West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK)
WestK is one of the largest and most ambitious cultural hubs in the world and Hong Kong’s new cultural tourism landmark, spanning 40 hectares alongside Victoria Harbour. WestK comprises a mix of landmark arts and cultural facilities, including world-class museums M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, intricately designed performing arts venues the Xiqu Centre and Freespace, the 11-hectare Art Park with a waterfront promenade, and the upcoming WestK Performing Arts Centre.
Hosting over 1,000 exhibitions, performances, programmes, and events each year, WestK provides a vital platform for both emerging and established artists. WestK welcomes more than 10 million visitors each year, evolving as the international cultural brand of Hong Kong and strengthening the city’s strategic role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
(Photo courtesy: West Kowloon Cultural District Authority / 圖片由西九文化區管理局提供)Xiqu Centre – Main Venue of the Conference (https://www.westk.hk/en/venue/xiqu-centre)
Located at the eastern gateway of the West Kowloon Cultural District, the Xiqu Centre is a world-class performing arts venue dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and development of Chinese traditional theatre, particularly Cantonese opera and other regional forms of xiqu.
Architectural Significance
Designed by Revery Architecture (formerly Bing Thom Architects) and Ronald Lu & Partners, the Xiqu Centre blends traditional Chinese architectural elements with contemporary aesthetics. Its iconic façade features curvilinear forms and arched openings, symbolizing the flow of qi and creating a welcoming atmosphere. The building has earned a Gold rating under Hong Kong’s BEAM sustainability standards.
Facilities
The venue offers a comprehensive suite of spaces ideal for cultural events and conferences:
- Grand Theatre: A state-of-the-art auditorium with over 1,000 seats, tailored for professional xiqu performances and large-scale events.
(Virtual tour: https://www.westk.hk/en/venue/xiqu-centre/virtual-tour-for-grand-theatre) - Tea House Theatre: An intimate space with up to 200 seats, designed to evoke the ambiance of a traditional tea house. It’s perfect for small-scale performances and cultural showcases.
(Virtual tour: https://www.westk.hk/en/venue/xiqu-centre/virtual-tour-tea-house-theatre) - Seminar Hall: A 112-seat venue ideal for talks, screenings, and interactive sessions.
(Virtual tour: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=C5gZNGh8F8X&lang=en&hl=1) - Studios: Four rehearsal studios equipped with lighting, sound, and projection facilities. Studio 1 mirrors the dimensions of the Grand Theatre stage.
(Virtual tour: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=GHGDk4PSX8z&lang=en&hl=1) - Atrium: A spacious public area that serves as an urban stage for informal performances, exhibitions, and networking.
(Virtual tour: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=d1ty9hxtHqe&lang=en&hl=1)
