An innovative cultural initiative has taken to the skies as Hong Kong Airlines partners with the China Oriental Performing Arts Group and Elite Fun Entertainment Limited to celebrate the return of the acclaimed dance drama, “Poetic Dance: The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting.” This unique experience runs from December 31, 2025, to January 3, 2026, at the Grand Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
To commemorate this event, Hong Kong Airlines introduced a themed flight, titled “The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting — Hong Kong Airlines Invites You to Unfold the Scroll in the Skies.” Passengers aboard this flight enjoyed an immersive experience that combined the elegance of contemporary stage art with the aesthetics of the Song Dynasty, providing a celebration of Chinese cultural artistry at 30,000 feet.
The dance drama draws inspiration from the famous Northern Song dynasty masterpiece, “A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains.” Through dance and poetry, it showcases the serene beauty and artistic spirit of the Song era. Both Hong Kong Airlines and the China Oriental Performing Arts Group share a commitment to promoting and innovating traditional Chinese culture, aiming to transform air travel into a poetic experience that transcends time and space.
On December 29, 2025, the themed flight HX239 took off from Shanghai Hongqiao to Hong Kong. In a creative adaptation, the cabin of an A330 aircraft was transformed into a mobile scroll, featuring vibrant landscapes inspired by “A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains.” This design integrated modern artistry into the inflight experience, effectively immersing passengers in a cultural journey.
Three lead dancers from the production participated as special guests, engaging with passengers and offering exclusive commemorative gifts. Hong Kong Airlines also designed special boarding passes for this themed flight, and cabin crew members donned scarves and badges reflecting the elegance of the Song Dynasty. They posed for group photos with the performers, enhancing the experience with a serene ambiance throughout the flight.
The inflight music and announcements created a tranquil setting, further cultivating the poetic atmosphere. Hong Kong Airlines continues to emphasize its mission of “Connecting Culture Through Flight,” working to promote global appreciation of Chinese culture. The collaboration with the China Oriental Performing Arts Group and Elite Fun Entertainment Limited represents a meaningful integration of art and aviation, allowing cultural confidence and artistic warmth to flourish in the skies.
Mr. Jeff Sun, President of Hong Kong Airlines, expressed pride in this collaboration, stating, “We are truly honoured to bring the renowned dance drama ‘Poetic Dance: The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting’ aboard our flight. Through this initiative, we hope to allow more travellers to experience the charm of traditional Chinese art and contemporary creativity during their journeys.”
As the company looks to the future, it aims to deepen cooperation with its partners, developing cultural tourism initiatives that showcase the elegance of Chinese culture worldwide. Hong Kong Airlines wishes success for the upcoming performances in Hong Kong, contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of the region.
