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Hong Kong’s Countryside Harvest Festival 2026: A Spectacular Fusion of Music, Dance, and Nature at Yan Chau Tong
The Countryside Conservation Office (CCO), under the Hong Kong Environment and Ecology Bureau, is preparing for a monumental cultural event—the Countryside Harvest Festival 2026. Titled “Hong Kong Soundscape – Opera & Dance,” this one-day music festival will take place on 1 March 2026, at the stunning Yan Chau Tong in Mirs Bay, which is an officially recognised “Outstanding Example of Beautiful Bays” by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment.
This extraordinary event is part of the 54th Hong Kong Arts Festival’s “Festival PLUS” programme. With the scenic backdrop of the bay’s natural beauty, this festival will not only celebrate art and nature, but also draw international attention to the region’s cultural and ecological significance.
A Global Artistic Experience in the Heart of Hong Kong’s Countryside
The festival will be directed and conducted by Tan Dun, one of the world’s most acclaimed composers, renowned for his work in classical music and film scores. As a UNESCO Global Goodwill Ambassador and Hong Kong’s Ambassador for Cultural Promotion, Tan Dun has curated a unique and original musical composition inspired by the natural landscapes of Hong Kong’s northeastern New Territories. His work will explore the relationship between music, dance, and the natural environment, creating an immersive experience for both locals and tourists.
Tan Dun’s personal involvement in the festival highlights the cultural significance of this event. He has brought together a diverse group of artists, with musicians and dancers from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and overseas collaborating on the performance. This fusion of local and international talent promises to deliver a truly memorable cultural spectacle.
The open-air performance, held against the magnificent coastal and mountainous scenery of Yan Chau Tong, is expected to captivate attendees and further elevate the region’s reputation as a prime destination for cultural tourism. The interaction of music, dance, and nature will create a powerful sensory experience that underscores Hong Kong’s commitment to promoting both artistic and environmental conservation.
The Role of Yan Chau Tong and the Festival’s Conservation Message
The venue itself, Yan Chau Tong, plays a crucial role in the event’s ecological message. Recognised by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment as an “Outstanding Example of Beautiful Bays,” Yan Chau Tong’s unspoiled beauty provides a fitting backdrop for an event that celebrates nature. The festival’s organisers are keen to raise awareness about the conservation importance of the region, urging visitors to appreciate its natural beauty while also recognising the need to protect it for future generations.
This aligns with Hong Kong’s broader push to balance urban development with environmental sustainability, ensuring that nature is preserved even as tourism grows. The festival is an excellent platform to highlight these conservation efforts, reinforcing the message that tourism can serve as both a driver of economic growth and a tool for environmental education.
On-site Concert and Accessibility for Visitors
While the online broadcast will cater to a global audience, there is also an opportunity for the public to experience the live concert on-site. From 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm on 1 March 2026, the performance will be open to visitors, with an on-site live concert session held outdoors. Visitors are encouraged to dress comfortably and bring their own food and water for the occasion.
Transportation to the event will be available via regular kaito ferry services operating from Ma Liu Shui and Sha Tau Kok to Lai Chi Wo. In addition, complimentary ferry services will run between Sha Tau Kok and Lai Chi Wo on the event day, providing a convenient and sustainable mode of travel for attendees. Tickets for the ferry ride will be available free of charge, with 250 seats per sailing. They can be reserved through the official website starting from 20 February 2026.
For attendees boarding at Sha Tau Kok, it is important to note that a valid Sha Tau Kok Frontier Closed Area Permit is required. Applications for this permit must be submitted through the Hong Kong Police e-Services system at least two working days before the event date.
Boosting Tourism and Promoting Hong Kong’s Cultural Identity
The Countryside Harvest Festival 2026 is set to become a key event in Hong Kong’s cultural tourism calendar. With its combination of world-class music, dance, and breathtaking natural scenery, the festival will not only celebrate the artistic achievements of Hong Kong and its international collaborators but also drive tourism to the New Territories, a region known for its rich cultural heritage and unspoiled landscapes.
The festival offers a unique opportunity to engage with both local and international tourists in a meaningful way, connecting them with Hong Kong’s cultural identity and natural beauty. The event will highlight the importance of conservation while showcasing the region as a vibrant, artistic, and ecologically responsible destination for travellers from around the world.
In addition, the live broadcast of the event ensures that Hong Kong’s cultural tourism message extends far beyond its borders. As more people around the world are introduced to Hong Kong’s natural and artistic treasures, the event promises to boost the city’s profile on the global stage.
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