Written by Aarohi Narain
As one of the world’s great culinary capitals, Hong Kong is a city where food is more than sustenance — it’s heritage, innovation, and identity. But the story of Chinese cuisine stretches far beyond the city’s vibrant dining scene. “A Movable Feast: The Culture of Food and Drink in China” offers a compelling journey through 5,000 years of culinary history, tracing how food, ingredients, and dining traditions have evolved across dynasties, trade routes, and cultures.
What to expect
This landmark exhibition brings together over 110 extraordinary artefacts, including eight national treasures from the Palace Museum, as well as rare loans from institutions such as the British Museum and the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. From ornate bronze ritual vessels of the Western Zhou dynasty to finely crafted Qing dynasty picnic sets, these objects reveal how food has shaped society, from imperial feasts to everyday meals.
Beyond the artefacts, the exhibition offers engaging experiences, from stamp collection challenges and hands-on workshops to expert-led discussions on the cultural significance of Chinese cuisine.
Exhibition sections
The exhibition unfolds in four thematic sections.
“Crossing from Life to Death” explores the role of food in ritual and burial traditions, featuring ancient vessels that once held offerings to the spirits.
“Crossing Cultures” examines how the Silk Road introduced new flavors, ingredients, and dining customs, transforming Chinese cuisine into a rich tapestry of global influences.
“Crossing Mountains and Lakes” highlights the culture of outdoor dining, showcasing exquisite artworks and travel-friendly picnic sets that speak to the enduring joy of shared meals in nature.
Finally, “Crossing Time” bridges past and present through interactive multimedia dining tables, allowing visitors to virtually “order” ancient dishes and explore the cooking techniques behind them.
Tickets
To save time, purchase tickets online.
- Special Exhibition Ticket: HK$150.00 for adults
- Full Access Ticket (Includes “The Forbidden City and The Palace of Versailles” in Gallery 9 and same-day access to thematic exhibitions in Galleries 1-6): HK$220.00 for adults