Living Heritage: Movable-Type Printing Workshop and Guided Walking Tour

PLUS

Info

2026.06.13 and 06.27

11:00 - 13:15
Approx. 2 hrs 15 mins

Wa In Fong West, Kwong Wah Printing Company
Gathering Point: Community Room 6-8, Wa In Fong West, Central

$380

In collaboration with

A craft worth saving. A skill worth learning. A memory worth keeping.

The Hong Kong Arts Festival invites you to join a rare, hands-on encounter with one of Hong Kong's most treasured living crafts—movable-type printing, recognised as part of Hong Kong's Intangible Cultural Heritage—at an intimate workshop experience paired with a guided cultural walk through the historic streets of Sheung Wan.

Inspired by The Drunkard—the 2026 HKAF-commissioned theatre production adapted from Liu Yichang's celebrated novel—this PLUS guided cultural tour first brought audiences into the living streets of Sheung Wan during the 54th Festival in January this year, exploring remnants of the district's 1960s community and the enduring craft of movable-type printing. Now, in celebration of the Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Month 2026, the HKAF is bringing back the workshop and guided tour, and you're invited to join this trip down memory lane.

Get Your Hands Inky: The Workshop
This event revolves around an intimate workshop led by Mr Yam, a master craftsman of the Kwong Wah Printing Company who has been devoted to keeping the art of movable-type printing alive. Under his expert guidance, you'll learn to select, arrange and print with individual pieces of type, discovering the meticulous skill and artistry behind each character. More than a lesson, this is an act of cultural inheritance—a chance to connect directly with a tradition that shaped the flow of knowledge for generations. Every participant will take home a specially printed souvenir, a tangible memento of a craft worth remembering.

Walk Through History: The Cultural Walk
Before the workshop, join us on a guided walk through the historic streets of Sheung Wan, once the beating heart of Hong Kong's printing industry. During the 1960s, this vibrant district was alive with the clatter of type and the smell of ink, as printing houses lined its streets and gave voice to the city's stories. Trace the footsteps of the craftsmen who shaped Hong Kong's literary and commercial culture, and encounter elements of the heritage that survives as a testament to this remarkable era.

More Than Great Performances
Through PLUS, the Hong Kong Arts Festival reaches beyond the stage to connect with the rich cultural fabric of our city. The HKAF presents this event as a partner of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Month 2026, which is organised by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of the HKSAR Government. Join us to learn, to create and to carry forward traditions that deserve to endure.

In collaboration with
Kwong Wah Printing Company
Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Month 2026
Habyt Bridges

Kwong Wah Printing Company

Founded in about 1954, the Kwong Wah Printing Company is renowned for providing movable-type printing services to the community. After the arrival of new technology, movable-type printing was gradually replaced and became a part of the city’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. The company is now managed by the second-generation successor, Yam Wai-sang, who oversaw the transition to offset printing and has now spent more than 50 years in the printing industry. After obtaining his docent qualifications, Mr Yam now endeavours to pass on the knowledge and techniques related to movable-type printing to the next generation through workshops and appreciation events.

Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Month 2026

Presented by the LCSD and organised by the ICHO, “Hong Kong ICH Month 2026” will be held from 30 May to 30 June. Under the theme “ICH Around Town,” the event features a series of diverse programmes designed to give the public and tourists a deeper understanding of ICH, thereby putting into practice the concept of “shaping tourism with cultural activities and promoting culture through tourism”. Key programmes include “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series”, solely sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.

Website: https://www.icho.hk/en/web/icho/hk_ich_month_2026.html

Habyt Bridges

Habyt Bridges is a conservation and revitalisation project of the Urban Renewal Authority focusing on Staunton Street and Sing Wong Street. Located in the Grade II historic building complex on Staunton Street, this “co-living” space provides not only housing but also shared spaces and retail outlets, including the Tong Lau Experience Room which hosts visitors interested in local history, as well as the Community Living Room designed for gatherings and small-scale events for nearby residents.

Remarks

- Conducted in Cantonese
- The event is suitable for people aged six and above
- Participants should wear comfortable clothes and sports shoes
- Participants should be able to navigate some slopes and stairs
- As some events will include outdoor itineraries, those with limited mobility are advised to participate at their own discretion
- In the event of adverse weather, typhoons, heavy rain or other force majeure, please stay tuned to the HKAF’s website, social media platforms and emails for updates two hours before the event
- The HKAF reserves the right to decide and alter the operation of the activities at its own discretion. Our latest updates are available on our website and social media platforms, and/or direct emails
- Enquiries: plus@hkaf.org