For immediate release CA17/2016 Embark on a Family Eco-Tour at the Ngong Ping 360 Summer Butterfly Fest Integrating the Arts and Butterfly Watching Environmental Expert: Cable Car Routing Design Supports Butterfly Diversity in a Special Geographical Area that Nurtures Rare Butterflies More photos available at: https://goo.gl/p3zj37 (Hong Kong, 19 July 2016) As an important tourist attraction in Hong Kong, Ngong Ping 360 is located on Lantau Island, where natural resources are rich and 40% of local butterfly species can be found. From now until 31 August, Ngong Ping 360 is presenting the Ngong Ping 360 Summer Butterfly Fest, during which families can experience nature while learning about butterfly conservation and enhancing their environmental awareness. Apart from exploring the local ecology and natural environment, guests can take photos among the butterfly-themed decorations at Ngong Ping Village, enjoy a butterfly dance performance, enter the Ngong Ping Wildlife Photo Contest and take part in the Inclusive Butterfly Art Workshop as part of an interesting and educational summer tour. Environmental expert: eco-conservation taken into consideration when designing cable car route Ms Vivian Lee, Head of Marketing of Ngong Ping 360, said that Lantau Island has picturesque landscapes and is home to over 100 butterfly species. As the gateway to Lantau, Ngong Ping 360 hopes to introduce the wonder of art and nature to visitors through this summer campaign. We would also like visitors to understand the ecology of Lantau so that they may treasure the natural environment even more. To help guests understand the importance of eco-conservation, Ngong Ping 360 invited the Environmental Association to organise a butterfly tour during summer holiday. Dr Yau Wing Kwong, Chairman of the Environmental Association, explained the ecology of butterflies at Ngong Ping: last winter, the cold weather came and went late, and the life cycle of the animals and plants was disrupted, making it difficult for insects such as butterflies to find food and habitation. Climate change has a strong impact on both plants and animals. The tree shade, low shrubs and sun-facing slopes at Ngong Ping are suitable habitats for butterflies, including rare species such as the Tamil Grass Dart (Taractrocera ceramas), Striped Bush Hopper (Ampittia virgata) and Large Three-ring (Ypthima motschulskyi), also known as the three treasures of Ngong Ping. Learning about butterfly ecology, such as suitable habitats, food plants for butterfly larvae and nectar plants for butterflies, facilitates butterfly observation, and is a way to promote eco-conservation and safeguard butterfly species. Dr Yau added that while designing the cable car route, Ngong Ping 360 adopted an indirect cable car routing design to protect the ecology and environment in the vicinity of Tung Chung Bay, creating favourable conditions for butterfly diversity. For example, Cyrtococcum patens,
Ischaemum aristatum and Miscanthus floridulus are plants that grow on the slopes. Ngong Ping 360 adopted a construction method that protects the environment to ensure the butterfly ecology was protected. The design of the cable car route kept the butterfly ecology in good condition so that visitors can still see the precious native fauna and flora at Ngong Ping 360. Learning photography on a fun family outing on a specially designed butterfly route, and understanding butterflies through butterfly art workshop Lantau Island is home to many rare butterfly species, including the Tamil Grass Dart (Taractrocera ceramas), Striped Bush Hopper (Ampittia virgata), Large Three-ring (Ypthima motschulskyi), Common Birdwing (Troides helena) and Chestnut Tiger (Parantica sita). The first three of these species are also known as the three treasures of Ngong Ping. To capture the beauty of these butterflies, you may consider using a camera. Ngong Ping 360 has invited Mr Eddie Kwong, an award-winning wildlife photographer, to conduct a photography workshop with his son. Together they will teach parents and children how to take photos of butterflies. Parents and children will also be able to join the guided tour led by Eddie and his son, during which they will look for butterflies while enjoying a fun family outing along a specially designed butterfly route. What is more, participants will be able to enter the photos they take during the tour in the Ngong Ping Wildlife Photo Contest to compete for grand prize. Stay tuned to the Ngong Ping 360 Facebook page for enrolment details. Selected participants* will enjoy a free cable car ride on the day of the photography workshop. Upon completion of the workshop, participants will be able to enter the photo contest for a chance to win a family photo-shoot package with Eddie as the photographer, worth HK$10,000. To promote harmonious co-existence with nature and encourage the integration of able-bodied and disabled persons, Ngong Ping 360 has invited Ms Apple Tong, ADA Angel from the Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong, to create an environmentally friendly butterfly-themed art installation, Butterfly Flute 360, with upcycling materials such as out-dated Ngong Ping 360 flyers and old magazines. Although Apple was diagnosed with a congenital hearing impairment at one year old, her disability has not diminished either her passion or her talent for art. She even created an art piece with a group of children from Silence, a charity for hearing impaired families. Apple said that the art piece was made by rolling discarded flyers into bamboo flutes. The circle formed by the bamboo flutes represents an inclusive community circle in which people support and encourage each other. The colourful butterflies hovering around the bamboo flutes symbolise butterflies breaking out of cocoons and starting a beautiful new life. The shapes and forms of the butterflies mimic those of the three treasures of Ngong Ping, reflecting the unique natural environment of Ngong Ping. The art piece will be on show at Holidays 360 at Ngong Ping Village in August to promote the integration of able-bodied and disabled persons. Apple will also teach an Inclusive Butterfly Art Workshop, in which children will be able to learn how to draw butterflies with dry pastels or other materials, and get to know the different shapes and forms of butterflies.
Six butterfly-themed decorations and three daily butterfly dance performances Apart from the butterfly-themed art installation, six butterfly-themed decorations have been set up at Ngong Ping Village, including a large art installation, Flower and Butterfly Dream, a corridor with butterflies dancing overhead, 2D and 3D butterfly walls, a butterfly pavilion and six art installations depicting the ecological and human landscapes of Ngong Ping. Adults and children can immerse themselves in the world of butterflies and take some great pictures while exploring the local ecology. During the event period, there will be three butterfly dance performances every day at Ngong Ping Village, making your summer tour even more memorable! Summer offer From now until 31 August, local students can enjoy a 50% discount on a single or round-trip cable car ticket (Standard Cabin/Crystal Cabin), upon presentation of a valid local student card or proof of student identity with photo. Enjoy one of the 10 most amazing cable car experiences in the world, and fall in love with the spectacular natural scenery along the cable car route. Book the Fun Pass online to enjoy 10% off and an exclusive free upgrade to the Crystal Cabin for one way of your round-trip cable car ride. Photo Caption Photo 1 Ms Vivian Lee, Head of Marketing of Ngong Ping 360, said, From now until 31 August, local students can enjoy a 50% discount on a single or round-trip cable car ticket (Standard Cabin/Crystal Cabin), upon presentation of a valid local student card or proof of student identity with photo. Photo 2 Dr Yau Wing Kwong, Chairman of Environmental Association, explained the ecology of butterflies in Ngong Ping, While designing the cable car route, Ngong Ping 360 adopted an indirect cable car routing design to protect the ecology and environment in the vicinity of Tung Chung Bay, creating favourable conditions for butterfly diversity.
Photo 3 Ngong Ping 360 has invited Mr Eddie Kwong, an award-winning wildlife photographer, to conduct a photography workshop with his son. Together they will teach parents and children how to take photo of butterflies. Photo 4 Apple said that the art piece was made by rolling discarded flyers into bamboo flutes. The circle formed by the bamboo flutes represents an inclusive community circle in which people support and encourage each other. Photo 5 Mr Eddie Kwong, an award-winning wildlife photographer and his son, Dr Yau Wing Kwong, Chairman of Environmental Association, Ms Vivian Lee, Head of Marketing of Ngong Ping 360, Ms Apple Tong, ADA Angel from the Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong and kids from Silence, a charity for hearing impaired families, took a group photo in front of the art installation. Photo 6 and 7 Ngong Ping 360 has invited Ms Apple Tong, ADA Angel from the Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong, to create an environmentally-friendly butterfly-themed art installation Butterfly Flute at 360 with upcycling materials such as outdated flyers of Ngong Ping 360 and old magazines.
Photo 8 An Inclusive Butterfly Art Workshop taught by Apple, will also be organised for children. Participants will be able to learn how to draw butterflies with dry pastel or in other art forms, and get to know the different shapes and forms of butterflies during the workshop. Photo 9 During the event period, there will be three butterfly dance performances every day at Ngong Ping Village, making your summer tour even more memorable! About Ngong Ping 360 As an important tourist attraction located on Lantau Island in Hong Kong, Ngong Ping 360 offers an exciting opportunity for guests to enjoy a unique natural and cultural experience. The Ngong Ping Cable Car stretches 5.7 km from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping. Guests can visit the Chinese architecturally designed Ngong Ping Village, where they can enjoy a range of dining, shopping and entertainment options and culturally themed attractions including Stage 360, Motion 360 and Walking with Buddha. The Ngong Ping Cable Car is a rare example of a bi-cable gondola circulating lift system, and is also the longest aerial cable car of its kind in Asia. It offers a visually spectacular 25-minute journey with panoramic views of the flora and fauna of North Lantau Country Park, Tung Chung Bay and the Hong Kong International Airport. Ngong Ping 360 received the CILT Award 2013 Enterprise Award presented by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong (CILTHK) in 2014. It was also selected as one of the Cable cars: 10 amazing rides around the world in the same year by The Daily Telegraph in the UK and named as amongst 10 of the world s most amazing cable car experiences by CNN.com in the USA in 2015. Ngong Ping 360 also won the Certificate of Excellence 2015 from TripAdvisor. Press release issued by Wasabi Creation Ltd on behalf of Ngong Ping 360. For enquiries, please contact: Ms Venus Li Tel: 2811 4900/9834 3696 Email: venus@wasabic.com.hk Ms Fiona Shum Tel: 2811 4900/9100 2991 Email: fiona@wasabic.com.hk
Appendix I: Ngong Ping 360 Summer Butterfly Fest Programme Programme Venue and Time Ngong Ping Family Wildlife Photo Contest Date: 14 and 21 August cum Workshop Ngong Ping 360 has invited Mr Eddie Kwong, Photography Workshop an award-winning wildlife photographer, to Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 noon conduct a photography workshop with his Venue: Ngong Ping Village son. Together they will teach parents and children how to take photos of butterflies. Guided Tour Parents and children can also join the guided Time: 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm tour led by Eddie and his son, during which Route: Ngong Ping Village Po Lin they will be able to look for butterflies while Monastery Wisdom Path Ngong Ping enjoying a fun family outing along a butterfly Tree Walk Ngong Ping Village walk specially designed for families. What is more, participants will be able to enter their Free of charge photos in the Ngong Ping Wildlife Photo Contest to compete for grand prize. Stay tuned to the Ngong Ping 360 Facebook page for enrolment details. Leave a comment to tell us why you want to explore the butterflies and ecology at Ngong Ping 360 and learn photography with your child, and then indicate your available dates. The most creative answers with the most likes will be selected. Selected participants* will enjoy a free cable car ride (adult and child) on the day of the photography workshop. Upon completion of the workshop, participants will be able to enter the photo contest for a chance to win a family photo-shoot package with Eddie as the photographer, worth HK$10,000. *Participants entering the photo contest must use a mirrorless or digital single-lens reflex camera. A macro or medium to long lens is recommended. Participating children should be aged six or above.
Inclusive Butterfly Art Workshop An Inclusive Butterfly Art Workshop taught by Ms Apple Tong, ADA Angel from the Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong, will also be organised for children. Guests will be able to learn how to draw butterflies with pastels or other art media, and get to know the different shapes and forms of butterflies during the workshop. Butterfly Dance Performance During the event period, there will be three butterfly dance performances every day at Ngong Ping Village, making your summer tour even more memorable! Six butterfly-themed decorations Six butterfly-themed decorations have been set up at Ngong Ping Village, including a large art installation, Flower and Butterfly Dream, a corridor with butterflies dancing overhead, 2D and 3D butterfly walls, a butterfly pavilion and six art installations depicting the ecological and human landscapes of Ngong Ping. Adults and children can immerse themselves in the world of butterflies and take some great pictures while exploring the local ecology. Date: 31 July; 6-7, 13-14, 20 August Time: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Venue: Ngong Ping Village Free of charge Time: 12:45 pm, 14:00 pm, 16:00 pm (10-15 minutes per session) Venue: Ngong Ping Village Venue: Ngong Ping Village
Appendix II: Ngong Ping 360 Summer Butterfly Fest Six Butterfly-themed Decorations Flower and Butterfly Dream Art Installation A large butterfly-shaped art installation made with rosy flower materials, creating a fantastic atmosphere. Dancing Butterfly Corridor Pass through this Chinese style corridor to see butterflies with different colours and patterns dancing overhead. 2D Butterfly Wall A gorgeous butterfly sticker adds a lively touch to the wall of an antique Chinese building. 3D Butterfly Wall A pink-flowered bush on which beautiful 3D butterflies rest. Butterfly Pavilion Be embraced by the greenery and marvel at the colourful butterflies as you take a rest in the pavilion.
Art Installations Take funny photos with the six art installations depicting the ecological and human landscapes of Ngong Ping at Ngong Ping Village. Human-size Butterfly Human-size Tree Frog Tai O Water Village Wedding Martial Arts Legend Wisdom Path White Dolphins
Appendix III: 10 rare butterfly species in Ngong Ping Photo Tamil Grass Dart (Taractrocera ceramas) Description The Tamil Grass Dart (Taractrocera ceramas) is one of the three treasures of Ngong Ping. It is a species rare in Hong Kong that can be found mostly at Ngong Ping. The antenna of the Tamil Grass Dart is club-headed rather than the hook shape common to Hesperiidae. Large Three-ring (Ypthima motschulskyi) The Large Three-ring (Ypthima motschulskyi) is one of the three treasures of Ngong Ping. It is a species very rare in Hong Kong that most easily spotted at Ngong Ping and Lantau Peak. It has three eye spots on the underside of its hindwings. Striped Bush Hopper (Ampittia virgata ) The Striped Bush Hopper (Ampittia virgata) is one of the three treasures of Ngong Ping. It is a very rare species in Hong Kong that is mostly found in the Ngong Ping area. Males have yellow hook-shaped marks on the upper side of the forewing. Common Birdwing (Troides helena) The Common Birdwing (Troides helena) is the only insect species protected by the Cap 170 Wild Animals Protection Ordinance. The host plant is Aristolochia tagala. Chestnut Tiger (Parantica sita) The Chestnut Tiger (Parantica sita) migrates seasonally from Japan to Taiwan and Hong Kong. Its wings feature a large patch of pale blue stripes and the hindwings have brown margins. Host plants include Tylophora ovate and Hoya carnosa of Asclepiadacea.
Southern Chinese Peacock (Papilio dialis) The Southern Chinese Peacock (Papilio dialis) is a very rare species in Hong Kong, mostly found on Lantau and in Taipo. The upper sides of the hindwings are fully covered with metallic scales. The host plant is Tetradium glabrifolium. Common Archduke (Lexias pardalis) Zebra Blue (Leptotes plinius) The Common Archduke (Lexias pardalis) is a very rare species in Hong Kong, mostly found on Lantau. It is a sexually dimorphic species. Females have yellow spots on the upper sides of their wings whereas males have vertical blue stripes. The host plant is Cratoxylum cochinchinense. Adults feed on overripe fruit. The Zebra Blue (Leptotes plinius) is a rare species found mainly on Lantau. It has a distinctive underside with black and white stripes. The host plant is Plumbago zeylanica. Green Flash (Artipe eryx) The Green Flash (Artipe eryx) is an uncommon species in Hong Kong. These butterflies have a distinctive green underside that means they are easily distinguishable from other species. The host plant is Gardenia jasminoides. Danaid Egg-fly (Hypolimnas misippus) The Danaid Egg-fly (Hypolimnas misippus) is an uncommon species in Hong Kong. Females mimic the poisonous Plain Tiger (Danaus chrysippus) to avoid being eaten by predators. Males show hill topping behaviour. The host plant is Portulaca oleracea.