Published: 13:08, August 27, 2025 | Updated: 13:35, August 27, 2025
Yu Lan Festival: Come home to depart
By Wang Zhan in Hong Kong
Students participate in a Yulan cultural activity at the 2025 Yulan Cultural Festival press conference on Aug 27, 2025, at the Chiu Chow Association Building, Hong Kong. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

The Yu Lan Festival commemorates the Hungry Ghost Festival, an ancient Chinese tradition celebrated by the Chiu Chow communities in Hong Kong. This year, the festivities will take place at the Moreton Terrace Temporary Playground (near the Hong Kong Central Library) from Sept 12 to 14. Admission is free. 

The event highlights the festival's allure through a mix of innovative and traditional activities. These include a festival treats competition, a festival offerings competition, exhibitions, cultural tours, and workshops. Additionally, attendees can experience the immersive interactive theatre Come Home to Depart and Yu Lan: A New Chapter – Claws for Cards.

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In 2011, the "Yu Lan Festival of the Hong Kong Chiu Chow Community" was added to the third national list of intangible cultural heritage (ICH). The event has been observed for over a century during the seventh lunar month. During this time, communities provide offerings and perform rituals to honor the wandering ghosts in the netherworld, according to HK's Intangible Cultural Heritage Office.

China Daily's Andy Chong took the photos during the 2025 Yulan Cultural Festival press conference on Wednesday.