An exhibition showcasing masterpieces and the work of young artists, featuring iconic views of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and its nearby mainland cities, is expected to further art exchanges, and drive Hong Kong's bid to be a global cultural hub.

The exhibition, co-organized by the Bauhinia Culture Group, is part of celebrations marking the city's 25th anniversary of its return to the motherland. It has attracted more than 1,000 visitors every day since its preview on June 25. The event is open to the public, for free, from Sunday to July 13.

Entitled Better Than Ever, the event was held at the Sky100 observation deck of Hong Kong's tallest building, the International Commerce Center in West Kowloon.

Major highlights of the exhibition are 70 artworks by 20 Chinese masters, such as the Shrimps by Qi Baishi, Autumn by Lin Fengmian, and other artworks of Li Keran, Guan Shanyue and Wu Guanzhong.

Also on exhibition are paintings showcasing landmarks and views of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area－such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and Victoria Harbor－and Bauhinia-themed artworks created by young artists.

Delivering a video message for the exhibition's opening ceremony on Sunday, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the event has brought a splendid cultural and art feast to Hong Kong, enabling residents to savor the charm of traditional Chinese culture.

On the same occasion, Mao Chaofeng, chairman of the Bauhinia Culture Group, said the exhibition has boosted art communication by showcasing artworks of both mainland and Hong Kong painters. In the future, the group will strive to further the collaboration and propel the city to be a pivotal hub for arts and cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world.

Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, Hong Kong lawmaker and convener of the Executive Council for the new-term SAR government, was invited to the exhibition on Sunday.

Ip said she was happy to see that the artworks from Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland could be displayed at the same exhibition, and she was particularly fond of paintings depicting the beautiful views of Hong Kong.

He Baili, a Hong Kong painter who was born in Guangzhou, was excited when his painting, Ancient City Under the Background of Sunrise, was selected for the exhibition.

Inspired by the Jiaohe ruins in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, He finished this work five years ago, to memorize traditional Chinese history and culture. The exhibition was "a significant and meaningful moment" for him, He said, as he could let more people know about the classical beauty in China.

Mainland-born Wu Yueliu's painting, Song of the Spring Water Resounds Through the Mountains, was also on display at the event. She said, by bringing her work to the exhibition, she wanted to express her gratitude to the central government for its long-term support of Hong Kong.

Local businessman Taffy Kan came to see the exhibition early in the morning. He said it was a rare opportunity for local people to see so many famous artworks of Chinese masters at the same time, and he was particularly impressed by Qi's painting.

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