Share
Guangzhou and Hong Kong, two cities sharing a rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted kinship, have sparkled like brilliant stars throughout history, illuminating each other’s paths.
In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Link has partnered with the Guangdong Museum of Revolutionary History and the Department of Chinese and History at the City University of Hong Kong to present the exhibition From the Bund to the Harbour: Canton and Hong Kong Reconnected. The exhibition, divided into three zones—The Rise of the Bund; Diverse Architectural Styles; and Reminiscences of Canton-Hong Kong Connections — invites visitors to traverse a historical journey through time, exploring the connections between these two vibrant cities.
With 83 historical photographs on display, the exhibition enables visitors to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of commercial and cultural links between Guangzhou and Hong Kong. The Guangdong Museum of Revolutionary History, one of the organisers, expressed hope that the exhibition would further strengthen the two cities’ cultural ties and contribute to the high-quality cultural development of the Greater Bay Area (GBA).
Yi Xibing, Museum Director of Guangdong Museum of Revolutionary History says, the exhibition carefully curated photographs and content to highlight Changdi, an iconic symbol of Guangzhou. As visitors stroll through this historic riverside road, they uncover traces of Hong Kong, experiencing the shared heritage and parallels between the two cities, which are reflected in language, culture and other aspects — all rooted in their intertwined historical development and deep-seated connections. While showcasing the history of modern commercial and cultural exchanges between Guangzhou and Hong Kong, the exhibition also highlights the collaborative efforts of museums, universities and businesses in fostering a vibrant cultural landscape within the GBA.
The Department of Chinese and History at the City University of Hong Kong serves as the third organiser of the exhibition. Professor Ching May-bo, Head of the Department, describes her role as curator as identical to a bridge, facilitating an innovative collaboration between the three organisations by offering professional insights from various research perspectives, including history, culture, economics and daily life.
Professor Ching explains, “In my view, the people of Guangzhou and Hong Kong share a deep bond and kindred spirit. From everyday aspects like food, entertainment and culture to professional fields such as commerce and investment, this connection is deeply rooted. I believe this exhibition will evoke memories for older Hong Kong residents who were born and raised in Guangzhou, encouraging them to share more stories about the two cities with the younger generations and the wider public. For the youth, understanding this shared history will help broaden their perspective of Hong Kong.”
Professor Ching also hopes that this exhibition will spark a trend of nostalgia and heritage exploration in both Guangzhou and Hong Kong. She elaborates, “During my ongoing research, people frequently share old letters and photographs with me, many of which resemble those displayed at the exhibition. If visitors are reminded of similar items in their homes after viewing the display, I encourage them to take a closer look. By starting with your own family history, you might gain a deeper, more personal understanding of the connections between these two cities.”
From the Bund to the Harbour: Canton and Hong Kong Reconnected is the first cultural event hosted by a Mainland museum in a shopping mall in Hong Kong. The exhibition, held at Lok Fu Place, is free and open to the public, embodying the curatorial concept of “history is all around us”. Interestingly, the legacy of commercial interactions and cultural ties between Guangzhou and Hong Kong has found a modern echo in the location of Link Plaza Liwan in Guangzhou. This new shopping mall stands proudly on Huangsha, a prime section of Changdi.
Link has long been committed to fostering vibrant community life, and this event aims to showcase the connections between Guangzhou and Hong Kong in terms of urban and commercial development. The exhibition seeks to deepen public awareness of the close cultural ties between the two cities and nurture cultural confidence and regional identity, particularly among young people.
