HONG KONG, July 3rd — The opening ceremony of "The Grand Gathering of the Century: Zodiac Heads from Yuanmingyuan and Important Treasures" exhibition, namely the Celebration of the 26th Anniversary of Hong Kong's Return to the Motherland and the CTG's 100th Anniversary, was successfully held at City University of Hong Kong. Approximately 300 attendees, including leaders from relevant national departments, officials from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (S.A.R.) government, elites from all sectors in Hong Kong and Macau, partners of China Tourism Group (CTG), and representatives from the tourism industry, witnessed this unforgettable event.
Prominent figures inaugurating the ceremony included: Mr. Chen Yin, Chairman of CTG (CTS Holdings HK) and member of the National Committee of CPPCC, Dr Chung Shui-ming, Pro-Chancellor of City University of Hong Kong, Sun Qingye, Deputy Director of the Central Government's Office for Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong S.A.R., Pan Yundong, Deputy Commissioner of the Commissioner's Office of China's Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong S.A.R, Zhang Hao, Director of Poly Group, Mr. Lester Garson Huang, Chairman of the Council of City University of Hong Kong, Professor Freddy Boey, President of City University of Hong Kong, Ms. Pansy Ho Chiu-king, Vice Chairwoman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and standing member of the National Committee of CPPCC, Dr Peter Lam Kin-ngok, Chairman of HKTDC and standing member of the National Committee of CPPCC, Lv Feng, Deputy Director of the Commercial Office of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in HK S.A.R., and Mr. Raistlin Lau Chun, Under-Secretary of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong S.A.R. Together, they officiated the significant occasion, further emphasizing the profound ties between these institutions and their dedication to culture and heritage.
In his speech, Chairman Chen Yin recounted the deep bond and sentiments CTG shares with the national treasures. More than 90 years ago, during the early days of the war against Japanese Army invasion, CTG employees risked their lives to escort the national treasures of the Forbidden City to the south. On the centenary of CTG, famous national treasures were brought to Hong Kong for an exhibition, exemplifying CTG's enduring mission of "Serve the State and Public with High-quality Tourism Service". He hoped that the collaboration with China Poly Group and City University of Hong Kong would pave the way for further exchanges and cooperation with all sectors of society in Hong Kong. Following his speech, Director Zhang Hao of China Poly Group and Chairman Lester Garson Huang of the City University of Hong Kong Board of Directors both delivered speeches, offering their warm congratulations to CTG on its centenary.
During the ceremony, Director and General Manager Wang Haimin of CTG and President Freddy Boey of City University of Hong Kong signed a Memorandum of Understanding. After the opening ceremony, guests were invited to the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery for an up-close appreciation of the national treasures, immersing themselves in the charm and significance of the artifacts. The exhibition, which is free for the public, commenced immediately and will run until August 31st.