“MUSE FEST HK 2025” PROGRAMME SERIES:
HERE @ MEI HO HOUSE

A place is never just a collection of streets and buildings. It is where countless stories begin: some grow up here, while others carry the memory with them long after they have left. And you—what memories have you left behind in a place?

This November, in response to the Muse Fest HK 2025, the Heritage of Mei Ho House invites the public to be “Here.” Between corners both familiar and unknown, rediscover the warmth of place, recall the past, reflect on the present, and imagine the future.

Neon Reimagined: Intangible Cultural Heritage Burnt Foil Painting Workshop

Once a common sight in Hong Kong, neon signs lit up shopfronts and streets—pawnshops, for example, often displayed the “Bat Hanging with Coins” sign. At night, these signs created a dreamy, futuristic cityscape. Today, few remain. Through the traditional craft of burnt foil painting, we can bring these memories back to life.

This workshop invites 天心, founder of Mindful Living, to introduce participants to the art of burnt foil painting and let them experience the charm of this traditional Chinese folk craft. Using thin metal foils, participants will create shimmering artworks that capture and preserve the dazzling glow of Hong Kong’s historic pawnshop neon signs.

Date: 9 November 2025 (Sunday)
Time: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Venue: Meeting Room, YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel
Instructor: 天心 @ Mindful Living
Target Audience: Aged 8 or above (participants under 12 must be accompanied by a parent)
Quota: 10 participants (first-come, first-served)
Language: Cantonese
Fee: HK$180 (all materials and tools included)
Enrollment: Please click here

Sketching Sham Shui Po: Community Map Workshop

What does Sham Shui Po look like in your eyes? Why not create your very own hand-drawn community map? The corner buildings, bustling pedestrians, shop displays, leisurely cats and dogs, or even the colors of the community can all become part of your map.

In this workshop, illustrator Che-ting will share techniques and inspirations for hand-drawn maps and invite participants to step into the community to observe its everyday people and scenery. At your own pace, you will wander the streets, discover hidden details, and use drawing paper to capture the moments that move you, ultimately creating a unique community map. No drawing experience is required. Just bring your curiosity and an exploring heart.

Date: 9 November 2025 (Sunday)
Time: 2:00 am – 5:00 pm
Venue: YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel
Instructor: Che-ting (Illustrator, author of “Travel Trilogy” and “BABA’S ALBUM”, self-publications include“Welcome to Hong Kong, My Friends” and“Our Hong Kong Stories”)
Target Audience: Aged 8 or above (participants under 12 must be accompanied by a parent)
Quota: 8 participants (first-come, first-served)
Language: Cantonese
Fee: HK$250 (all materials and tools included, participants may bring own tools)
Enrollment: Please click here

[Thematic Talk] Post-War Years: Tracing the Resettlement Scheme

When thinking of resettlement policies, many recall the first resettlement blocks built after the Shek Kip Mei fire to house victims. But as early as the post-war years, the government had already begun addressing housing issues—passing laws against illegal structures and developing resettlement areas. What steps were taken before the fire, and why did the government eventually take responsibility for building resettlement housing?

This thematic talk features Mr. Yu Chun Yu, Jacky, founder of the “oldhkphoto” social media page and author of 《戰後香港寫照1945-1967》and “Coastline of the Kowloon Peninsula”. He will share the background and development of the resettlement plans from the post-war period to the late 1960s and explore how the government’s approach to housing evolved over time.

Date: 9 November 2025 (Sunday)
Time: 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Venue: Function Room, YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel
Speaker: Mr. Yu Chun Yu, Jacky (the founder of “oldhkphoto” social media page and website; Author of《戰後香港寫照1945-1967》and “Coastline of the Kowloon Peninsula”)
Quota: 50 participants (First-come, first-served)
Language: Cantonese
Fee: Free of charge
Enrollment: Please click here

Former Resident Community Guided Tour: Tracing Kowloon Tsai – Exploring Tai Hang Tung and Nam Shan Estate

You may wonder: isn’t Kowloon Tsai Park and Swimming Pool located in Kowloon City? Indeed, on today’s maps, Kowloon Tsai stretches across parts of Kowloon Tong and Kowloon City. Yet in the memories of many former residents, “Kowloon Tsai” refers to the area around Woh Chai Shan (also known as Bishop Hill), including Tai Hang Tung, Tai Hang Sai, and Nam Shan Estate. As the city developed, the boundaries of Kowloon Tsai were quietly redrawn in history—so what kind of place is Kowloon Tsai, really?

This guided tour features Mr. Chong Yiu Kwong, a former Kowloon Tsai resident and experienced docent, together with Mr. Leung Koon Sing, author of “Stories of a Forgotten City: Kowloon Tsai”. They will take participants on a walk through the area, uncovering everyday life and neighborhood stories, tracing geographical changes and urban development, and exploring how the community has transformed and endured over time.

Date: 9 November 2025 (Sunday)
Time: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Meeting Point: MTR Shek Kip Mei Station, Exit B Concourse
Docents: Mr. Chong Yiu Kwong (Mei Ho House docent and Kowloon Tsai former resident), Mr. Leung Koon Sing (author of “Stories of a Forgotten City: Kowloon Tsai”)
Target Audience: Aged 8 or above (participants under 12 must be accompanied by a parent)
Quota: 15 participants (first-come, first-served)
Language: Cantonese
Fee: HK$80 per person
Enrollment: Please click here

Punch Needle Embroidery Workshop: “Taste of a Hong Kong Café”

Golden, crispy French toast and rich, silky milk tea… these classic Hong Kong café dishes don’t just satisfy the taste buds—they carry fond collective memories. Now, you can carry these flavors with you in a whole new way!

Led by Cassi Lam @ Mututu.create, participants will draw inspiration from tufting punch needle embroidery, using soft yarn and specialized needles to create mini embroidered pins of milk tea and French toast. Each pin captures the charm and nostalgia of these beloved café treats in a wearable, one-bite-sized artwork.

Date: 23 November 2025 (Sunday)
Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Venue: Meeting Room, YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel
Instructor: Cassi Lam @ Mututu.create
Target Audience: Aged 8 or above (participants under 12 must be accompanied by a parent)
Quota: 8 participants (first-come, first-served)
Language: Cantonese
Fee: HK$250 (all materials and tools included)
Enrollment: Please click here

Shek Kip Mei Citywalking

Shek Kip Mei and Sham Shui Po are like a pair of twins with opposite personalities. Sham Shui Po is the extrovert, lively, talkative, and always bustling with people and stories. Shek Kip Mei, on the other hand, is the introvert, calm, reflective, and quietly moving to its own rhythm. Though they are separated only by Tai Po Road, stepping from Sham Shui Po into Shek Kip Mei feels like crossing an invisible boundary, and even your walking pace slows down naturally.

This November, Citywording and the Heritage of Mei Ho House invite you to join us for a relaxed “citywalking” journey. Let’s stroll at 0.5x speed through Shek Kip Mei to read its signs, observe its streetscapes, and discover the quiet surprises hidden in this thoughtful corner of the city.

Date: 23 November 2025 (Sunday)
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Venue: YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel, and the surrounding community
Speaker: Mr. Dave Choi (the founder of “Citywording” Instagram page and author of 《睇字香港》)
Target Audience: Aged 15 or above
Quota: 25 participants (first-come, first-served)
Language: Cantonese
Fee: Free of charge
Enrollment for the event opens on 25th October 2025

[Thematic Talk] From Bing Sutt to Cha Chaan Teng: Exploring Classic Hong Kong Flavors

Bing sutt (ice cafes) originated in the early 19th century, mainly serving simple items such as iced drinks, ice cream, sandwiches, and bread. In the 1950s, cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style cafe) began to appear, offering a wider variety of hot dishes, including congee, noodles, and rice. Although bing sutt and cha chaan teng differ in their licensing and menus, many cha chaan teng today still carry the name “Bing Sutt.” Why do cha chaan teng adopt the name of bing sutt, and what is the connection between the two?

This talk features Dr. Yuen Chi, at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, who will explore the origins, development, and innovations of bing sutt and cha chaan teng from a historical perspective, as well as the relationship between the two. Dr. Yuen will also share the stories behind classic bing sutt drinks and dishes, guiding participants to savor the nostalgic flavors of Hong Kong.

Date: 23 November 2025 (Sunday)
Time: 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Venue: Function Room, YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel
Speaker: Dr Yuen Chi (PhD, Chinese University of Hong Kong; author of 《冰室情味：形塑香港的飲食文化遺產》and《新九龍：獅子山下的記憶軌跡》)
Quota: 50 participants (First-come, first-served)
Language: Cantonese
Fee: Free of charge
Enrollment: Please click here

Public Guided Tours: A Little Gift Awaits

Join a public guided tour at Heritage of Mei Ho House today in November to explore traces of old community life and neighbourhood stories. Follow us on Instagram after the tour and receive a special souvenir, taking home a small delight from “Here”.

Date: 1 – 30 November 2025 (Closed on Mondays)
Time:
• Cantonese Guided Tour: Every Tuesday to Sunday, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• English Guided Tour: Sundays (November 9 and 23), 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Mandarin Guided Tour: Sundays (November 2, 16 and 30), 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Heritage of Mei Ho House
Quota: 15 participants (First-come, first-served; limited availability)
Fee: Free of charge
Enrollment: No reservation is needed; please register outside the main entrance of the museum 15 minutes before the tour starts.

Mirror Me @ Mei Ho House

The Heritage of Mei Ho House presents its brand-new interactive photo installation! Featuring multiple aesthetic mirrors, each one is printed with curated quotes, from classic Hong Kong movie lines to nostalgic phrases steeped in old Hong Kong vibes, each sentence evoking collective memories.

Step in front of a mirror, snap a photo, and capture your very own “here and now” moment.

Opening Hours of Heritage of Mei Ho House
Tuesday to Sunday & public holidays: 10am – 6pm
Mondays (except public holidays): Closed
Free admission

About Muse Fest HK 2025

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will launch the “Muse Fest HK 2025” in November. Approaching its 11th year, the theme of this year’s Museum Festival will be “Museum Anniversary”, celebrating the anniversaries of 6 museums, namely 70th Anniversary of the Discovery of the Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb, 50th Anniversary of Hong Kong Museum of History, 45th Anniversary of Hong Kong Space Museum, 40th Anniversary of Hong Kong Railway Museum, 25th Anniversary of Hong Kong Heritage Museum and 1st Anniversary of Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence.

A lot of extraordinary happenings will be hosted by 17 museums and other art spaces of LCSD, categorized into five programme series, including the “Special Series”, “Fun Day Series”, “Collaboration Series”, “Exhibition and Film Show Series” and “Interactive Experience Series”.

Not-to-be-missed “Selected Museum Publications and Souvenirs Mega Sale”, books and souvenirs will be offered at a discount of up to 50% off. Come and enrich your collection or choose thoughtful gifts for your family and friends!

“Muse Fest HK 2025” will continue the partnership with multiple collaborative partners, including those from Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Museum Alliance. The participation of a variety of local art organizations showcases the rich diversity of Hong Kong museums; and the collaboration with museums from Guangdong and Macao strengthens the bonding with peers across the Greater Bay Area, generates synergy that amplifies promotional impact and strives to bring more diverse activities.

We have also collected not-to-be-missed programmes organised by our Museum Partners in Guangdong, Macao and Hong Kong, enabling you to delve into the amazing world of arts and cultures. Come and join the museum journey!

Important Notes:

1. Activities will be conducted in Cantonese.
2. Only for members of “Mei Ho House Alumni Network”, free registration can be done online or on-site.
3. YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel reserves the right to alter, amend or withdraw the programmes in case of weather or special circumstances.

How to get to Mei Ho House?
MTR
Take the MTR to Sham Shui Po Station Exit B2, and walk along Pei Ho Street for 8 minutes to reach the hostel. Please click here for the walking route.
Take the MTR to Shek Kip Mei Station Exit A and walk along Woh Chai Street for 8 minutes to reach the hostel. Please click here for the walking route.

Programme Enquiries:
Telephone: 3728 3544
Email: [email protected]