Discover Hong Kong and Shanghai’s shared heritage at the HKIA Arts and Culture Festival 2026

Hong Kong International Airport is known for its sleek interior, making Heritage Meets Modernity: Tong Lau & Shikumen Take Centre Stage stand out even more. Inspired by Hong Kong’s Tong Lau and Shanghai’s Shikumen, this installation, located in the arrivals halls of both terminals, fuses elements of the two cities’ heritage buildings into a stylised streetscape. With details such as an arched entrance, steel gates, and balconies featuring silhouettes of residents, this installation invites you to step back in time and experience the beautifully reimagined glimpses of the bygone eras of both cities.

Beyond immersing you in traditional architecture, the festival takes the experience a step further by transforming these reimagined streetscapes into captivating gallery spaces showcasing the work of photographers and artists from Hong Kong and Shanghai. Delve into the rich stories and vibrant spirit of both modern metropolises through striking photographs that portray the daily lives of residents and the evolution of these cities, alongside beautiful paintings from talented artists that capture their urban scenery, fast-paced pulse, and unique charm.

The festival also presents a selection of modern Hong Kong-style cheongsams from Cammie Chan Cheongsam. Drawing inspiration from local iconography, such as mahjong tiles, bauhinia flowers, and architectural motifs, these unique garments reinterpret our city’s heritage into contemporary fashion pieces. Plus, you’ll be able to try on these elegant pieces on Fridays and Saturdays, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Near Arrivals Hall A in Terminal One, visitors to HKIA will be captivated by a range of video artworks displayed on a giant LED screen as part of the Art in Motion series. This digital exhibition features five videos across four distinct themes, all celebrating creativity and diverse perspectives. Highlights include artistic interpretations of local landmarks by artists from the Hong Chi Association, eco-conscious sketches by primary school students, heartwarming illustrations of Shanghai by children with special needs, and much more.

As part of the Arts and Culture Festival, HKIA also invites performers and arts groups from Hong Kong and Shanghai to deliver an exciting programme of live performances. Throughout the festival, visitors will be treated to a diverse array of performances that reflect the distinctive character and artistic traditions of both cities.

From timeless genres such as classical music and Chinese opera to the upbeat contemporary energy of jazz and dance, the festival’s dynamic lineup seamlessly bridges the past and present. Best of all, it offers a great opportunity to discover the respective cultures of the two cities through the lens of emerging young artists.

Aside from enjoying the festival’s wide range of arts and culture happenings, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich cultures of Hong Kong and Shanghai by tasting them! Keep your eyes peeled for pop-up carts around the arrivals halls of Terminal One and Two, where you can pick up authentic local snacks, beautifully packaged food, and classic souvenirs to take a piece of the experience home with you.

Bridging the cities, the HKIA Arts and Culture Festival provides a fresh perspective on the cultural ties between Hong Kong and Shanghai. It invites visitors to rediscover how these two modern metropolises have evolved side by side. Be sure to check out the installations while you’re at the airport to immerse yourself in this captivating tale of two cities before your next flight, and visit HKIA’s website for more information.