An exhibition blending the classic Hong Kong comic character Old Master Q with new-style martial arts novels opened in the city on Wednesday, aiming to enhance public recognition and appreciation of martial arts literature and traditional Chinese culture.

The exhibition captivates visitors with a dynamic blend of cross-media, interactive, and immersive artistic presentations, guided by the beloved Old Master Q, to lead visitors through an exploration of the developmental trajectory of Hong Kong's new-style martial arts novels, according to the organizers.

Spread across three thematic zones, the exhibition will run free of charge until March 23 at M7 (7 Mallory Street) in Wan Chai, a preservation-revitalization project of the Urban Renewal Authority.

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The main exhibition area transports visitors into a whimsical martial arts realm, featuring nine immersive scenes and five fiberglass sculptures. As they follow Old Master Q and his companions through the exhibits, visitors can effortlessly explore the key elements and cultural significance of martial arts literature.

The second-floor exhibition area will enable visitors to engage with interactive martial arts games, while the third floor will showcase a display of classic weapons from the world of new-style martial arts novels, offering a deeper glimpse into the genre’s iconic imagery and storytelling traditions.

Speaking at the exhibition's opening ceremony via video, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the exhibition represents an attempt at cultural innovation and integration.

By combining the Old Master Q and new-style martial arts novels – two deeply rooted cultural elements in Hong Kong – the exhibition allows audiences to revisit the chivalrous spirit within martial arts narratives and understand the developmental trajectory of martial arts literature, offering a fresh approach to promoting literary accessibility, the CE added.