SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- This is a news report from China Report ASEAN:
Technology helps intangible cultural heritage thrive and carry cultural traditions forward, while exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations help write a new chapter for the Asia-Pacific.
In the afternoon of November 4, 2026, the special exhibition Contour of the Time: Classics, Heritage and Convergence, under the theme "Enduring Heritage, Harmonious Asia-Pacific," opened in Shenzhen. The opening ceremony was co-hosted by Yu Wen, Vice President of CICG Asia-Pacific, and Chen Mu, General Manager of Rongbaozhai Greater Bay Area.
Attendees included Yu Yingfu, Vice President of China International Communications Group (CICG); Huang Limin, Deputy Director-General of the Publicity Department of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee; Jin Xiu, Second-Level Inspector of the Shenzhen Federation of Literary and Art Circles; Zhao Dong, Party Committee Secretary and Director of Rongbaozhai Co., Ltd.; and Yang Jianping, Party Committee Secretary and President of CICG Asia-Pacific.
The opening ceremony kicked off with a striking human-robot Wing Chun performance. Dong Chonghua, an intangible cultural heritage inheritor of Wing Chun (Ip Man lineage), performed alongside AGIBOT humanoid robots. Blending the grace and spirit of traditional martial arts with modern AI, the performance vividly showed how technology can breathe new life into intangible cultural heritage.
Yu Yingfu, Jin Xiu and Zhao Dong delivered remarks in turn, sharing their views on carrying forward intangible cultural heritage, using digital technology to drive cultural innovation, and promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations in the Asia-Pacific.
Yu noted that the special exhibition, themed "Enduring Heritage, Harmonious Asia-Pacific," took place ahead of the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. It is of great significance for promoting intangible cultural heritage across the Asia-Pacific and for fostering exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations in the region.
He noted that intangible cultural heritage is a living testament to the continuity of the Chinese civilization. Keeping this heritage alive requires preserving traditional skills, finding new ways to bring them into modern life and passing them on to future generations. Passing on culture also requires both preservation and storytelling, with new approaches needed to share China's stories with the world. Given the Asia-Pacific's diverse cultures and national conditions, he called for deeper understanding through culture and greater mutual trust through communication, bringing together efforts to build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future.
Jin Xiu said the special exhibition stands out for its deep cultural expression and international outlook. On behalf of the Shenzhen Federation of Literary and Art Circles, she congratulated the organizers on its opening. According to her, the exhibition is an inspiration for Shenzhen's artists and cultural workers. It shows how digital and intelligent technologies can breathe new life into intangible cultural heritage and how multilingual communication can reach international audiences. The Federation is proud to serve as a bridge between the city's cultural life and wider cultural exchange.
She reminded the audience that the special exhibition is being held alongside three other exhibitions in Shenzhen, including The Blooming Splendor: Exhibition of Works by Winners of the Shanhua Award for Chinese Folk Crafts, the 16th Guangdong Folk Craft Masterpieces Exhibition, and the Shenzhen Fine Folk Arts and Crafts Exhibition. Together, the four exhibitions complement one another. They inspire Shenzhen's artists and cultural workers and help Asia-Pacific audiences discover the vitality of Chinese culture through Shenzhen. Jin said the Federation is ready to work with all parties to sustain the dialogue set in motion by the exhibition.
Zhao Dong reflected on Rongbaozhai's more than 350 years of commitment to its cultural mission. He said the exhibition reflects the company's vision of bringing its centuries-old cultural heritage into contemporary dialogue and contributing to exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. It aims to showcase the richness of Chinese culture, demonstrate Rongbaozhai's cultural commitment as a time-honored brand, and provide a platform for international exchange. Through technology and international dialogue, it seeks to take intangible cultural heritage beyond static displays, keeping traditional crafts alive and connecting cultures.
Zhao also outlined Rongbaozhai's dual-headquarters strategy: one in Beijing, the other in the Greater Bay Area, where the company is developing its full range of cultural and artistic operations. With Hong Kong as its gateway, Shenzhen as its hub and Guangzhou as its base, Rongbaozhai aims to build a network for cultural exchange and art trading across the Asia-Pacific and beyond, fulfilling its mission as a state-owned cultural enterprise.
At the event, Yang Jianping introduced and announced the release of the APEC special issue of China Report ASEAN. Centered on the theme "Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together," the issue examines APEC cooperation mechanisms and brings Shenzhen's stories to life. One highlight is the special report titled Bringing Ancient Paintings Back to Life, which focuses on Rongbaozhai and serves as a lasting record of the exhibition.
Following the release of the special issue, a premiere and launch ceremony was held for the micro-documentary Revival of an Ancient Art: Woodblock Watermark Printing. Yu Yingfu, Huang Limin, Jin Xiu, Zhao Dong, Yang Jianping and other guests took the stage to release the documentary. Highlights from the documentary were screened at the event. The documentary showcases the tracing, block carving and printing processes involved in Rongbaozhai's woodblock watermark printing technique and how this traditional craft is being brought into modern life.
Two high-level roundtable discussions followed the launch ceremony, opening with a dance performance by students from South Pacific island countries studying in China. The first roundtable, themed Contemporary Narratives of Intangible Cultural Heritage and Technological Empowerment, featured six speakers: Zhong Ruolei, Design Department Manager at Rongbaozhai Greater Bay Area and curator of special exhibition; Li Jingping, Chairman of Shandong Cultural Industry Vocational College; musician Han Kaiyi; choreographer Fei Xiang; Liu Xiehui, Deputy General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of Beijing Qingyan Lingzhi Technology Co., Ltd.; and Yang Aimin, Professor at Peking University with a PhD in Management. Drawing on their experience in cross-disciplinary approaches to intangible cultural heritage, vocational education and heritage preservation, AI music, stage technology, digital assessment and ecological civilization, the speakers explored ways to take intangible cultural heritage beyond its traditional boundaries.
The second roundtable focused on "Asia-Pacific Youth 'I Read China': Cross-Cultural Reading and Youth Dialogue." Speakers included Ni Peng, Vice Dean of the School of History, Culture and Tourism at Liaocheng University; Sun Han, co-founder of BoNien Press; Li Jida, a doctoral student from Botswana at Jinan University; Xuan Han, a Russian student at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies; Zhu Ailin, a Russian graduate student at Shenzhen University; and Lộc Thị Anh Thư, a Vietnamese graduate student at Shenzhen University. Focusing on reading classics, writing stories for a city, learning Chinese characters, and cross-cultural engagement, the speakers shared their views on telling Chinese stories in a multilingual context and on creating platforms for Chinese and overseas youth to exchange ideas.
After the opening ceremony, guests toured the Rongbaozhai (Shenzhen) Art Space and the Rongbaozhai Art and Living Space, exploring the special exhibition and its interactive areas. They viewed paintings and calligraphy from Rongbaozhai's collection, woodblock watermark prints, traditional scholars' objects, contemporary gallery art, and modern craft designs. Guests also tried their hand at woodblock watermark printing and joined tea and floral art activities, a firsthand experience of how traditional crafts remain vibrant and relevant today.
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At the Exhibition | "Enduring Heritage, Harmonious Asia-Pacific" Special Exhibition Opens
At all twelve of its worldwide hotels, the legendary hospitality brand will welcome guests with spectacular celebrations, sumptuous feasts, and chances to share holiday enchantment
HONG KONG, Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With the winter holidays fast approaching, The Peninsula is preparing a full slate of splendid festivities, concerts, culinary delights, and family pursuits to greet guests at its luxury properties around the world. As they do each year, the hotels will offer visitors unparalleled opportunities to take part in jubilant revelry and traditional holiday pleasures, collectively transforming themselves into "The Home of Christmas."
From dazzling tree-lighting ceremonies and festive music performances to seasonal confections, Afternoon Teas and enchanting family activities, each hotel will invite guests to celebrate the season while discovering the distinctive traditions of its home city.
Together, these experiences reflect The Peninsula's signature blend of gracious service, enduring tradition and festive magic. This spirit comes to life in The Peninsula's 2026 festive film, The Magic Waits for You, which follows a woman returning to The Peninsula for Christmas. As snow settles around the hotel, a drift of golden light rises through it, carrying her back to the wonder of childhood and into a story where past and present gently intertwine. The film reveals that her most enchanting memories do not simply appear: They are brought to life by white-gloved hands, skilled chefs, fleet-footed pages, and countless thoughtful gestures. It is this human touch that turns the grand hotel into a holiday home – where magic is made by hand, with care, generation after generation. The film can be viewed on The Peninsula website and YouTube.
Spirited Holiday Concerts
Live performances of joyful holiday music are a treasured part of the festive season at The Peninsula Hotels. At many properties, the annual Tree-Lighting Ceremony – in which the hotel's grandly decorated Christmas tree is brilliantly illuminated – is accompanied by an uplifting choral concert. Other musical offerings this year will include the 41st annual iteration of The Peninsula Manila's magnificent Christmas Concert at The Pen, featuring the Manila Symphony Orchestra and some of the city's most acclaimed soloists; lively renditions of traditional holiday tunes from a celebrated orchestra each Saturday in December leading up to Christmas at The Peninsula Istanbul; and ethereal festive melodies from a talented live harpist at The Peninsula Beverly Hills.
Delectable Feasts and Treats
Across the Peninsula portfolio, hotel culinary teams will present an array of delectable holiday specialties, desserts, and libations at each of their respective restaurants (many of them Michelin-starred). This year's epicurean delights will include lavish Christmas Eve dinners, such as the magnificent seven-course culinary experience served against sweeping city views at The Peninsula Shanghai's Sir Elly's. Bountiful Christmas Day brunches, and traditional Festive Afternoon Teas will also be offered at each hotel's Lobby – with tiered towers of artfully crafted savouries and sweets, warming holiday beverages, and celebratory Champagne. A plethora of mouth-watering holiday sweets from the chef teams will additionally be on offer, including decadent chocolates, Peninsula Sweet Shoppe confections, and, at The Peninsula Paris, exquisite gourmet bûches de Noël from award-winning Executive Pastry Chef Anne Coruble. For her creation this year, "L'Épi de Blé," Chef Coruble partnered with Parisian jewellery maison Chaumet to craft an artfully delicious Yule log in the shape of an ear of wheat – an enduring symbol of harvest and bounty.
Enchanting Family Pursuits
For guests with children, Peninsula hotels around the world offer a delightful array of family-friendly activities that embody the magic of the holidays. Many of these are cherished traditions that guests choose to experience together year after year – such as exhilarating rooftop ice skating at The Peninsula Chicago's Sky Rink; visiting The Peninsula Tokyo's much-loved Toy Hospital, where a team of volunteer toy doctors brings children's worn or damaged toys back to life; or taking part in gingerbread- and cookie-decorating workshops at The Peninsula Beijing. At The Peninsula New York, families can take part in a Festive Brilliance Walking Tour of dazzling holiday window displays, Christmas trees, and holiday markets along Fifth Avenue; while at The Peninsula London, they can enjoy screenings of Christmas films at the hotel's private Cinema; and visits with Santa between 23 December and Christmas Day.
Fabulous Fêtes
Around the globe, Peninsula guests can celebrate the holidays at a variety of marvellous festive gatherings. These range from fun-loving Ugly Christmas Sweater parties and convivial firepit Glühwein toasts to extravagant New Year's Eve Galas – like those at The Peninsula Hong Kong, where fine dining, music, Champagne toasts, and an exuberant countdown to the arrival of 2027 will take place overlooking the elaborate Victoria Harbour fireworks display. At The Peninsula Bangkok, visitors can additionally take part in a captivating late-November Loy Krathong Festival celebration, with Thai classical dance performances, cultural pageants, and traditional floating of krathongs (candlelit woven-leaf boats) on the Chao Phraya River.
Special Stay Offers and Festive Gifts
Festive-season travellers at every Peninsula property can enjoy superlative elegance and comfort – as well as significant savings – by booking their holiday stays with Luxury in Advance. This brand-wide offer lets guests receive up to 25 percent off the Best Available Rates for rooms and suites at their preferred Peninsula destination when they book in advance. Additionally, they can enjoy the freedom, flexibility, and extra hours provided by Peninsula Time, a global benefit allowing check-in as early as 6am and check-out as late as 10pm.
For those seeking a thoughtful festive gift, The Peninsula x Anya Hindmarch Collection returns with limited-edition, destination-inspired tote bags and leather charms. Building on the collaboration first introduced in Hong Kong in 2025, the collection will be available at The Peninsula Hong Kong, The Peninsula Tokyo, The Peninsula Istanbul and The Peninsula London. Each tote comes in The Peninsula's signature green canvas with a city-inspired accent strap – from Hong Kong's Harbour Red to London's Royal Purple, while the charms include a witty "PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB" design inspired by a classic hotel doorhanger.
The Season of Giving
Since its founding, The Peninsula has extended support to underserved members of its home communities through outreach programmes and charitable donations, and it makes special efforts to give during the holidays. In keeping with this commitment, several Peninsula hotels will participate in Acts of Kindness this year, by inviting passerby to indulge in complimentary treats like mince pie, hot chocolate, and mulled wine. Other hotels will host their own charitable initiatives – for instance, all admission and skate rental costs at The Peninsula Chicago's Sky Rink are donated to two Chicago children's charities: Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, and Hephzibah Children's Association.
On a global scale, every Peninsula property also offers guests the chance to give during the holiday season. With each purchase of a Festive Afternoon Tea, a portion of proceeds will be donated to a local organisation that supports the welfare of children – for example, Make-A-Wish Foundation®, which helps grant the wishes of kids facing life-threatening illnesses.
About The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (Stock Code: 45)
Incorporated in 1866 and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited is the holding company of a group which is engaged in the ownership, development, and management of prestigious hotels and commercial and residential properties in key locations in Greater China, Europe, United States and Asia, as well as the operation of the Peak Tram, retail and other services. The Peninsula Hotels portfolio comprises The Peninsula Hong Kong, The Peninsula Shanghai, The Peninsula Beijing, The Peninsula London, The Peninsula Paris, The Peninsula Istanbul, The Peninsula New York, The Peninsula Chicago, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, The Peninsula Tokyo, The Peninsula Bangkok and The Peninsula Manila. The property portfolio of the group includes The Repulse Bay Complex, The Peak Tower and St. John's Building in Hong Kong, and 21 avenue Kléber in Paris, France. The Peak Tram, Retail and Others portfolio of the group includes The Peak Tram in Hong Kong; The Quail in Carmel, California; Peninsula Clubs and Consultancy Services, Peninsula Merchandising, and Tai Pan Laundry in Hong Kong.
Learn more at www.peninsula.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
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THE PENINSULA INVITES FESTIVE-SEASON TRAVELLERS TO EXPERIENCE "THE HOME OF CHRISTMAS" AROUND THE GLOBE
THE PENINSULA INVITES FESTIVE-SEASON TRAVELLERS TO EXPERIENCE "THE HOME OF CHRISTMAS" AROUND THE GLOBE
THE PENINSULA INVITES FESTIVE-SEASON TRAVELLERS TO EXPERIENCE "THE HOME OF CHRISTMAS" AROUND THE GLOBE
THE PENINSULA INVITES FESTIVE-SEASON TRAVELLERS TO EXPERIENCE "THE HOME OF CHRISTMAS" AROUND THE GLOBE
