Hong Kong Central Library | Truth within the Strange: Morality and Meaning in Classical Chinese Fantasy Tales

Description

Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) and the Hok Hoi Library, the “Hok Hoi Lectures on Chinese Wisdom and Life Pursuits” will invite scholars to deliver lectures on cultural insights from Chinese literary classics in simple language, with a view to enhancing public understanding of Chinese culture. Teachers, students and other members of the public are welcome to join us to pass on the heritage of Chinese culture.

Introduction

Humans have always been curious about the unknown, from ancient divine myths to modern ghost stories. Although the 'extraordinary' is respected but kept at a distance by sages, it has always been a enduring theme in literature and folklore. Chinese ancient 'strange tale' works carry the ancient people's faith, imagination and curiosity, reflecting social ethics and human sentiments, and displaying rich cultural implications and intellectual interests.

This talk will select several 'strange tales' from classical Chinese novels, exploring the ancients' worldview and the authors' creative motives through descriptions of ghosts, deities and monsters, as well as the role of supernatural narratives in classical literary history. Through these extraordinary stories, we may see the ancients' profound reflections on human nature, ethics, society and emotions, and re-evaluate the importance of 'strange tales' in literature and life.

Speaker:    Dr. CHONG Man-lung

• The lecture will be conducted in Cantonese. Admission is free. Interested parties may reserve seats via this webpage from 9:00 a.m., 17.4.2026 (Friday) onwards. Limited seats are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

• Participants should be seated 15 minutes before the lecture commences.

• Lecture quota and admission arrangements will be updated from time to time. Please note the latest announcements made by the HKPL and follow the instructions of venue staff.

• The lecture may be recorded in video and/or audio format for review.

• If Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above or a Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or "extreme conditions" announced by the Government is in force 3 hours before the lecture commences, the lecture will be cancelled.