Jointly organised by Hong Kong Public Libraries and Institute of Chinese Studies, CUHK

The Public Lecture Series on “Lingnan Culture and the World” 2025, themed “Humans and Deities Connected Through Celebrations: Festivals and Customs in Lingnan,” is co-organised by the Institute of Chinese Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Public Libraries. Two insightful and engaging lectures will be held at the Lecture Theatre of the Hong Kong Central Library on 25 October (Saturday) and 2 November (Sunday) 2025.

Celebrations that bring humans and deities together represent a harmonious union between Heaven and humanity. In these festive moments, people commune with the divine and share in collective joy, infusing earthly festivals with sacred significance and deep religious meaning. The festivals and customs of Lingnan not only embody the common characteristics of traditional Chinese festivals but also reflect distinctive regional traits. Approaching the topic from an everyday, down-to-earth perspective, the two invited scholars will explore the religious values and cultural significance embedded in Lingnan’s diverse festive practices.

This public lecture series is part of RGC Collaborative Research Project “Lingnan Culture and the World” (2023–2026) and is also one of the activities in the Chinese Culture Promotion Series.

Lecture 1
Celebrating Festivals and Divine Birthdays Through
Daoist Rituals in Hong Kong Temples
Speaker:         Professor LAI Chi Tim
                         Department of Cultural and Religious Studies, CUHK
Date:               25.10.2025 (Saturday)
Time:              10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon
→→→ Abstract ←←←

Lecture 2
Half a Century in the Festival Field:
A Self-Reflection in Hong Kong Jiao Festival
Speaker:         Professor CHOI Chi Cheung
                         Department of History, CUHK
Date:               2.11.2025 (Sunday)
Time:              10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon
→→→ Abstract ←←←

Venue:             Lecture Theatre, G/F, Hong Kong Central Library
Registration:  Click here

Enquiries:       2921 0285 / 3943 7382
Websites:
Hong Kong Public Libraries                 www.hkpl.gov.hk
Institute of Chinese Studies, CUHK   www.ics.cuhk.edu.hk

**Conducted in Cantonese**
**Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the talk for admission**
**Free admission. Limited seating. Register now.**

*RGC Collaborative Research Project “Lingnan Culture and the World” (2023–2026)