A groundbreaking exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of renowned Chinese novelist Louis Cha, better known by his pen name Jin Yong, has drawn over 200,000 visitors since its opening on March 16 at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum (HKHM).
The “A Path to Glory – Jin Yong’s Centennial Memorial, Sculpted by Ren Zhe” exhibition has become a cultural phenomenon, attracting both locals and tourists alike. Approximately 30,000 of the visitors have been international tourists, underscoring the global appeal of Jin Yong’s literary works.
On Wednesday, the exhibition reached a significant milestone as it welcomed its 200,000th visitor. To mark the occasion, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Raistlin Lau, along with exhibition co-curator William Fong and multimedia artist Victor Wong, presented a special souvenir pack to the lucky visitor, Mr. Lo.
“I’ve read most of Jin Yong’s novels, with ‘The Smiling, Proud Wanderer’ being my favorite,” said Mr. Lo, a retiree exploring Hong Kong’s cultural offerings. “This exhibition brings those beloved characters to life in a way I never imagined.”
The exhibition features 22 sculptures by artist Ren Zhe, depicting iconic characters from Jin Yong’s martial arts novels. These lifelike creations are complemented by immersive multimedia installations designed by Victor Wong, transporting visitors into Jin Yong’s fantastical world of martial arts.
In addition to the temporary exhibition, the HKHM houses a permanent Jin Yong Gallery, which has welcomed over 2.78 million visitors since its establishment in 2017. The gallery showcases Jin Yong’s early career and creative process, highlighting his profound impact on Hong Kong’s pop culture.
The exhibition is part of a broader cultural initiative, serving as a prelude to the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2024. This year’s festival, themed “Arts & Action,” aims to explore the dynamic evolution of Hong Kong’s pop culture through various mediums, including literature, art, and martial arts.
As Hong Kong continues to position itself as a cultural hub, this exhibition stands as a shining example of the city’s commitment to preserving and promoting its literary heritage while engaging a new generation of readers and art enthusiasts.
“This exhibition not only celebrates Jin Yong’s literary legacy but also showcases Hong Kong’s rich cultural heritage,” said William Fong, co-curator of the exhibition. “It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of Jin Yong’s works and their significance in Chinese literature.”
The exhibition, which is free to the public, will run until October 7, 2023. Additional installations featuring sculptures of Jin Yong’s characters can be found at various locations throughout Hong Kong, including the Hong Kong International Airport and the West Kowloon Cultural District.
As Hong Kong continues to position itself as a cultural hub, this exhibition stands as a shining example of the city’s commitment to preserving and promoting its literary heritage while engaging a new generation of readers and art enthusiasts.
