator Karl, who recently embarked on a journey to China. His unique perspective is beautifully captured through his lens, reflecting the up-close and personal interaction and connection with his culture and heritage. His images will resonate with many of us who are primarily based in Canada but have roots in Asia: "Every visit to China is a voyage of discovery, revealing its rich cultural tapestry amidst rapid modern development." Discover the intriguing blend of China's traditions and its rapid modern advancements through his lens.

Community & People, Food and LifestyleFête ChinoiseJune 28, 2024chinese culture, Travel, travel, Shanghai, hong kongComment

Mirror — A Reflection 2.0

I knew one day we no longer needed to be long-distance anymore — reflecting on the journey leading up to the Mirror world tour concerts in New York City and Toronto, it's clear that it was one heck of a ride filled with excitement, determination, and a real sense of belonging to the Hong Kong community. It all kicked off when Mirror dropped the bombshell that Toronto was on their Feel the Passion Concert Tour map — quite a surprise, I must say! Having been through the ticket frenzy for their Hong Kong concerts, I knew I needed a game plan to snag those tickets.

Current AffairsFête ChinoiseApril 19, 2024music, Music, hong kong, Hong Kong, concerts, CelebrityComment

Stay Curious: Bernice Liu's Lifelong Journey of Wine and Beyond

We were honoured to host Bernice Liu at our Toronto Signature Event on February 3rd, 2024. Bernice, a beloved Canadian actor, has captivated audiences not only through her on-screen performances but also through her remarkable journey as a winemaker and cultural ambassador. Having previously graced the pages of Edition 7 of Fête Chinoise, it was a pleasure to catch up with Bernice once again and delve into her diverse career and profound insights.

Personal StoriesFête ChinoiseMarch 1, 2024chinese canadian, actor, chineseactor, Actor, hong kong, Hong KongComment

Lost Love《流水落花》: A Heart-Warming Film starring Sammi Cheng and a First-time Feature Film for Director Ka Sing Fung

The movie looks into how a couple rediscovers the feeling of parenthood by fostering children aVer the painful loss of their own child. A married couple, Chan Tin Mei (Sammi) and Ho Bun (Alan), lost their three-year-old son to a congenital heart disease. S,ll in pain over the loss, Mei resists having another child. One day, Mei finds out that they can become a foster family. Her desolate heart finds sustenance from possibly regaining the feeling of being a mother.

Film & BooksFête ChinoiseMay 5, 2023film, hong kong film, hong kongComment

The 41st Hong Kong Film Awards Celebrates Talent and a High Quality Year

The stars were out on the red carpet at the Hong Kong Culture Centre on April 16th to celebrate the victorious year of Hong Kong Films and films in Asia that we just witnessed. In Canada and North America, there has been a noticeable surge in interest in Asian films which have placed them into official theatre box offices across the country. Throughout the last two decades, there have been films playing now and then at select theatres such as Cineplex, but it was a sparse trend and sometimes films were only shown at a specific single location such as in Markham, where there is a large Asian population.

Current Affairs, Film & BooksFête ChinoiseApril 17, 2023Awards, hong kong, moviesComment

AARON KWOK DELIVERS SUPERSTAR PERFORMANCE ON OLG STAGE IN NIAGARA FALLS

After several years of physical distance between Canada and Hong Kong, Toronto fans and followers of Hong Kong pop culture were elated that a household name would be coming to the GTA. Aaron Kwok, known as one of the four iconic “heavenly kings” of canto pop and the one with the best dance moves, was scheduled for a single evening of his trademark sizzling performances last week at the newly renovated OLG stage at Fallsview Casino. The brand new, state-of-the-art theatre was packed full to its 5000 seat capacity on a Monday night, as loyal fans descended to the concert hall to cheer on Kwok who also happens to be the ambassador for this year’s “Hello, Hong Kong” campaign to reconnect the world with the city after years of lockdown during the pandemic.

Current AffairsFête ChinoiseMarch 30, 2023Aaron Kwok, concerts, music, chinese music, hong kong, celeComment

Where The Wind Blows Comes To North America, Tony Leung Wins Best Actor At The Asian Film Awards In Hong Kong

It has been a big week for many Asian actors around the world as awards season wraps up. The same weekend that Michelle Yeoh became the first Asian person to win the Best Actress Award at the Academy Awards, Ke Huy Quan winning Best Supporting Actor, and Everything Everywhere All at Once winning Best Picture, across the ocean, the Asian Film Awards took place in Hong Kong. Acting Legend Tony Leung was honoured with Best Actor for his portrayal of Nam Kong (one of the four great sergeants of the 1960s) in Director Philip Yung's Where the Wind Blows.

Mark Your Calendar, Film & BooksFête ChinoiseMarch 15, 2023Movies, hong kong, tony leung, Aaron KwokComment

Hong Kong: City History Made Modern ‧ Part Two 「重」新遊歷 ‧ 東方之珠【貳】

In collaboration with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto), and in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, we invite you into six historic sites in the Central and Sheung Wan districts to see how they have been preserved and transformed into modern day use for the benefit of the local community and visitors.