In order to promote cultural exchanges between the Mainland and Hong Kong and display the Spring Festival folk culture of the Mainland to Hong Kong compatriots at a close distance, the China Foundation for Friendship and Peace Development (CFFPD), the Chinese Culture Friendship Association, Henan Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Hong Kong United Arts Development Centre Co., Ltd. co-hosted 2018 Hong Kong Happy Spring Festival Cultural Temple Fair with the theme of “Origin China, Hometown Henan”. The temple fair was opened on February 24th, 2018 in Kowloon Park of Hong Kong.

Mme. Li Xiaolin, President of CPAFFC and Honorary President of CFFPD, Mr. Zhao Jiancai, former Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of Henan Provincial People’s Congress, Mr. Yang Jian, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Ms. Bai Bing, Council Member of the Chinese Culture Friendship Association, Mr. LAU Kong-wah, Secretary for Home Affairs of HKSAR, Mr. MA Fung-kwok, Member of the Legislative Council of HKSAR, Ms. Michelle LI Mei-sheung, Director of Leisure and Cultural Services of HKSAR and other 500 guests and local residents attended the opening ceremony.

In her speech, President Li Xiaolin said that the Spring Festival is the most important traditional festival for the Chinese nation. Both the Mainland and Hong Kong value family reunion and happiness. In 2017, the first Hong Kong Happy Spring Festival Cultural Temple Fair was welcomed and loved by Hong Kong compatriots. This year, the organizers cooperate with Henan Province which is known as “the origin of Chinese civilization” and meticulously organize a variety of cultural projects featuring the characteristics of Central Plains such as Shaolin Kung Fu show, Ru Kiln porcelain exhibition, snacks tasting, intangible cultural heritage exhibition and local specialties and products exhibition. Through exhibitions, performances and interactive experiences, authentic and colorful culture of the Central Plains is being displayed to Hong Kong compatriots.

Vice Chairman Zhao Jiancai introduced in his speech the economic and social development of Henan Province and the activities of the temple fair. He hoped that this event would bring a rich atmosphere of the Spring Festival to Hong Kong compatriots. He also announced that in order to express condolences to the victims of the traffic accident in Tai Po and reduce the damage caused by the accident, he decided to donate all the income from the sale of Henan specialties during the temple fair to the families of the victims.

Secretary LAU Kong-wah expressed his gratitude to the organizers of the Mainland for bringing the rich and wonderful culture of temple fair of Henan Province to Hong Kong, and hoped that Hong Kong residents and tourists from all over the world would also feel the joyful atmosphere of reunion of Chinese traditional Spring Festival.

The temple fair takes "Origin China, Hometown Henan” as its theme and consists of six major sections, including intangible cultural heritage exhibition, Kung Fu show, specialties and products exhibition, tourism and culture photography exhibition, aesthetic Henan impression show and exhibition on family affiliation of the last names. The event will last three days till February 27th.