Can tradition become a business? Can heritage be fun, relevant, and marketable? Where does creative inspiration really come from?
To explore these questions up close, the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK) took a group of students and alumni on an action-packed 2-day cultural and entrepreneurial adventure in Foshan, a city where ancient crafts meet modern vision.
Foshan Ancestral Temple — Unearthing the Soul of a Brand through History
Our journey began at one of Lingnan culture’s most iconic landmarks, Foshan Ancestral Temple. Intricate wood carvings, stone sculptures, and temple architecture transported us through centuries of Cantonese tradition. Through guided tours and interactive storytelling, participants explored how cultural symbolism could be reinterpreted as brand identity and how storytelling can add depth and soul to a product.
One major takeaway from our participants was that: Entrepreneurs don't just sell products; they tell stories. And history is full of symbols and emotions waiting to be transformed into meaningful brand narratives.
Shiwan Ceramics Factory & Yuanhuzhi Pottery Studio — Creativity Starts with Dirty Hands
At the historic Shiwan Ceramics Factory, we witnessed how a centuries-old craft has modernized through contemporary design and market thinking. But it was at Yuanhuzhi Studio where creativity truly came alive. Participants rolled up their sleeves, throwing clay, shaping vessels, and laughing through the mess, learning that innovation often starts with tactile, hands-on exploration.
Tapo Village Revitalisation — Social Innovation in the Real World
Tapo Village is a living example of how old neighborhoods can be transformed into vibrant cultural hubs. Through a passionate sharing from local community leaders, participants learned how co-creation, cultural preservation, and business models can come together to produce sustainable, socially impactful places.
Entrepreneurship can have heart. Starting with people and place, and designing for both meaning and impact, is what social entrepreneurship is all about.
Foshan Kung Fu Experience — When Tradition Meets Everyday Life
This stop was a highlight for many! The experience began with a high-energy martial art showcase by professional masters! Their precision, power, and presence left everyone in awe. Then came the twist: we split into teams, and the masters taught us practical moves using everyday objects like umbrellas, towels, and stool, alongside our bare hands!
This hands-on, down-to-earth approach let students experience how traditional culture can be reimagined with creativity, accessibility, and fun. It was physical, joyful, and deeply inspiring.
GungHo Space — Innovation Begins with Community
The final stop was GungHo Space, a vibrant creative hub home to designers, makers, and cultural entrepreneurs. Students explored co-working labs, design studios, and creative showcases, then sat down with start-up mentors for real talk on the challenges and opportunities in the cultural and creative industries.
A Five-Sense, Full-Throttle Journey into Culture and Innovation
This 2-day study tour, literally, opened our hearts, hands, and minds. From “observing culture” to “making culture”, from “hearing stories” to “imagining markets”, participants experienced how tradition can fuel innovation, and how creativity can transform lives, businesses, and communities.
This is exactly what CIE stands for: Cross-boundary learning. Cultural co-creation. Innovation in action.
Looking ahead, CIE will continue to design immersive learning trips that fuse culture, creativity, and entrepreneurship, empowering students to go from ideas to action, and step boldly into their own start-up journeys.