Detour Hong Kong (26th Nov - 12th Dec 2010)

Official event poster

I have attended Detour Hong Kong (an annual event in collaboration with Business of design week, showcasing Hong Kong's local creative talents) for the past three years and I have to say that this year's has been the most successful so far. I don't know if it is due to the partnership with Japan, but the level has certainly gone up!

First of all, the venue itself is an attractions on its own... Victoria prison located inside the Central Police Station compound is a declared heritage monument built in 1841 but has ceased operation since 2005. The site's future has generated much public interests and attention because of fear of the government turning it into another shopping mall like the Former Marine Police Headquarters Compound in Kowloon. The future of this compound is yet to be decided, but I was thrilled to visit the site before it being 'destroyed' by the government and developers.

Last year's Detour (see my older entry) took place in the former Police Married Quarters which was an interesting concept and attempt but it failed in its execution. This year, with the participation of well-known Japanese artists and designers, the scale is not only larger but much more ambitious.

The compound itself is huge and is divided into different sections, so it feels a bit like wandering inside a maze... I like the fact that the organisers have kept the original features and did not 'glam' the place up. They managed to use the space and ambience effectively and maintained a balance between the space and installations. I especially like the cells re-designed by local and Japanese designers.

An inspiring and cool event that finally proves that Hong Kong is not just about business. What it actually needs is government support and more public interests. I really hope that next year will be another successful one as Germany will be the partnering country...


Entrance from Hollywood Road, façade art installations by Japanese artist, Takafumi Hara







Architecture:








Spooky cells




Interesting notices:






Japanese designers & artists:


Cell covered in tin foil by Nosigner





Works by Takafumi Hara


Pure water design exhibition poster


Nosigner





Works by local artists & designers:






Paper crafted works by design students




West Kowloon cultural dialogue



Jaffa Lam




Muji DIY chair designs by local and Japanese designers

Hong Kong National Geopark tour

Fishermen spearfishing off Ap Chau island

A lot of people (including myself and most local Hong Kongers) often forget that about 70% of Hong Kong is made up of unspoilt mountains and countryside while over 7 million of its population are crammed into high-rises in urban areas. Thanks to the ex-British government, many areas (esp. the New Territories) are designated for nature conservation. These are usually country parks and hiking trails where locals and visitors can enjoy the city's nature and wild life. If we look at the rapid rate of China's development and how the current Hong Kong government is handling the city, Hong Kongers should be grateful that the British left Hong Kong something so valuable that is beneficial for many generations to come.

I have wanted to visit the National Geopark for a while, last week I came across a boat tour which reignited my interest to visit the region. The tour explores the Northeastern part of Hong Kong near the Chinese border, passing past Double Haven marine park, stopping at Lai Chi Wo (Hakka village) and Ap Chau (an island off Hong Kong).

The entire boat trip lasted about 5 hours including 2 hours of sightseeing on land. The weather was sunny and warm with some breeze which was perfect for this tour! I love the scenery esp. around the Double Haven marine park and I find it hard to believe that there are still so many deserted beaches in Hong Kong!

Visiting the Hakka village was an interesting experience, but rows of abandoned and neglected houses reminded us of the urbanisation progress that took place in the past decades. Interestingly, many of the old trees outside of the village walls have stood the test of time and survived the Colonial period, Japanese invasion and the return of Hong Kong to China... perhaps they are the true protectors of the village.

In Ap Chau (means Duck Island in Chinese), there is a famous sea arch called 'duck eye' and from there, we could clearly see Shenzhen across the border. It was odd to see the industrial development over there and the natural environment being conserved on our side. And right in front of us, there were 2 fishermen still fishing in the very traditional way... by spear! It was fascinating to watch and a huge contrast against the industrial backdrop. At that moment, I felt particularly worried for the future of the mainland Chinese across the border.

This boat trip was an eye-opening experience for me. Apart from the scenery, it was also interesting to learn about the heritage and geological aspect of the region and I would strongly recommend it to all visitors and locals.



Departing point: Ma Liu Shui pier near Shatin



Bluff head, with rocks dating from 400 million years ago




Double Haven Marine Park

Lai Chi Wo









The old primary school






Hip Tin temple just outside of the village



Village wall with murals


Abandoned houses



Ancestral Halls of the 2 main families: Tsang and Wong


Narrow alleyway



Interior of a local house








Amazing trees...

Ap Chau



Clear water