Jockey Club exclusively supports exhibition showcasing over 130 sets of treasures from Qin and Han dynasties

Solely sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Great Unity - Civilisation of the Qin and Han Dynasties in Shaanxi Province” exhibition will be held at the Hong Kong Museum of History from tomorrow until 7 July 2025. Featuring over 130 pieces and sets of priceless artifacts, the exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to explore the robust development and unique culture of China during the Qin and Han periods. The exhibition is also one of the activities being held in celebration of the Club’s 140th anniversary.

Guests tour “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Great Unity - Civilisation of the Qin and Han Dynasties in Shaanxi Province” exhibition.

The opening ceremony was held today (15 April) with officiating guests including Chan Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government; Qi Bin, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; Qian Jikui, Deputy Director of the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration; Martin Liao, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Raistlin Lau, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government; Professor Douglas So, Chairman of Museum Advisory Committee; and Manda Chan, Director of Leisure and Cultural Services.

Chan Kwok-ki, HKSAR Government Chief Secretary for Administration (centre); Qi Bin,Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR 3rd left); Qian Jikui, Deputy Director of the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration (3rd right); Martin Liao, the Club’s Deputy Chairman (2nd left); Raistlin Lau, HKSAR Government Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism (2nd right); Professor Douglas So, Chairman of Museum Advisory Committee (1st right); and Manda Chan, Director of Leisure and Cultural Services (1st left) at the “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Great Unity - Civilisation of the Qin and Han Dynasties in Shaanxi Province” exhibition opening ceremony.

Martin Liao, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: “The Club has actively supported the Leisure and Cultural Services Department in organising exhibitions under The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series, enhancing our city’s cultural vibrancy while also attracting visitors from around the world to explore exhibitions steeped in Chinese culture, elevating their artistic and cultural experience. Through a variety of arts and cultural activities, we aim to promote outstanding Chinese culture and develop Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, as outlined in the National 14th Five-Year Plan.”

Martin Liao, the Club’s Deputy Chairman, delivers a speech at the “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Great Unity - Civilisation of the Qin and Han Dynasties in Shaanxi Province” exhibition.

Following on from “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Ancient Civilisation of the Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties in Henan Province”, this new exhibition is the second programme of the General History of China Series, co-presented by the Hong Kong Museum of History and the Chinese Culture Promotion Office. The meticulously curated artifacts include figures from the iconic terracotta army of Emperor Qin Shihuang, warrior and animal figurines belonging to the Emperor Jing of Han, chariot components and architectural items. Together, these artefacts highlight the political, economic, cultural, technological and cross-border developments during the Qin and Han dynasties – presenting the vibrant charm of the unified dynasties. Showcasing over 20 sets of archeological finds from Hong Kong, the exhibition also sheds light on the region’s historical development during the period, offering a deeper perspective on the connection between the seat of power and Hong Kong.

Guests tour “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Great Unity - Civilisation of the Qin and Han Dynasties in Shaanxi Province” exhibition.

In addition to presenting precious relics, the exhibition incorporates multimedia elements through education programmes to provide visitors with a more engaging experience.Visitors can explore the attire and designs of the terracotta warriors, understand Chinese characters of the Qin and Han eras and the design of architectural components, decode Lingnan boat patterns, and measure themselves in standardised Qin and Han units. An interactive education zone features vibrant displays, animations and interactive games that vividly portray the development of the Lingnan region during the Qin and Han dynasties.The exhibition will also include a series of educational and outreach activities to provide the public with a comprehensive understanding of its core themes.

Selected exhibits from “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Great Unity - Civilisation of the Qin and Han Dynasties in Shaanxi Province” exhibition.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series is the result of a partnership between the Club and the LCSD. Launched in 2012, this series has brought world-class exhibitions to Hong Kong, enabling visitors to appreciate masterpieces from different places, times and cultures. The exhibitions are complemented by various education and outreach activities. Recent exhibitions include “Fragrance of Time — In Search of Chinese Art of Scent”, and “Cézanne and Renoir Looking at the World — Masterpieces from the Musée de l’Orangerie and the Musée d’Orsay” which is currently underway at the Hong Kong Museum of Art.

Selected exhibits from “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Great Unity - Civilisation of the Qin and Han Dynasties in Shaanxi Province” exhibition.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) announced at the 10th JC Youth Football Leadership Scheme graduation ceremony today (15 June) the names of six outstanding young leaders who will travel to Manchester, England to participate in a series of activities organised by the Manchester United and its Foundation to learn about the local football culture and engage in community football services .

The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Chief Executive Officer, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (back row, 1st left); Manchester United legend Bryan Robson (back row, 2nd left); Hong Kong Head Coach, Manchester United Soccer Schools, Christopher O’Brien (back row, 3rd left) and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals’ 4th Vice-Chairman cum Chairman of Community Services Committee, Jason Lee (back row, 4th left) with six outstanding leaders of the 10th JC Youth Football Leadership Scheme. They have been awarded an opportunity to visit Manchester.

The scheme, organised by the Club in collaboration with Manchester United and the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs), supported by funding from the Club’s Charities Trust for programme operation this year, was completed by 53 youngsters aged between 15 and 19. The six-month programme, comprising activities including football event organisation training, star mentor workshops, personal challenge and community football activities, helps young people to develop leadership potential and contributes to the betterment of our society.

The Club’s Chief Executive Officer, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges says the JC Youth Football Leadership Scheme helps young people develop physically, mentally and socially.

The Club’s Chief Executive Officer, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, said that as a world-class sports organisation, the Club is strongly committed to supporting sports development in schools, the community and at the elite level. The Club actively seeks opportunities, such as the JC Youth Football Leadership Scheme and a series of activities in collaboration with Manchester United, to strengthen connectivity between East and West for youngsters’ benefit. He congratulated the graduates and said he believed the scheme has helped young people seize opportunities and develop physically, mentally and socially.

The Club’s Chief Executive Officer, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges says the JC Youth Football Leadership Scheme helps young people develop physically, mentally and socially.

During the ceremony, held at Happy Valley Racecourse, the Club’s CEO presented each of the six outstanding leaders with a Certificate of Merit. Selected on the basis of their outstanding attitude and performance, they will participate in the football-cultural exchange tour to Manchester in August. Four other leaders were presented with a  Most Improved Award by TWGHs’ 4th Vice-Chairman cum Chairman of Community Services Committee, Jason Lee.

Manchester United legend Bryan Robson, one of the most influential footballers of the 1980s and 1990s, nicknamed “Captain Marvel” for his performances with both England and Manchester United, witnessed the young leaders’ graduation. He shared tips on good leadership and experiences from his Manchester United career, which spanned 13 seasons.

Manchester United legend Bryan Robson witnesses the graduation ceremony and shares leadership tips with participants.

The Club has worked as a Hong Kong Community Football Partner of Manchester United since 2012, launching various programmes to support youth development at school, community and elite levels. More than 480 youngsters have participated in the JC Youth Football Leadership Scheme since 2014. Notably, 48 outstanding young leaders have had the opportunity to visit Manchester.

Manchester United legend Bryan Robson (left) watches the Summer Series races at Sha Tin Racecourse on Saturday (14 June) with the Club’s Chief Executive Officer, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (right).

Over the years, the Club has promoted sports at both the community and elite levels through numerous initiatives, enabling people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to enjoy sports. Funded by the Club in partnership with the Government, the Hong Kong Sports Institute was established in 1982 (initially named Jubilee Sports Centre) as a training base for elite local athletes. In 2021, the Club pledged HK$150 million to match the HKSAR Government’s HK$150 million grant for the Sports Science and Research Funding Scheme.