In a unique move to bridge the past and the future, EdUHK has launched a ground-breaking curriculum initiative that reinterprets the classical Six Arts for today’s world.
From archery to AI
Introduced in the 2024–25 academic year, the New Six Arts curriculum has replaced the traditional General Education Breadth Learning Strands, offering students a fresh, interdisciplinary approach to personal and intellectual development.
Rooted in Confucian philosophy, the original Six Arts – rites, music, archery, charioteering, literacy and numeracy – were designed to cultivate well-rounded individuals. The New Six Arts reimagine these pillars through a contemporary lens, focusing on:
- Rites, etiquette, and values
- Arts and music
- Life skills (inspired by archery and charioteering)
- Literacy and calligraphy
- Coding, AI, and mathematics (inspired by numeracy)
This innovative curriculum instils Chinese cultural heritage, while equipping students with the skills and sensibilities needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving society.
A curriculum designed for depth and discovery
The New Six Arts Courses are structured in sets, each pairing a two-credit with one or two one-credit courses within the same semester. This format encourages immersive learning and thematic exploration. Six course sets were launched during the 2024–25 reporting period, with three more debuting in 2025-26.
A global perspective with local roots
Each course invites students to compare Chinese traditions with global counterparts, fostering cross-cultural understanding and critical thinking. Through experiential learning and external collaborations, students gain hands-on insights that extend beyond the classroom. “The New Six Arts curriculum is an enriching gateway to understanding, appreciating, and experiencing Chinese culture through both academic and practical engagement,” explains Dr David Kang Jong Hyuk, Director of General Education at EdUHK.
Whether exploring the philosophy behind Tai Chi or decoding the future of AI, the New Six Arts curriculum offers a dynamic platform for students to engage with heritage, technology, and human values, all in one transformative journey.
The New Six Arts curriculum’s diverse offerings
| Course | Themes & Highlights |
|---|---|
Wisdom of Characters and Chinese Culture (2-cp) Chinese Calligraphy (1-cp) Experiencing Chinese Characters through Animation (1-cp) | Chinese calligraphy, animated storytelling, cultural symbolism |
Musicking with Chineseness by Art Tech (2-cp) Exploring the Creative Potential of Music, Technology and Chinese Tradition (1-cp) | Art tech meets traditional music, creative fusion of sound and heritage |
Sports and Esports (2-cp) Active Living: From Ancient Sports to Esports (1-cp) | From ancient athletics to digital competition, active living redefined |
Science and Technology: Past, Present, and Future (2-cp) The Future Metropolis (1-cp) Exploring Artificial Intelligence (1-cp) | AI, future cities, and the evolution of innovation |
Debate for Thought: Stories of Chinese Rites (2-cp) Exploring Cultural Etiquette through a Kaleidoscopic View (1-cp) | Exploring values through dialogue, interviews, and cultural narratives |
Love・Fine OK (2-cp) Twice As Nice (1-cp) | Modern interpretations of joy, tradition, and relationships |
Unveiling Tai Chi: The Multidimensional Realisation of the Art of Harmony (2-cp) Tai Chi: Cultivating Mind and Body (1-cp) | Mind-body harmony through movement and philosophy |
The Legacy of Wing Chun in Hong Kong: A Journey through Martial Arts, Culture, and the Arts (2-cp) Techniques, Theory, and Application of Wing Chun Kung Fu (1-cp) | Martial arts as cultural expression and discipline |
Tea Culture: Bridging of Respect, Communication, and Relationships (2-cp) The Art of Communication through Tea Ware (1-cp) | Communication, respect, and relationships steeped in tradition |
