Sixty years ago, a group of university students from Mainland China devoted themselves to building the Dongjiang Water Supply Project, forging a vital link between Hong Kong and the Mainland. To commemorate this inspiring chapter and honour the spirit of those young pioneers, PolyU joined hands with Guangdong University of Technology (GDUT) to present the Hong Kong premiere of “The Legacy of Youth.” This original stage drama marks the 60th anniversary of the Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong—a project that has played a crucial role in the city’s water supply for six decades.

Co-organised by the Federation of Hong Kong Guangdong Community Organisations and Bauhinia Magazine, “The Legacy of Youth” was performed at the PolyU Jockey Club Auditorium on 9 and 10 July. The event drew over 1,000 attendees, including government officials, business and community leaders, staff, students and alumni from PolyU and GDUT, and members of the public.

The opening ceremony for the premiere on 10 July was officiated by distinguished guests, including:

• Mr Liu Guangyuan, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR (LOCPG) (6th from left);

• Ms Bernadette Linn Hon-ho, Secretary for Development of the HKSAR Government (5th from left);

• Ms Alice Mak Mei-kuen, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs (4th from left);

• Dr Lam Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman (6th from right);

• Professor Qiu Xueqing, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee and President of GDUT (3rd from left);

• Professor Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU President (5th from right);

• Ms Zhu Weiwei, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee of GDUT (2nd from left);

• Mr Zhang Zhihua, Deputy Director and Inspector at Level 1 of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Guangdong Province (4th from right);

• Mr Meng Fan, Inspector at Level 1 of the Water Resources Department of Guangdong Province (1st from left);

• Mr Ng Wah Kong, Member of CPPCC, Executive Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Federation of Hong Kong Guangdong Community Organisations (3rd from right);

• Mr Huang Xiaohua, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Bauhinia Magazine (2nd from right), and

• Mr Roger Wong Yan-lok, Director of Water Supplies in the HKSAR Government (1st from right).

Ms Bernadette Linn Hon-ho: “May this story inspire generations of young people to carry forward the same spirit of dedication and mission that drove those students who contributed to this project, empowering them to play their part in the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”

Dr Lam Tai-fai: “The Dongjiang Water Supply Project stands as a testament to solidarity in times of adversity, embodying the profound unity and shared heritage of the people from both regions. Moving forward, PolyU and GDUT will deepen collaboration across diverse fields, jointly nurturing talent to contribute to the Nation’s development.”

Professor Qiu Xueqing: “This stage drama engraves those extraordinary years in our minds, strengthens the bonds between Guangdong and Hong Kong, and passes down the enduring ‘Dongshen Spirit’ through the generations. It also fosters patriotism and national pride within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) community, inspiring youth to contribute to national development.”

Centred on the theme of “Role Model of the Times”, the drama unfolds in four chapters: Declaration of Youth, Symphony of Youth, Test of Youth, and Pursuit of Youth. Inspired by the real-life builders of the Dongjiang Water Supply Project, it recounts the moving stories of university students from Mainland China in the 1960s who answered the Nation’s call. The drama’s climax recreates the heroic efforts of builders during the 1964 floods, with stirring performances and the theme song, “Mountains and Rivers”, performed by the PolyU Choir and GDUT students.

An exhibition at the PolyU Jockey Club Auditorium showcased precious historical photos, deepening visitors’ understanding of the profound connection and enduring friendship between Mainland China and Hong Kong.

As a highlight of this year’s PolyU Chinese Culture Festival, “The Legacy of Youth” deepened appreciation of Chinese heritage and fostered national pride. The remarkable production was included in the commemorative activities to mark the 60th anniversary of the Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong by the Guangdong Province and the HKSAR Government, and has received commendation from the Ministry of Education.