Xi Jinping witnesses Beijing’s seal of approval for Hong Kong’s controversial Palace Museum
The ceremony took place after Xi was briefed on progress of work on district and watched performance of Cantonese opera by two singers in traditional costume
President Xi Jinping oversaw the seal of approval between Beijing and Hong Kong for a controversial museum deal on the first day of his landmark visit to the city.
The collaborative agreement for building Hong Kong’s version of Beijing’s famous Palace Museum was signed as Xi visited the West Kowloon Cultural District arts hub for about half an hour on Thursday afternoon, accompanied by Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and his incoming successor, Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, who takes over on July 1.
“The West Kowloon Cultural District has strengthened Hong Kong’s cultural richness. It’s not just a place for sightseeing,” Xi said during the visit.
He was briefed on the progress of work, including the Xiqu Centre for Chinese opera, which is scheduled to open next year.
The president watched an excerpt of the Cantonese opera, The Legend of the Purple Hairpin, performed by two young singers in traditional costume. Xi shook hands with them and offered words of encouragement.
More than an entertainment venue for the public, Xi said, West Kowloon was a hub for fostering the development of the city’s cultural and creative industries. He also hoped that Hong Kong would continue to pursue cultural exchanges with the mainland.