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Activities to help you explore Hong Kong’s art scene: make a Cantonese opera mask, and visit a museum

From traditional Chinese opera to paintings and sculptures, the city has something for everyone
byJo Wong
Published: 12:25am, 18 Mar 2024
Length: 387 words
Activities to help you explore Hong Kong’s art scene: make a Cantonese opera mask, and visit a museum

Hong Kong has many museums that you can explore. Photo: Shutterstock

Difficulty: Explorer (Level 1)

Hong Kong is a city of creativity. There are many theatres where people perform and put on exciting shows. The city has something for everyone. There is traditional Chinese opera, modern dance and museums. Here are three spots you must visit.

The Hong Kong Museum of Art is the city’s oldest public art museum. It is located in Tsim Sha Tsui. The museum has a large collection of artwork from around the world. You can also learn more about Chinese paintings and sculptures.

There is also the M+ museum in West Kowloon. It shows art, design, architecture and moving images from all over Asia.

Those who are interested in Cantonese opera should visit the Xiqu Centre in West Kowloon. This traditional Chinese art form involves music, singing, martial arts, acrobatics and acting. Cantonese opera actors wear beautiful costumes and usually put on white and red make-up.

The Xiqu Centre is a performing art studio in Tsim Sha Tsui. Photo: Xiaomei Chen
The Xiqu Centre is a performing art studio in Tsim Sha Tsui. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

Cantonese opera mask painting

Materials

  • modelling clay

  • cling film

  • recycled popsicle sticks

  • paint or markers

  • glue

Instructions

  1. Mould your modelling clay into a round shape that is slightly larger than your face.

  2. Put a layer of cling wrap on your face. Use your fingers to make holes around your nose for breathing.

  3. Press the clay onto your face. Shape it to fit the curves of your features. Remove clay in the areas over your eyes, nostrils and mouth. The clay should be about 1cm thick, so it holds its shape but is not too heavy.

  4. Then, remove it from your face and place it on a flat surface to dry.

  5. Decorate the mask using paint or markers. Follow the example above or find other Cantonese opera make-up examples online. Glue popsicle sticks to the back of the mask to make a handle.

  6. Wait until the mask is completely dry before using it or displaying it.

Photo: YouTube / Desmond Tan
Photo: YouTube / Desmond Tan

Hong Kong’s art scene

Visit one of the places mentioned in the story. Take your time to explore and observe the art or performances. Fill in the table below, and tell your friends all about it.

IN THIS ARTICLE
Art
Hong Kong
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