The "Rejoicing in Woods and Springs: A Journey through Garden Cultures in China and the Wider World" exhibition targets to run in Hong Kong in 2026
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The Hong Kong Jockey Club and Palace Museum have signed a landmark Memorandum of Cooperation titled 'Promotion of Chinese Culture and Arts Tech Talent Development in the Mainland and Hong Kong'. The five-year collaboration aligns with the Central Government's vision as outlined in the National 14th Five-Year Plan, which aims to position Hong Kong as an East-meets-West hub for international cultural exchange.
Through architectural models, detailed reconstructions and digitally immersive historical recreations, the exhibition vividly demonstrates the design philosophy behind the Forbidden City's imperial gardens. Visitors can also explore classical Chinese gardens through this exhibition, such as Suzhou's Dinghui Temple Garden; and Qianlong Garden; as well as foreign gardens including Pompeian villa gardens in Italy, the Versailles' garden in France and Edo-period Japanese Gardens. (Photo credit: The Palace Museum)
Key initiatives
The initiative also aims to nurture arts technology and cultural talent, laying a solid foundation for innovation and creativity in this sector.
The Memorandum outlines several key initiatives aimed at achieving its ambitious goals. Among them is the restoration of the historic Chengqiangong at the Palace Museum and the subsequent creation of The Palace Museum Hong Kong Cultural Exchange Hub. This hub will serve as a vibrant platform for cultural interaction, featuring the thematic exhibitions on the role of horses in history and palace culture, and exchanges between emerging arts tech talents from Hong Kong and the Mainland.
The partnership also includes touring exhibitions in Beijing and Hong Kong, alongside educational activities that foster cross-cultural understanding. To engage younger audiences, digital exhibitions and pop-up events will present innovative ways to connect with Chinese history and culture. Mobile digital exhibitions will further extend outreach to schools across Hong Kong and the Mainland, instilling an appreciation of shared heritage and values among students.
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Capacity building is another focus, with efforts to nurture emerging arts tech talents in Hong Kong and the Mainland, cultivating a skilled and dynamic community in the field. Knowledge dissemination and educational initiatives, such as forums, archaeological research, and documentaries, will also broaden the global reach of Chinese culture.
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