HKIA Arts and Culture Festival 2026 Terminals 1 and 2 showcase the charm of two Cities-Hong Kong and Shanghai

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), together with several arts and cultural organisations, officially launched the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) Arts and Culture Festival 2026 today. Under the theme "Resonance of Two Cities – Hong Kong and Shanghai", the Festival is being held simultaneously in Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2) for the first time. Through a three-month arts exhibition and a series of captivating stage performances, the Festival celebrates the unique cultural identities of Hong Kong and Shanghai, enabling travellers from around the world to journey between the two cities and experience their rich heritage and vibrant artistic vitality.

The opening ceremony was kicked off with a special performance of the legendary pop song "The Bund" (Shanghai Tang), newly arranged and performed by Hong Kong singer Joey Tang, along with the In-heritage Philharmonic from Hong Kong and Music Bund City Band from Shanghai. The performers also shared insights into how the collaboration fosters musical and cultural exchange between the two cities.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vivian Cheung, Chief Executive Officer of AAHK, said, "HKIA is not only a world-class aviation hub, but also an important platform for cultural connectivity and exchange. This year's Arts and Culture Festival is particularly meaningful as it follows the opening of T2 in May. With T1 and T2 seamlessly connected, the Festival extends across both terminals, allowing travellers from around the world to taste the seamless cultural tie between Hong Kong and Shanghai."

During the Festival, the arrivals halls of T1 and T2 have been transformed into immersive urban streetscapes inspired by Hong Kong's “Tong Lau” tenement buildings and Shanghai's “Shikumen” architecture. Visitors can stroll through covered walkways and courtyards, experiencing the convergence of architectural styles and cultural traditions from both cities.

A series of special photography and art exhibitions will showcase works from Hong Kong and Shanghai that capture the unique and evolving cityscape of the two cities. The large screen in the arrivals hall of T1 will also host a digital art exhibition presenting works that include creative interpretations of Hong Kong and Shanghai by people with special needs, alongside artworks by school students from Hong Kong, inviting travellers into a digital world filled with creativity and imagination.

Over three consecutive weekends from 4 to 23 August, the arrivals hall of T1 will also host a series of performances featuring artists from Hong Kong and Shanghai, including the legendary Cantonese pop songs from the 1970s to 1990s, Shanghai-inspired jazz, traditional Chinese music and unique stage performances, as well as Chinese and Western music ensembles, choir and dance performances by school students from both cities. Through music and the performing arts, the programme aims to deepen cultural exchange between Hong Kong and Shanghai while providing travellers with a rich and diverse audio-visual experience.

The Arts and Culture Festival is supported by and organised with the participation of cultural and arts institutions from both cities, including Edge Design Institute Ltd., Hong Kong In-heritage Philharmonic, City University of Hong Kong, Shanghai Highwin Advertising Co.,Ltd, Peoplehood, Shanghai JIN Space Culture Development Co., Ltd., Hong Kong’s Cultural Inheritance and Development Foundation, The Arts Education Section of the Curriculum Development Institute of Education Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Chi Association, among others.

For more information about the HKIA Arts and Culture Festival 2026, please visit: https://www.hongkongairport.com/en/relax-fun/art-culture/

Vivian Cheung, Chief Executive Officer of AAHK

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