The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) hosted the “International Symposium on Xiqu and Intangible Cultural Heritage Development 2025” between 22 and 24 February at the Xiqu Centre of West Kowloon Cultural District. Global scholars were invited to exchange ideas on the dissemination and development of intangible cultural heritage around the world.
The event was organised by the EdUHK's Academy for Educational Development and Innovation (AEDI) and the Xiqu and Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre (XICH), in collaboration with the Xiqu Centre of West Kowloon Cultural District, and supported by Hong Kong Cultural Alliance Foundation, China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, People's Music Publishing House, the Rural Training College Alumni Association, and the Department of Cultural and Creative Arts (CCA) of EdUHK.
With the main heme of “Developing Xiqu and Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) as a means of disseminating Chinese culture globally”, the symposium brought together scholars, practitioners, educators and enthusiasts from around the world to discuss and explore the development of Xiqu and ICH as a powerful means of disseminating Chinese culture internationally. Over a hundred participants from Hong Kong, mainland China, and overseas presented their research findings in parallel sessions and poster presentations.
The symposium officially opened on 22 February at the Teahouse Theatre in the Xiqu Centre, featuring officiating guests including Mr Jat Sew-tong, Chairman of Performing Arts Committee, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority; Dr Frankie Yeung, Chairman of Xiqu Centre Advisory Panel, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority; Mr Chu King-yuen, Vice-chairman of the Rural Training College Alumni Association; and Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, President of EdUHK and Director of AEDI.
Professor John Lee Chi-Kin said, “EdUHK has always placed great importance on the education and research of intangible cultural heritage and the promotion of Xiqu. In 2023, we renamed the Research Centre for Transmission of Cantonese Opera to the Xiqu and Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre, expanding its scope of research, pedagogy and promotion. I hope this event will provide a platform for international and mainland scholars, practitioners, and enthusiasts to explore the pathways and developmental models for the global dissemination of intangible cultural heritage, contributing to the inheritance and promotion of Chinese culture.”
During the three-day symposium, numerous experts delivered their views on development regarding xiqu and ICH in different keynote sessions, including (in Chinese strokes and alphabetical order) Professor Wang Kui, Director of Music-drama Institute, Chinese National Academy of Arts; Professor Qu Ge, Xi’an Conservatory of Music; Professor Gao Shu, Deputy Editor of China Intangible Cultural Heritage, Chinese National Academy of Arts; Dr Chang Yu-hua, Chief Executive Officer of GuoGuang Opera Company, Professor Liu Zhen, Nanchang University; Professor Han Qichao, Director of Academy for Music, Hebei Normal University; Professor Hsiao-Mei Hsieh, Department of Drama and Theatre, University of Taiwan; Professor Nancy Yunhwa Rao, Chair, Academic Division, Department of Music, Rutgers University; Professor Jonathan Stock, Department of Music, University College Cork; Professor Patricia Shehan- Campbell , Professor Emeritus, University of Washington; Professor Huib Schippers, Griffith University.
The symposium focused on the five key areas: “Transmission of Xiqu and ICH in schools”, “Transmission of Xiqu and ICH in communities”, “Application of modern technology in the transmission of Xiqu and ICH”, “Nature and characteristics of Xiqu and ICH in promoting Chinese culture”, and “Inter-disciplinary studies in promoting teaching and learning of Xiqu and ICH”. It is expected that the symposium will establish an ongoing network of Xiqu and ICH scholars to continue collaboration and knowledge sharing, as well as create a sustainable model for future symposiums and events focused on Xiqu and ICH development.