Tuesday, 8 September 20265J Bernice Yeung
On 2 September, our school’s S5 Chinese History students, along with peers interested in local heritage, embarked on a meaningful excursion to Pok Fu Lam Village to learn about one of Hong Kong’s recognised Intangible Cultural Heritages, the Pok Fu Lam Fire Dragon Dance.
The Fire Dragon Dance boasts a long and rich history. During a late 19th-century plague outbreak in Pok Fu Lam Village, local residents crafted a dragon from straw, inserted burning incense sticks along its body, and paraded it through the village to pray for health and purification. Although the epidemic eventually passed, the custom was preserved and remains vibrant today.
The trip offered a truly immersive experience. After an informative briefing, local heritage volunteers guided students along the full procession route. They highlighted how deeply the community values this tradition, explaining that dancers make sure to navigate every narrow alley so that every single household receives a blessing.
This hands-on outing gave students a far deeper understanding of living culture. Even without bearing the weight of the heavy, incense-laden dragon, walking the countless steep steps in the heat was physically challenging, allowing students to genuinely appreciate the passion and dedication of these cultural preservationists.
Overall, the excursion was a tremendous success. Beyond teaching students about Hong Kong’s history, it brought classroom learning to life, turning facts on paper into memorable real-world experiences.