FEHD releases fifth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May and stepped up mosquito control work across districts

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (May 26) released the fifth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May, which includes First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering 16 survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering 10 survey areas. In response to the rise in gravidtrap indexes in recent months, the FEHD has stepped up mosquito prevention and control work across all districts in Hong Kong.

The Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Mr Donald Ng, visited Tai Wai in Sha Tin District this afternoon to inspect the enhanced mosquito prevention and control work in the area, including using drones to identify potential mosquito breeding grounds, conducting fogging operations by large ultra-low volume fogger to eradicate adult mosquitoes, and installing new mosquito traps. He also visited local schools and public housing estates, together with Legislative Council member Hon Chan Hak-kan and some local District Council members. While the First Phase Gravidtrap Index of Tai Wai in May had reached 46 per cent, the latest Area Gravidtrap Index has significantly dropped to 24.2 per cent following intensive mosquito control work. The FEHD will remain vigilant and continue to work closely with relevant government departments and stakeholders to sustain effective mosquito prevention and control work.

The fifth batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in May, covering 26 survey areas, is as follows:
 

District Survey Area May 2026
First Phase Gravidtrap Index First Phase Density Index
Central and Western Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun 9.1% 2.2
Wan Chai Happy Valley and Tai Hang 8.8% 1.0
Kwun Tong Kowloon Bay 22.8% 1.2
Sham Shui Po Cheung Sha Wan 19.2% 1.7
Lai Chi Kok 9.1% 1.4
Sham Shui Po and Shek Kip Mei 27.9% 1.3
Wong Tai Sin Ngau Chi Wan and San Po Kong 3.7% 1.5
North Sheung Shui 24.2% 1.3
Sai Kung Sai Kung Town 19.2% 1.6
Tseung Kwan O East 24.6% 1.1
Tseung Kwan O North 26.2% 1.5
Tseung Kwan O West 9.1% 2.2
Sha Tin Ma On Shan 32.8% 1.4
Tuen Mun So Kwun Wat 18.2% 1.3
Yuen Long Hung Shui Kiu and Ping Shan 6.0% 1.0
Yuen Long Town 17.2% 1.2

 

District Survey Area May 2026
Area Gravidtrap Index Area Density Index
Eastern Shau Kei Wan and Sai Wan Ho 17.0% 1.6
Southern Pok Fu Lam 15.2% 1.3
Islands Tung Chung 4.0% 1.3
Kowloon City Ho Man Tin 23.6% 1.2
Kwun Tong Yau Tong and Cha Kwo Ling 16.2% 1.7
Wong Tai Sin Wong Tai Sin West 18.1% 1.7
Sha Tin Tai Wai 24.2% 1.7
Tai Po Tai Po West 16.4% 1.0
Tsuen Wan Ma Wan and Sham Tseng 26.2% 1.7
Tuen Mun Tuen Mun South 15.5% 1.3

​With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April or May every year. The indexes are higher from April to June. The actual timing and extent of the rise are affected by factors like weather conditions and rainfall. The average temperature and rainfall recorded in April this year were higher than those in the same period last year, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding. As a result, the rise in gravidtrap indexes occurred earlier this year. With the increase in rainfall in May, the gravidtrap indexes are expected to rise further. The overall trend of gravidtrap indexes this year are similar to those of previous years.

     In response to the rise of gravidtrap indexes in recent months, the FEHD has stepped up mosquito prevention and control work across all districts in Hong Kong, including inspecting construction sites, parks, public and private housing estates, and locations with higher mosquito infestations. Over the past two weeks, the FEHD has initiated 15 prosecutions against the management companies or responsible persons-in-charge of these venues following the discovery of mosquito breeding, and issued 42 statutory notices requiring the clearance of stagnant water or stagnant water containers. Furthermore, for survey areas which recorded indexes exceeding 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the chikungunya fever (CF) situation (i.e. strengthening mosquito control work in areas with a gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, instead of 20 per cent or above under the original mechanism), the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestations and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. The FEHD, the relevant departments and stakeholders will also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures.

Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:

  • tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside the premises;
  • remove all unnecessary water collections and eliminate the sources;
  • check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;
  • change water in flower vases and scrub their inner surfaces thoroughly, and remove water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week;
  • properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water;
  • properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as disposable meal boxes and empty cans; and
  • scrub drains and surface sewers with alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission.

Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#).

        

AFCD staff patrol animal release hotspots

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     With a view to safeguarding animal welfare, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (May 24) deployed staff to patrol locations where mercy release activities frequently occurred in the past, including Wun Yiu, Tai Po; Ng Tung River, Sheung Shui; Sai Kung Public Pier and Sai Wan Ho Ferry Pier. Educational leaflets were distributed to remind the public to think carefully before participating in mercy releases of animals.
 
     A spokesman for the AFCD said, “If members of the public release animals in an improper manner, such as releasing them into unsuitable habitats, it may adversely affect their survival.”
 
     Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169), it is an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to animals by releasing them in an improper manner. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for three years upon conviction.
 
The AFCD will continue to conduct inspections at locations where animal release activities are likely to take place, take enforcement action when necessary, and carry out publicity and education work.
 
     In addition, the AFCD will launch a restocking exercise on National Fish Releasing Day on June 6 to release juvenile fish with the aim of enhancing local marine resources and improving marine ecology. The department will promote the environmental benefits to the public of science-based restocking, with a view to engaging public support for and participation in these science-based restocking exercises in lieu of improper animal release activities. The public may also consider other charitable activities, such as planting trees or participating in volunteer services with animal welfare groups and environmental organisations.

     

HKPF holds SafeCity Ambassadors Appointment and Recognition Ceremony 2026 today

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

HKPF holds SafeCity Ambassadors Appointment and Recognition Ceremony 2026 today  
     Addressing the ceremony, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming, noted that the Force will continue to utilise the SafeCity.HK website and the SafeCity Ambassador network, to deliver crime prevention messages more quickly, in a more accessible manner, and in ways that better meet public needs. The Force will also remain committed to advancing smart policing by applying artificial intelligence (AI) to integrate big data for analysis and forecasting, enabling early identification of potential crime risks. He added that the Force will also strengthen collaboration with innovation and technology enterprises, the community, and various stakeholders to promote wider application of AI. Through collaboration among multiple parties in developing AI initiatives, the Force will further enhance its operational efficiency and its capability to combat crime.
 
     Mr Chow believes that as long as the Force and the public work together, and the community at large actively participates in the fight against crime, Hong Kong will continue to remain a safe city that everyone can take pride in.
 
     At the ceremony, the new batch of 15 “SafeCity Ambassadors” were presented with their certificates of appointment.

     Over the past three years, the CPB has appointed more than 100 “SafeCity Ambassadors” to assist the Police in disseminating anti-crime messages and enhancing community awareness of crime prevention through various channels, including company intranets, shopping mall television screens and information displays in commercial and residential buildings.
 
     In addition, representatives of seven organisations were presented with the “Outstanding Contribution Award” and the Water Supplies Department was recognised with the accolade of “SafeCity Crime Prevention Partner” for actively responding to the call for publicity in the past year.
 
     To further enhance crime prevention publicity, the CPB launched the SafeCity.HK websiteIssued at HKT 18:09

NNNN

Ride-hailing laws gazetted

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today gazetted four pieces of subsidiary legislation in order to establish a legal framework for the regulation of ride-hailing services.

The Road Traffic (Ride-hailing Service) Regulation sets out the details of the regulatory regime, including the validity period and renewal arrangement for ride-hailing service licences, ride-hailing vehicle permits and ride-hailing vehicle driving permits; the fees associated with the aforementioned licences and permits; and the obligations imposed on the holders of such licences and permits.

The Road Traffic (Limit on Number of Ride-hailing Vehicle Permits) Notice specifies the limit on the number of vehicle permits that may be issued ‒ at the current stage, the Government proposes capping the number of permits at 10,000.

Meanwhile, the Road Traffic (Driving Licences) (Amendment) Regulation 2026 introduces a combined driving test for taxis and ride-hailing vehicles, and the Road Traffic (Amendment) (Ride-hailing Service) Ordinance 2025 (Commencement) Notice prescribes the commencement dates of the various provisions of the Road Traffic (Amendment) (Ride-hailing Service) Ordinance 2025.

With the busy traffic in Hong Kong and the fact that nearly 90% of the public rely on public transportation for their daily journeys, the Government needs to impose an overall control on the number of ride-hailing vehicles, the Transport & Logistics Bureau explained.

Based on the data collected from a survey administered by the Transport Department, and having holistically considered all relevant factors and views from various sectors of society, the Government proposed setting the limit on vehicle permits at 10,000 at this stage, believing that this can balance considerations regarding road resources and the public transport ecosystem, and allow the ride-hailing regulatory regime to be implemented smoothly.

The Government will table the four pieces of subsidiary legislation before the Legislative Council tomorrow for negative vetting.

Free smart limbs for 60 HK amputees

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Kick-off Ceremony of the People-oriented Technology Programme by Qiangnao Technology and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) was held today, marking a major milestone in the application of intelligent bionic hands and smart bionic knee joints in Hong Kong.

In the first phase of the programme over the next two years, 60 amputees in the city will be provided with the new high-tech prostheses free of charge.

No implantation will be required for the programme participants. Through non-invasive brain-computer interface technology, the high-tech prostheses will use the wearer’s myoelectric and neural signals to enable natural, precise, and flexible motion control.

Professional assessment and rehabilitation support services will also be provided by a PolyU team to help recipients gradually adapt to and master the use of prosthetics, thereby comprehensively improving their daily living abilities and quality of life.

Qiangnao Technology is a leading global enterprise in the field of brain-computer interfaces, representing China’s breakthrough development in this cutting-edge field. Meanwhile, PolyU has a strong research foundation and international influence in prosthetics and orthotics, rehabilitation sciences and biomedical engineering. 

The collaborative project is backed by the Government’s Innovation & Technology Fund.

Speaking at the kick-off ceremony, Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun said the programme responds to the National 15th Five-Year Plan, which calls for the full implementation of the “AI+” action plan to empower public well-being through artificial intelligence (AI).

He added that Hong Kong possesses strong research capabilities and is well positioned to put into practice the principle of technology for the benefit of people.

Prof Sun also noted the launch of the programme embodies the original intent of using technology for good and being people-oriented, bringing cutting-edge technologies into real-world applications, to the lives of citizens in need.

President Lai attends 2026 Europe Day Dinner

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the evening of May 26, President Lai Ching-te attended the 2026 Europe Day Dinner. In remarks, President Lai emphasized that peace cannot be taken for granted; it requires solidarity, and only then can we ensure regional stability and prosperity. The president noted that today, semiconductors and AI are the backbone of global prosperity and democratic security. He indicated that Taiwan plays a critical role in the supply chain for advanced chips and AI, and has established close cooperative ties with European companies. Moving ahead, the president said, Taiwan and Europe will deepen cooperation in areas such as drones, and work together to build reliable democratic supply chains.
President Lai stated that Europe is Taiwan’s largest source of foreign direct investment and third largest trading partner. He also expressed hope that Taiwan and Europe will move toward the signing of a bilateral investment agreement and solve the issue of double taxation, putting both on the path to greater prosperity. The president stated that he looks forward to Taiwan and Europe deepening their diverse partnership so that democratic resilience proves stronger than authoritarian ambition, and expressed hope that unity will light our path forward.
A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows:
I’m delighted to attend another Europe Day Dinner. First, let me thank the ECCT [European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan] for its long-term support for Taiwan. I also thank our friends from Europe for working hard to promote Taiwan-Europe ties.
Europe Day celebrates the Schuman Declaration, which 76 years ago opened the path to peace and cooperation in Europe. It also teaches us an important lesson. Peace cannot be taken for granted. It requires solidarity, and must be a shared responsibility. Only then can we choose cooperation over confrontation, and ensure regional stability and prosperity.
The Schuman Declaration led European nations to jointly manage coal and steel. By doing this, they turned a potential cause of conflict into a foundation for peace. Today, the world faces an uncertain landscape. In times like these, we should look to the spirit of cooperation in the Schuman Declaration. This spirit can also guide us as we deepen the partnership between Taiwan and Europe.
Half a century ago, coal and steel were the foundations of peace in Europe. Today, semiconductors and AI are the backbone of global prosperity and democratic security.
Taiwan plays a critical role in the global supply chain for advanced chips and AI servers. However, we didn’t achieve this success alone. Our semiconductors’ ecosystem combines key technologies from top European companies. This goes beyond industry cooperation. It’s the result of like-minded partners working hand in hand.
Currently, the world is focusing on supply chain security and de-risking. Because of this trend, emerging industries related to national security, such as drones, have become important areas for Taiwan-Europe cooperation. Through these concrete industrial links, we will work together to build secure, diversified, and reliable democratic supply chains.
Our partnership ranges from strategic cooperation based on shared values, to concrete industrial links. Although Taiwan and Europe are far apart, our strong economic and trade foundation enables us to overcome the distance.
Europe is Taiwan’s largest source of foreign direct investment. It’s also our third largest trading partner. Europe continues to invest in Taiwan, and at the same time, Taiwan is rapidly expanding investment in Europe.
Over the last decade, we have seen Taiwanese investment in EU member states surge by 650 percent. This reflects the deep and growing relationship between Taiwan and the EU.
We hope that Europe will take the next step in supporting a bilateral investment agreement with Taiwan. And through our robust measures, we hope to solve the issue of double taxation, putting us both on the path to greater prosperity.
Beyond supply chains and trade, we are also bound together by our shared convictions on regional peace and universal values.
In the face of authoritarian military threats, Taiwan has remained calm and responsible. We have firmly safeguarded the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, and continued enhancing our self-defense capabilities.
Peace in the Taiwan Strait is no longer just a regional issue; it is a global issue. I would like to thank the European Parliament, NATO leaders, the G7, and European nations for continuously emphasizing the importance of stability in the Indo-Pacific. This reflects a clear consensus: the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific are inseparable.
Global health security is no different. As you all know, the World Health Assembly just ended a few days ago. So here, I would like to give a special thanks to the EU for its support of Taiwan’s international participation – because health knows no borders. This solid support from Europe lets Taiwan know that we are not alone.
My dear friends, 76 years ago, the Schuman Declaration proved something to the world. Even in the darkest ruins, if people take the long view and work together in unity, they can lay the foundation for peace.
In today’s world, Taiwan stands at the frontlines of the democratic community. We continue to be a stable force for good, and a responsible member of the international community. Taiwan is in a challenging situation. But we are not afraid, because Taiwan is a Taiwan of the world. As we pursue peace and freedom, we know like-minded, democratic partners around the world will continue to walk side by side with Taiwan.
Our belief in freedom and democracy carries on the spirit of the Schuman Declaration. I look forward to Taiwan and Europe deepening our diverse partnership, so that democratic resilience proves stronger than authoritarian ambition. May unity light our path forward. I wish today’s event great success, and may the Taiwan-Europe friendship endure for many years to come. Thank you.
Also in attendance at the event were ECCT Chairperson Tina Graves and Head of the European Economic and Trade Office Lutz Güllner.

Light housing applications open Jun 2

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Light Public Housing (LPH) will be open for Phase 4 applications from June 2, the Housing Bureau announced today.

This phase comprises a total of about 11,330 units on Olympic Avenue in Kai Tak (Phase 2), Yan Po Road in Tuen Mun, Tsing Fat Street in Tuen Mun, and Hang Kwong Street in Ma On Shan, with intake anticipated from the third quarter of this year onwards.

LPH on Olympic Avenue, which is adjacent to Kai Tak MTR Station, will provide about 4,580 units for one to two persons, three to four persons and four to five persons. The estimated monthly rent ranges from about $1,310 to $2,990.

The Yan Po Road LPH project in Tuen Mun will provide about 2,850 units, including units for one to two persons, three to four persons and four to five persons. The site is adjacent to Yan Po Road Public Transport Interchange as well as bus stops on Yan Po Road, while also linked by MTR bus routes to/from Tuen Mun and Siu Hong MTR Stations. The estimated monthly rent ranges from about $900 to $2,010.

The Tsing Fat Street site, also in Tuen Mun, will provide about 3,040 units for one to two persons, and three to four persons, at a monthly rent between $900 and $1,610. A bus terminus will be built nearby.

On Hang Kwong Street in Ma On Shan, adjacent to Ma On Shan MTR Station, there will be about 860 units for households of one to two persons, three to four persons and four to five persons. Monthly rent ranges from $1,180 to $2,650.

Eligible citizens will receive application forms by post on or before June 2 sent by the Housing Bureau. While application forms submitted between June 2 and 23 will be handled with priority, the bureau will still accept enrolment afterwards. Those who have applied before need not apply again.

Highlighting that the living environment of LPH is far better than substandard subdivided units and that residents will be given one-off special allowances ranging from $1,950 to $13,000, the bureau encouraged eligible citizens in need to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Completed application forms may be submitted by post or deposited into drop-in boxes. If the applicant and all family members have registered for “iAM Smart+”, they may fill in, sign and submit an e-Form by scanning the exclusive QR code on the application form.

For enquiries, call 3464 0700 or email lphapp@hb.gov.hk.

Views sought on fire rule changes

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today launched a one-month public consultation on proposed amendments to the Fire Services Ordinance and its related subsidiary legislation.

The proposed changes aim to modernise the fire safety legislative framework, enhance public safety and streamline enforcement effectiveness, while meeting public expectations for improved fire safety.

Following the No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, the Government established the Task Force on Strengthening Fire Safety Governance, chaired by the Secretary for Security, to implement medium-to-long-term initiatives to improve fire safety governance.

A core component of these measures is a comprehensive review of the ordinance, its subsidiary legislation and the statutory responsibilities of various stakeholders.

The Security Bureau emphasised that the Government attaches great importance to maintaining high fire safety standards to protect lives and property.

To consolidate Hong Kong’s regulatory framework, the bureau proposed amending the principal ordinance alongside three pieces of subsidiary legislation: the Fire Service (Installation Contractors) Regulations, the Fire Service (Installations & Equipment) Regulations, and the Fire Services (Fire Hazard Abatement) Regulation.

These amendments will strengthen the registration regime for fire service installation contractors, enhance maintenance and inspection standards for building fire equipment and optimise fire hazard abatement procedures.

The bureau noted that the updates will also bolster the Fire Services Department’s enforcement powers in specific areas, including combating illicit fuelling activities.

In response to the public’s expectations for enhanced fire safety, the Government will finalise the legislative proposal swiftly after the public consultation, aiming to introduce the Bill to the Legislative Council this year.

Members of the public can submit their views in writing by email or by mail to the Legislation Amendment Working Group, South Wing, 5/F, Fire Services Department Headquarters Building, 1 Hong Chong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, on or before June 25.

Click here for the consultation document.

Top wusheng actors to gather in Hong Kong in June to showcase loyalty and righteousness at Chinese Culture Festival 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Leading wusheng (martial male) actors from four major Peking opera troupes in Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin and Hubei will gather in Hong Kong in late June for the “Showcase of Peking Opera Actors in Full Armour Roles”, kicking off the Chinese opera series of the Chinese Culture Festival (CCF) 2026, organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). The three-day programme will feature classic plays such as “‘The Battle at Changbanpo’ and ‘The Incident at Hanjin Crossing'”, “The Pulley”, “Zhong Kui Marrying His Sister off” and “On Iron Cage Mountain”. Many of these plays draw on tales of loyalty and righteousness from “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”, “The Water Margin” and “The Story of Yue Fei”, showcasing the finest martial traditions from northern and southern schools. This programme is also the opening event of the 14th Chinese Opera Festival (COF) and is one of the programmes of the Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Month 2026.

     Peking opera wusheng can primarily be classified into two subtypes: changkao and duanda. Changkao wusheng refers to military males who wear dakou (warrior’s armour) and thick-soled boots to portray commanding generals, placing equal emphasis on combat techniques and stylised movements. Duanda wusheng, by contrast, wear fitted costumes and light footwear, mainly depicting heroic fighters that perform martial art routines through agile, swift, and acrobatic movements. 

     Details of the three performances are as follows:

“Lin Chong on the Run”, “‘The Battle at Changbanpo’ and ‘The Incident at Hanjin Crossing'”
——————————————————————————————————
Date and time: June 26 (Friday), 7.30pm

     “Lin Chong on the Run” is a well-known Peking opera featuring duanda wusheng roles. Zhao Hongyun, an emerging actor of the Shanghai Jingju Theatre Company, will portray Lin Chong’s desperate journey to Liangshan from “The Water Margin”, capturing the sorrow of a fallen hero with a balanced focus on vocal and acting skills. “‘The Battle at Changbanpo’ and ‘The Incident at Hanjin Crossing'” is an iconic martial piece adapted from the “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”, in which a succession of wusheng actors will perform. Xi Zhonglu, hailed as “the foremost wusheng in Peking opera of our time”, will command the stage with the imposing aura of Guan Yu in the hongsheng (red-faced male) tradition. Wei Xuelei and Chen Lin, class one performers from the Jingju Theater Company of Beijing and the Shanghai Jingju Theatre Company respectively, will share the role of Zhao Yun who rescues the lord amid fierce martial scenes. Both plays illustrate the dynamic range of wusheng artistry in Peking opera.

“The Pulley”, “Wu Song Checking in at the Inn”, “Rescuing His Sister at the Bright Sun Mansion”
———————————————————————————————————–
Date and time: June 27 (Saturday), 7.30pm 

     “The Pulley” is regarded as a touchstone of wusheng mastery. In this performance, Wang Daxing, a class one actor from the Tianjin Peking Opera Theatre, will demonstrate his formidable command of challenging routines such as “qiba” (a stylised suite of movements to depict arming for battle), “extended combat” and “overturning the pulleys” technique to breathe life into the last tragic battle of Southern Song General Gao Chong. Lu Jialiang, an outstanding young actor from the Shanghai Jingju Theatre Company, will demonstrate agile fist movements in the Gai school classic “Wu Song Checking in at the Inn”, detailing a humorous encounter through a fight between Wu Song and Sun Erniang. Class one performer Wang Xilong will portray the spoiled aristocrat Gao Deng in a painted-face role in “Rescuing His Sister at the Bright Sun Mansion”, displaying the arrogance and dominance of Gao through elegant martial sequences such as “tangma” (horse-riding) and “drunken fighting”. The three plays put the diverse artistry of various Peking opera schools on full display.

“Zhong Kui Marrying His Sister Off”, “Seven for a Righteous Cause”, “At the Crossroads”, “On Iron Cage Mountain”
———————————————————————————————–
Date and time: June 28 (Sunday), 2.30pm

     “Zhong Kui Marrying His Sister Off” is a representative Li school wusheng piece that combines singing, line delivery and martial choreography. Wang Xilong carries the Li school mantle, delivering a nuanced portrayal of the complex, bittersweet emotions of the occasion. Both “Seven for a Righteous Cause” and “At the Crossroads” are renowned plays of the Gai school. In the former, Lu Meng, a class one actor from the Hubei Provincial Peking Opera Theatre, will lead an outstanding ensemble cast to showcase the chivalrous spirit of outlaw heroes through vigorous martial choreography, while the latter features Shanghai Jingju Theatre Company performers Hao Shuai and his long-time partner Hao Jie, vividly presenting the most celebrated comic-action duets between wusheng and wuchou (martial comic) roles. The finale, “On Iron Cage Mountain”, is a major painted-face wusheng showcase. Xi Zhonglu will unleash a dazzling array of combat choreography to manifest the fearless spirit of Shu Han General Jiang Wei.

     The three performances will be held at the Grand Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC). Lyrics and dialogue are with Chinese and English surtitles. Tickets priced at $260, $360, $460 and $560 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. The CCF 2026 offers various discount schemes, such as group booking discounts, package booking discounts and the newly introduced “Generations Together 1+1” discount. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7325 or visit www.ccf.gov.hk/en/programme/showcase-of-actors-in-full-armour-roles-in-peking-opera.

     A number of free extension activities will be organised for this programme. A meet-the-artists session (in Putonghua) entitled “Face-to-Face with Peking Opera Actors in Full Armour Roles” will be held at 7.30pm on June 25 (Thursday) at AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, HKCC. The speakers include Xi Zhonglu, Wei Xuelei and Wang Daxing, while Chinese opera researcher Sheng Yihui will be the moderator. A backstage tour (in Putonghua) will be held at 4pm on June 26 (Friday) at the backstage of the Grand Theatre of the HKCC. Since the spaces for online registration of these two extension activities are full, those who are interested may wait at the venue’s entrance for a standby space on the day of the session. Any unclaimed spots will be released 10 minutes after the session begins on a first-come, first-served basis.

     In addition, a demonstration performance of Peking opera will be held at 3pm on June 27 (Saturday) at the Foyer of the HKCC, featuring young actors Ren Zicheng and Liu Hanxiye from the Shanghai Jingju Theatre Company who will perform “The Young Cowherd”. “The Art of Peking Opera Actors in Full Armour Roles Exhibition” will be held from June 10 to 28 at the Foyer Exhibition Area of the HKCC. All are welcome. 

     The programme will also feature a session under the “Chinese Culture for All: A Special Performance Series” to be held at 10am on June 25 (Thursday) at the Grand Theatre of the HKCC, with free admission specially for local primary and secondary school students. Actors from the Shanghai Jingju Theatre Company will introduce the makeup, costumes and stylised movements of different wusheng roles in Peking opera, offering a comprehensive insight into this art form. Interested schools can call 2268 7325 for details.

     The CCF, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Chinese Culture Promotion Office under the LCSD, aims to promote Chinese culture and enhance the public’s sense of national identity and cultural confidence, thereby facilitating patriotic education. It also aims to attract top-notch artists and arts groups from the Chinese Mainland and other parts of the world for exchanges in Chinese arts and culture. The CCF 2026 will be held from June to September. It will host various forms of distinctive stage programmes and related extension activities, film screenings, thematic exhibitions, talks, workshops, as well as community and school activities, affording the public and visitors more opportunities to appreciate and experience the beauty of fine traditional Chinese culture. For more information about programmes and activities of the CCF 2026, please visit www.ccf.gov.hk.

                                

Auction of traditional vehicle registration marks to be held on June 13

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Transport Department (TD) today (May 26) announced that the auction of traditional vehicle registration marks will be held on June 13 (Saturday) in Meeting Room S421, L4, Old Wing, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai.

     “A total of 420 traditional vehicle registration marks will be put up for public auction. The list of marks has been uploaded to the department’s website, www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/index.html,” a department spokesman said.

     For the auction of TVRMs, only registration marks starting with “HK” or “XX” and special vehicle registration marks are put up for physical auction. Applicants should attend the auction and take note of the opening price as announced by the auctioneer before participating in the bidding of the mark.

     People who wish to participate in the bidding at the auction should take note of the following important points:

(1) Successful bidders are required to produce the following documents for completion of registration and payment procedures immediately after the successful bidding:
(i) the identity document of the successful bidder;
(ii) the identity document of the purchaser if it is different from the successful bidder;
(iii) a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation if the purchaser is a body corporate; and
(iv) a crossed cheque made payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” or “The Government of the HKSAR”. (For an auctioned mark paid for by cheque, the first three working days after the date of auction will be required for cheque clearance confirmation before processing of the application for mark assignment can be completed.) Successful bidders can also pay through the Easy Pay System (EPS). Payment by post-dated cheques, cash or other methods will not be accepted.

(2) Purchasers must make payment of the purchase price through EPS or by crossed cheque and complete the Memorandum of Sale of Registration Mark immediately after the bidding. Subsequent alteration of the particulars in the memorandum will not be permitted.

(3) A vehicle registration mark can only be assigned to a motor vehicle which is registered in the name of the purchaser. The Certificate of Incorporation must be produced immediately by the purchaser if a vehicle registration mark purchased is to be registered under the name of a body corporate.
 
(4) The display of a vehicle registration mark on a motor vehicle should be in compliance with the requirements stipulated in Schedule 4 to the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) Regulations.

(5) Special registration marks are non-transferable. Where the ownership of a motor vehicle with a special registration mark is transferred, the allocation of the special registration mark shall be cancelled.

(6) The purchaser shall, within 12 months after the date of auction, apply to the Commissioner for Transport for the registration mark to be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser. If the purchaser fails to assign the registration mark within 12 months, allocation of the mark will be cancelled and arranged for re-allocation in accordance with the statutory provision without prior notice to the purchaser.

     For other auction details, please refer to the Guidance Notes – Auction of Traditional Vehicle Registration Marks, which can be downloaded from the department’s website, www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/tvrm_auction/index.html.