Hong Kong’s UNESCO-awarded hotel, Tai O Heritage Hotel, welcomed the Year of the Horse on an auspicious note, celebrating the most important festival on the Chinese calendar and extending blessings to the community through an array of activities, including its inaugural charity day.

In partnership with the Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), the hotel welcomed more than 180 guests from underprivileged families on the charity day held on 24 February 2026. It began with the uplifting drum beats echoing through the hotel, followed by a riveting lion dance performance by students from Buddhist Fat Ho Memorial College. Infused with youthful energy, the performance highlighted the significance of conserving the intangible cultural heritage. Participants were also invited to write their wishes on blessing cards.

The hotel continued to join hands with the Tai O community to present public art installations brimful with good wishes. Entitled Hundredfold Blessings, the community art piece features a stunning collection of 188 wooden blessing boards, each uniquely hand-painted by members of the Tai O community and volunteers. The boards got adorned with calligraphy of the character ‘fuk’ (福) in both traditional and creative styles, extending heartfelt wishes for good fortune in the year ahead.

Inspired by Tai O's indigenous traditions, the hotel partnered with the Tai O Cultural Association and villagers on the first Lunar New Year boat parade to extend hearty blessings to the neighbourhood while highlighting the rich cultural tapestry of Hong Kong’s charming fishing village.

‘We are thankful for the opportunity to showcase the cultural significance of Tai O Heritage Hotel and the Tai O community, and would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the local community and our partners for their tremendous support throughout this remarkable journey. We welcome the Government’s pilot scheme to foster “Urban-rural Integration”, which aligns closely with our vision of promoting Tai O village through cultural heritage and sustainable tourism. As we gallop into the Year of the Horse, may I take this opportunity to wish all a blessed, prosperous and healthy year ahead,’ remarks Mr Daryl Ng, SBS, JP, Director of the Hong Kong Heritage Conservation Foundation.