To foster a richer cultural and artistic atmosphere on campus and to demonstrate the University's emphasis on arts education and cultural heritage, Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) is proud to present the Dragon-Riding Bodhisattva, a masterpiece by leading contemporary Chinese sculptor Mr Li Chen, on display in the ground floor lobby of the MU Tower, starting today.

HKMU is committed to bringing world-class art to the campus, enabling staff, students and the public to engage with art up close in their daily learning and lives, thereby cultivating their humanistic qualities and artistic vision. Staff, students, members of the public and art enthusiasts are cordially invited to appreciate this artistic treasure in person.

Created in 2001 and standing 3.3 metres tall, the Dragon-Riding Bodhisattva draws inspiration from the folk legend of Guanyin riding a dragon. Sculptor Li Chen skilfully unites the Bodhisattva and the mythical dragon into a single composition that conveys stability, movement and spiritual tension, giving expression to a liberated and vivid imagination.

Since its creation, different editions of the work have been showcased at a number of prestigious international exhibitions and venues, including the Venice Biennale, the National Art Museum of China, the Singapore Art Museum, and Place Vendôme in Paris, to widespread acclaim. The present work is the fourth in a limited edition of only six worldwide, making it exceptionally rare.

In recent years, HKMU has actively promoted cultural and artistic development, achieving fruitful outcomes. The University recently established the Museum of Modern Chinese Literature on its Main Campus in Ho Man Tin, which is currently showcasing a precious collection of Eileen Chang's manuscripts. It has also organised an exhibition of Cantonese opera costumes, and the HKMU Ina Ho Cantonese Opera Research Centre set up the Cantonese Opera Repository to promote Chinese cultural heritage on the global stage.

Furthermore, the University successfully hosted the inaugural World University Animation Awards (WUAA) last year, connecting animation talent from around the globe and fostering cross-regional creative exchange. HKMU emphasises the close integration of education programmes with industry developments and practical applications. The University also actively fosters a diverse cultural atmosphere for staff and students and cultivates students' artistic literacy.

Special thanks are extended to Dr Peter Lee Kwok-wah, Chairman of the HKMU Foundation Advisory Committee and Court member, for generously lending the Dragon-Riding Bodhisattva from his private collection for display at HKMU, enabling staff, students and the public to witness and appreciate this international-level art treasure up close and feel its unique charm.

The MU Tower, situated adjacent to the Hung Hom Promenade, is a multi-functional space for teaching, research and international conferences. Since September 2025, the MU Tower has been brought into operation in phases, serving as a hub for executive training programmes and start-up incubation, providing an exceptional learning environment for students.

HKMU welcomes the public to visit the campus and experience the insights and inspiration evoked by the Dragon-Riding Bodhisattva. For more details about Li Chen's Dragon-Riding Bodhisattva, please visit our website: https://www.hkmu.edu.hk/lib/dragon-riding-bodhisattva/.