Hong Kong Central Library | Hok Hoi Books Library Life & Learning Lecture Series：Survival Skills and Anti-Scam Guide for Ancient Heroes

Description

Co-organized by the Hong Kong Public Libraries and Hok Hoi Books Library, this lecture series invites scholars to elucidate the cultural insights within classical Chinese literature in an accessible manner, enhancing the public's appreciation of Chinese culture. Teachers, students, and members of the public are cordially invited to attend and join in preserving Chinese heritage.

Lecture Overview

In martial arts novels and screen adaptations, the realm of Jianghu (the traditional world of martial artists and outlaws) is often portrayed as one of knight-errants clad in pristine white, wielding swords across the horizons. However, the real Jianghu revolved around the daily struggle for sustenance—and was fraught with potential pitfalls.

How did these iconic martial artists earn a living in an era before the internet? When carrying heavy silver coins without the aid of anti-fraud applications, how easily could one fall prey to meticulously designed scams?

Jianghu is not merely about combat; at its core, it represents interpersonal wisdom and a game of survival. While some relied on physical labor to make a living and others used their fists to protect their families, some turned to fraudulent schemes for quick wealth. This lecture will examine ancient texts to explore the methods of earning a livelihood in the traditional Jianghu, offering an engaging reflection on historical survival strategies.

Speaker: Dr. NG Ka-yi

Speaker Profile: Dr. Ng obtained her Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Master of Philosophy, and Doctor of Philosophy in Chinese Language and Literature from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). She currently serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Chinese Language and Literature at CUHK and has been honored with teaching excellence awards by the Faculty of Arts and the Department of Chinese Language and Literature. Her academic interests encompass pre-Qin and Han dynasty ancient texts, English translation of classical Chinese literature, and language pedagogy, with numerous academic papers and reports published.

This lecture is also an event under the "Promotion of Chinese Culture Series." The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) actively promotes Chinese history and culture by organizing diverse programs to deepen public understanding of rich Chinese traditions. For more information, please visit https://ccpo.gov.hk/en/.

Remarks:

• The lecture will be conducted in Cantonese. Admission is free. Interested parties may reserve seats via this webpage from 9:00 a.m., 21.8.2026 (Friday) onwards. Limited seats are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

• Participants should be seated 15 minutes before the lecture commences.

• Lecture quota and admission arrangements will be updated from time to time. Please note the latest announcements made by the HKPL and follow the instructions of venue staff.

• The lecture may be recorded in video and/or audio format for review.

• If Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above or a Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or "extreme conditions" announced by the Government is in force 3 hours before the lecture commences, the lecture will be cancelled.