Organized by the locally developed hiking app TrailWatch, the “Dialogue in the Hills: A 10-Year Journey with TrailWatch” exhibition officially opened today on International Mountain Day 2024. This exhibition marks a decade of TrailWatch’s achievements while aligning with this year’s International Mountain Day theme, “Mountain Solutions for a Sustainable Future: Innovation, Adaptation, and Youth.” Featuring hiking records of over 200,000 Hong Kong users and showcasing selected stories and artistic creations, the exhibition invites audiences to rediscover the depth and beauty of Hong Kong’s natural environment.
The exhibition uniquely combines the works of two artists with the real-life stories of ten users, illustrating diverse approaches to exploring Hong Kong’s great outdoors. From hidden streams captured through the collodion photographic technique to detailed scientific illustrations of Lion Rock’s flora and fauna, the exhibition connects people and nature through the lenses of art and science, conveying the message that “Nature is not just for sightseeing; it is about building a profound relationship.”
The entrance to the “Dialogue in the Hills – A 10-Year Journey with TrailWatch” exhibition, blending modern design with natural elements to invite visitors into a journey of exploration.
TrailWatch: A Decade of Innovation and Conservation for Hong Kong Nature
Since its launch in 2014, TrailWatch has been a pioneering app merging technology and community to promote hiking and conservation in Hong Kong. Over the past decade, TrailWatch has attracted over 200,000 users and logged over 10 million kilometers of hiking routes. These records not only document personal hiking journeys but also provide valuable data for understanding ecological changes in Hong Kong.
Highlighting the app’s innovation, TrailWatch serves not only as a hiking navigation tool but also as a platform for users to report trail issues in real-time, fostering collective action for environmental protection.
Agnes Cheng, CEO of Parks and Trails, remarked during the opening ceremony:
“Since 2014, TrailWatch has become a platform enabling our users to appreciate, to learn about and take action in protecting nature, through innovation, technology and partnerships. The International Mountain Day reminds us that nature or mountains are not just scenic landmarks but they also play a crucial role in supporting the well-being of Hong Kong’s population. There is a need to promote the importance of nature conservation so as to provide a sustainable platform supporting the growing wellness needs of the city’s population, and raising awareness with regard to its relationship with climate change and promoting nature responsibility.
Through this exhibition, we hope to showcase the diverse ways of how our users engage with nature. Drawing inspiration from nature, it also seeks to inspire greater appreciation for these natural treasures and encourage everyone to protect Hong Kong’s wilderness for a sustainable future.”
Parks and Trails CEO Agnes Cheng delivered a speech, emphasizing TrailWatch’s role as a bridge connecting city and nature while echoing International Mountain Day’s theme.
Young Artists Engaging in a Dialogue with Nature
The exhibition features works from two young artists, offering innovative perspectives on exploring nature:
- Nicole Kit, a scientific illustrator, uses stippling techniques to document TrailWatch user Moon So’s decade-long observations of biodiversity at Lion Rock. Through scientific illustration, she highlights the intricate beauty of nature.
- Li Hiuwa, a photographer, captures the pristine landscapes of Hong Kong’s streams through collodion photography, emphasizing harmony between light and terrain, and translating natural transformations into visual art.
Nicole Kit (Left), a scientific illustrator, uses stippling techniques to document TrailWatch user Moon So (Right)’’s decade-long observations of biodiversity at Lion Rock. Through scientific illustration, she highlights the intricate beauty of nature.
The curatorial team from Project CROW shared:
“Photographer Li Hiuwa and hiker Andrew Leung exemplify the spirit of innovation. Li uses cutting-edge techniques to document the beauty of streams, while Andrew explores uncharted paths in Hong Kong’s rugged landscapes. Their collaboration not only showcases nature’s grandeur but also highlights the importance of adapting to and protecting our environment. Similarly, hiker Moon So and scientific illustrator Nicole Kit use everyday observations and art to capture the subtle beauty of nature. These partnerships aim to inspire young people to engage with nature creatively while tackling future challenges.”
TrailWatch user Andrew Leung (Left), an avid stream trekker, has documented over 600 unique stream trails, many of which lack clear paths and was previously recorded only throughsparse written accounts. At this exhibition, photographer Li Hiuwa (Right) joins Andrew on an exploration of one of Hong Kong’s lesser-known gorges, capturing the unique contours, rock textures, and flowing waters through stunning visuals. This collaboration brings to life Andrew’s passion for nature, revealing the beauty of Hong Kong’s hidden landscapes.
Adapting to Nature Through Diverse Exploration
At the heart of the exhibition are stories from ten TrailWatch users of various backgrounds and ages, demonstrating diverse ways of engaging with nature. From a mother promoting family hiking, to a wheelchair user advocating accessible trails, to an adventurer charting coastal paths, these stories reveal how individuals adapt to their surroundings and connect with nature in unique ways.
One particularly moving story is that of wheelchair user Keith, founder of the YouTube channel “Eyes-Wheel-Wheel.” Keith shared:
“As a wheelchair user, I deeply understand the importance of accessible hiking trails in Hong Kong. With TrailWatch’s support, I hope more people can enjoy nature without barriers.”
Four Dialogues: Exploring Nature Through Different Perspectives
To further promote environmental conservation, the exhibition includes four thematic dialogue sessions featuring experts and artists:
- Dialogue: Ecological Art – Scientific illustrator Nicole Kit and Project CROW explore how art can showcase the diversity of nature.
- Dialogue: Nature Education – Secondary school teacher KC and Wild Hong Kong Almanac translator Allen Pang share experiences in integrating nature education into teaching practices.
- Dialogue: Ancient Trail Exploration – Ancient trail expert Teddy Law from Oasistrek delves into the history and significance of Hong Kong’s ancient trails.
- Dialogue: Stream Chronicles – Photographer Li Hiuwa and stream explorer Daniel Chan discuss documenting the natural beauty and historical value of Hong Kong’s streams.
Mountains: A Solution for a Sustainable Future
This exhibition’s opening on International Mountain Day echoes its theme: “Mountain Solutions for a Sustainable Future: Innovation, Adaptation, and Youth.”
Mountains are home to 15% of the global population and host nearly half of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. They provide essential resources such as freshwater, clean energy, and medicine. However, climate change, overdevelopment, and pollution pose unprecedented threats to these ecosystems.
TrailWatch seeks to align local conservation efforts with global initiatives, using hiking records and conservation campaigns to emphasize the importance of safeguarding mountains. Through this exhibition and related activities—including dialogues and guided tours—TrailWatch invites visitors to explore the stories behind the trails and discover the curatorial vision for nature conservation.
Displays featuring stories of ten TrailWatch users, illustrating diverse ways to connect with nature and overcome challenges.
Dialogue in the Hills: A 10-Year Journey with TrailWatch
Exhibition Details
Dates: December 12, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Venue: WMA Space, 8/F, Chun Wo Commercial Building, 23-29 Wing Wo Street, Central
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Weekends & Public Holidays: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Registration:https://trailwatch.eventbrite.com
Admission: Free
