On October 26, 2025, a team of 25 students, led by Dr. Jianing CHEN and Dr. Sara Kar Bo WONG from the Chinese Culture and Global Communication program, along with Teaching Assistant Miss Claire Mianqu CUI, all from the Department of Communication, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, travelled to Outer Lingding Island in Zhuhai to conduct in-depth field research for the “Pak Tai Temple Park Photo Spot Enhancement Project.”

As a core island in Dangan Town, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai, Outer Lingding Island is not only a key area preserving the fishing and farming traditions of the Pearl River Estuary, but also a focal point for the development of “island-wide tourism” in the Greater Bay Area. The Pai Tai Temple Park on the island serves as the physical representation of the “Northern Deity Belief on Outer Lingding Island,” a municipal-level intangible cultural heritage of Zhuhai, and is a crucial landmark bridging faith-based culture and tourism experiences.

Through site inspections and targeted interviews, the faculty and students gained a deeper understanding of the needs and expectations of park staff, visitors, residents, and local merchants regarding the park’s renovation. Students actively raised questions about the research details, and discussed with Dr. Chen thoroughly.

During the investigation, the students divided into groups to systematically survey the park’s entrance pathways, core activity areas, and surrounding unused spaces. 

Although the field research has concluded, it marks the beginning of the creative design phase. Moving forward, the team will focus on the theme “Northern Deity Belief + Island Characteristics” to develop unique visual symbols, design themed landscapes, including sculptures, painted walls, and cultural interpretation panels, and create three categories of intangible cultural heritage products: practical, commemorative, and experiential. These efforts aim to transform Pak Tai Temple Park from a cultural landmark into a “perceivable, interactive, and memorable” photo spot.

Written by: Xuanyue HAN

Photographs by: Zixuan JI, Feiyu CHEN

Edited by: Jianing CHEN