Rural Revitalization Symposium 2025 – Contextualizing Urban-Rural Integration: Co-vision, Co-create, Co-operate
Despite accelerating global urbanization, nearly half of the world's population still resides in rural regions. Urban-rural integration (URI) is increasingly recognized as essential not only for securing resources such as food, water, and energy, but also for ensuring sustainable development, social equity, and climate resilience. In Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, URI has become a strategic priority. Rural areas like the New Territories offer valuable opportunities for ecological conservation, community regeneration and spatial innovation.
This symposium contextualizes urban-rural integration through the lens of co-vision, co-create and co-operate, exploring how inclusive governance and collaborative planning can shape resilient futures. It will examine how planning and positioning strategies, participatory practices, and the adaptive reuse of rural assets can unlock potential at the urban-rural interface. By highlighting cultural landscapes and heritage conservation, the symposium will also consider the evolving identity of rural territories under global pressures and urban expansion.
Bringing together academics, practitioners and public stakeholders, the symposium creates a platform for interdisciplinary exchange and international collaboration. Through theoretical dialogue and real-world case studies from Hong Kong, mainland China and beyond, participants will address pressing urban-rural challenges and opportunities, while laying the foundation for pilot initiatives and long-term partnerships. Ultimately, the event aims to position its organizers and partners as regional and global leaders in advancing rural revitalization and sustainable urban-rural integration.
Rural Revitalization Symposium 2025 【Symposium 3 Oct 2025】
Time：9:00AM - 5:00PM
Venue：LT1 & LT2, Yasumoto International Academic Park, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
Language : English and Putonghua
Content : It will feature Keynote, Dialogue three panel discussions alongside parallel sessions and an exhibition.
Panel 1: Positioning, Policy & Planning
Panel 2: Design, Practice & Partnership
Panel 3: Culture, Heritage & Landscape
Ticketing:
Standard: HKD 600
Students: HKD 300
Enquiries (for 3 Oct):
Tel : (852) 3943 6518
Email : RRS25@cuhk.edu.hk
Rural Revitalization Symposium 2025 【Fieldside Dialogue 4 Oct 2025】
Time：8:30AM - 5:30PM
Venue : Lai Chi Wo Village (LCW) and Mui Tsz Lam Village, Sha Tau Kok, HK
Language : Cantonese and Mandarin (English for some activities)
Content : Ten-year Revitalization Journey of Lai Chi Wo Sharing, Fieldside Dialogue, Eco-tour and Green Culture Experience Workshop and Lai Wo, Here! Market.
Fieldside Dialogue Panel 1: How to Promote Urban-Rural Integration? (Case sharing)
Fieldside Dialogue Panel 2: How Can Innovative Youth Perspectives Revitalize Rural Areas? (Youth sharing)
Eco-tour: Lai Chi WoVillage or Mui Tsz Lam Village
Interactive Green Culture Experience Workshops:
1. LCW Coffee Tasting Workshop
2. Vegan Roselle Banana Ice cream Workshop
3. Mid-Autumn Festival Hakka Steamed Glutinous Rice Cake and Mooncake Workshop
4. Roof Tiles Zentangle Art Painting Workshop
Ticketing
Standard: HKD 500
Students: HKD 300
Enquiries (for 4 Oct):
Tel : (852) 2742 4668
Email : RRS25@cuhk.edu.hk
Events
Rural Revitalization Symposium 2025【3 Oct 2025 Symposium】
This symposium contextualizes urban-rural integration through the lens of co-vision, co-create and co-operate. It will feature three panel discussions alongside parallel sessions and an exhibition.
Panel 1: Positioning, Policy & Planning
Panel 2: Design, Practice & Partnership
Panel 3: Culture, Heritage & Landscape
Language:
English and Putonghua
Programme Rundown
08:30 – 09:00 Registration
09:00 – 09:40 Opening Remarks
09:40 – 11:30 Keynote and Roundtable Dialogue
11:30 – 12:30 Lunch Break | Opening of International Exhibition of Outstanding Projects and Papers on Urban-rural Integration
12:30 – 13:45 Panel 1: Positioning, Policy & Planning | Parallel Session 1
14:00 – 15:15 Panel 2: Design, Practice & Partnerships | Parallel Session 2
15:30 – 16:45 Panel 3: Culture, Heritage, Landscape | Parallel Session 3
16:45 – 17:00 Handover Ceremony
Symposium Application Period:
Now to 19 September 2025 ( Friday ), 17:00 ( HKT )
Ticketing:
Standard: Suitable for all participants, holders have the right to participate in the whole conference, including keynote speeches and panels, parallel sessions and the exhibition.
Students: For current tertiary institutions or above students only. Students should present their valid student ID at the time of symposium registration; all student ticket holders will enjoy the same rights as standard ticket holders.
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Parallel Session: Call for Papers:
We invite submissions for a parallel session at the symposium.
Topics:
Papers should be written around the theme of the conference symposium on Urban-Rural Integration, with the following sub-themes:
1) Positioning, Policy & Planning
2) Design, Practice & Partnership
3) Culture, Heritage & Landscape
Deadlines:
Abstract submission deadline: 31 Aug 2025 (11:59 HKT), extended deadline
Abstract selection notification date: 3 September 2025
Full paper submission deadline: 15 September 2025, 23:59 HKT
Submission Method:
Please send abstracts of no more than 500 words in English to the symposium email address: RRS25@cuhk.edu.hk by 20 August 2025, 23:59 HKT. The email title should follow the following format:
Symposium Ticket Number_Author's Name_Abstract
e.g.: 2076500_Chan Tai Man_Abstract
The Abstract Template can be found at THIS LINK .
Abstracts selected by the Academic Committee will be notified by the symposium's official mail, and authors will be asked to provide the full text, which should be sent to the symposium email address RRS25@cuhk.edu.hk by 15 September 2025, 23:59 HKT. The email title should follow the following format:
'Symposium Ticket Number_Author's Name_Full Text
e.g.:2076500_Chan Tai Man_full text
The full text template can be found at THIS LINK .
Presentation and Prizes:
Selected abstracts will be invited for full text submission and to give oral presentations at the parallel session on 3 October 2025; Certificates of Presentation will be awarded. Based on innovative content and clarity of presentation, the best speaker will be selected, and the Best Speaker Certificate will be awarded. Exceptional papers may also be recommended for publication in partnered SCI/SSCI journals.
During the full-text selection process, selected papers will be invited to participate in the International Exhibition of Outstanding Projects and Papers on Urban-Rural Integration, which will take place alongside the conference symposium. This aims to provide a comprehensive platform for promoting academic exchanges and offering valuable feedback to the authors.
*Please note that abstract submissions must be accompanied by the purchase of a symposium ticket. Your symposium ticket number can be found in the subject line of the purchase confirmation and on the symposium ticket.
Remarks:
1. The RRS25 Organizing Committee reserves the right to make changes to the content at any time.
2. The RRS25 Organizing Committee reserves the right to use any photograph/video taken during the event and may use the photograph/video in CUHK educational, news, or promotional materials, whether in print, electronic, or other forms of media.
3. Participants should ensure that all images, text, and other content included in submitted posters, papers, and presentations (e.g., PPTs) are free of copyright disputes. The RRS25 Organizing Committee will not be held responsible for any related conflicts.
4. In the event of extreme weather conditions, including the issuance of a Typhoon Signal No. 8 (T8) or Black Rainstorm Warning, please note that the scheduled event will proceed with alternative arrangements to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants. If warnings beyond the aforementioned are issued, the safety of continuing the event will be assessed. Should the event be deemed unsafe, the RRS25 Organizing Committee reserves the right to refer to the force majeure clause regarding any necessary delays, cancellations, or alterations. Tickets for the symposium are non-refundable once sold.
5. The RRS25 Organizing Committee shall not be liable for any delays, cancellations, or alterations due to circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to natural disasters, acts of God, or other force majeure events.
6. No refunds will be issued for individuals who are unable to attend the meeting due to personal reasons.
Call for Submission: International Exhibition of Outstanding Projects and Papers on Urban-rural Integration
The International Exhibition of Outstanding Projects and Papers on Urban-rural Integration will be held concurrently with the Rural Revitalization Symposium 2025. Individuals interested in submitting works for the exhibition are welcome to do so after completing their symposium registration.
Submission Content:
Submissions should feature practical projects related to the theme of urban–rural integration, such as rural revitalization initiatives, integrated industrial and economic development, ecological co-development, governance innovation, and technology-enabled solutions.
Method of Submission
Please send your project materials to the conference email address: RRS25@cuhk.edu.hk by 31 August 2025, 23:59 HKT. The email subject line should follow this format:
Poster Submission Ticket Number_Author's Name_Exhibition
e.g.: 3076500_Chan Tai Man_Exhibition
The poster template can be found at THIS LINK .
Exhibition Format:
Outstanding projects will be selected for the International Urban-Rural Integration Outstanding Works Exhibition and displayed in the form of posters. Each selected entry will also receive an Exhibition Certificate.
Outstanding submissions may be promoted to cooperative platforms. Authors will have the opportunity to present their works during the exhibition on the day of the symposium, enhancing the interactive experience.
Entry Fee:
An administrative fee of HKD 300 will be charged for each entry. This fee will be fully allocated to cover the costs associated with printing and displaying the exhibition.
*Note: Payment for the presentation must be completed before poster submission. Your Poster Submission Ticket Number can be found on the confirmation email and on the ticket.
Rural Revitalization Symposium 2025【Fieldside Dialogue 4 Oct 2025】
The second day of the Symposium – Fieldside Dialogue, will be held in Lai Chi Wo Village ( LCW ), a 300-year-old Hakka settlement in Sha Tau Kok, northeastern New Territories, Hong Kong. As part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, LCW offers a unique setting for participants to explore Hong Kong's rural revitalization initiatives. This program includes panel discussions with rural practitioners and youth, Eco-tours of the village, and interactive green culture experience workshops that provide hands-on engagement with sustainable development efforts.
Language:
Cantonese and Putonghua ( English for some activities )
Eco-tours and Interactive Green Culture Experience Workshops:
Eco-Tour Session 1: 14:15 – 15:15 ( 20 participants per tour )
- Lai Chi Wo Eco-Tour 1 ( Cantonese )
- Lai Chi Wo Eco-Tour 2 ( Putonghua )
- Mui Tsz Lam Guided Tour 3 ( English ) [ Duration: 14:00 – 15:20; includes a 20-minute uphill walk ]
Eco-tours Session 2: 15:30 – 16:30 ( 20 participants per tour )
- Lai Chi Wo Eco-Tour 4 ( Cantonese )
- Lai Chi Wo Eco-Tour 5 ( English )
- Mui Tsz Lam Guided Tour 6 ( Cantonese ) [ Duration: 15:30 – 16:50; includes a 20-minute uphill walk ]
Interactive Green Culture Experience Workshop Session 1: 14:15 - 15:15 ( 15 participants per workshop )
- LCW Coffee Tasting Workshop A1 [ Instructor: Anna ]
- Vegan Roselle Banana Ice cream Workshop B1 [ Instructor: Him ]
- Mid-Autumn Festival Hakka Steamed Glutinous Rice Cake Workshop C1 [ Instructor: Susan ]
- Roof Tiles Zentangle Art Painting Workshop D1 [ Instructor: Human ]
Interactive Green Culture Experience Workshop Session 2: 15:30 – 16:30 (15 participants per workshop)
- LCW Coffee Tasting Workshop A2 [Instructor: Anna]
- Vegan Roselle Banana Ice Cream Workshop B2 [Instructor: Him]
- Mid-Autumn Festival Hakka Steamed Glutinous Rice Cake Workshop C2 [Instructor: Susan]
- Roof Tiles Zentangle Art Painting Workshop D2 [Instructor: Human]
Special Circumstances & Weather Arrangement
1. Pre-event Arrangement
If the Red or Black Rainstorm Signal, or Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No.3 or above is still in force at 6:30 AM, the event will be cancelled, and a full refund will be arranged (excluding handling fees).
2. During the Event
If the Red or Black Rainstorm Signal, or Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No.3 or above is issued after the event has commenced, the event will be suspended immediately. Participants will be directed to a safe location until weather conditions improve, after which the event will resume.
3. If adverse weather conditions persist beyond 1:00 PM and do not improve, participants will be evacuated by ferry as soon as possible under safe conditions.
Remarks:
a. Limited spaces available for each activity, first-come-first-served.
b. Unless otherwise specified, all activities will be conducted primarily in Cantonese.
c. Participants may only choose one Eco-tour and one Green Culture Experience Workshop; selecting two Eco-tours or two Workshops is not permitted.
d. The Mui Tsz Lam guided tour requires a 20-minute uphill hike, please note when registering. Once registered, changes cannot be made.
Programme Rundown:
08:30 – 08:55 Participants Assemble at Sha Tau Kok Pier
09:00 Ferry Departs Promptly
09:00 – 09:45 Ferry Ride to LCW
10:00 – 10:25 Welcome & Opening Remarks
10:25 – 10:30 Group Photo Session
10:30 – 10:50 Ten-years of Revitalization Journey of LCW Sharing
10:50 – 11:35 Fieldside Dialogue Panel 1: How to Promote Urban-Rural Integration? ( Case sharing )
11:35 – 12:20 Fieldside Dialogue Panel 2: How Can Innovative Youth Perspectives Revitalize Rural Areas? ( Youth sharing )
12:20 – 12:30 Closing Remarks
12:30 – 14:00 Hakka-style Lunch
14:15 – 16:30 Eco-Tours & Green Culture Experience Workshops ｜ Lai Wo, Here! Market
16:45 – 17:00 Assemble at LCW Pier
17:00 Ferry Departs Promptly
17:00 – 17:30 Return to Sha Tau Kok Pier
Remarks:
1 Transportation to Sha Tau Kok
1.1 Bus / MiniBus
Bus Route 78S/78K: From Sheung Shui or Fanling MTR Stations (78S is express)
Green Minibus 55K : From Sheung Shui MTR Station
Bus Route 277A: From Lam Tin MTR Station
2 All participants must apply for Sha Tau Kok Closed Area Permit
2.1 Application Deadline: All participants must apply at least 3 working days before the programme.
2.2 How to Apply: Online via Hong Kong Police Force system
2.3 Application Link: Sha Tau Kok Closed Area Permit Application
3 Early Departure from LCW Options (Public Ferry Service)
3.1 Ferry Schedule
3.1.1 To Sha Tau Kok
Departure: 13:00, 16:15
Duration: ~30 mins
Fare: HK$40 ( one-way )
3.1.2 To Ma Liu Shui
Departure: 15:30
Duration: ~1.5 hours
Fare: HK$45 ( one-way )
4.The RRS25 Organizing Committee reserves the right to use any photograph/video taken during the event and may use the photograph/video in WZQ news, or promotional materials, whether in print, electronic, or other forms of media.
5.The RRS25 Organizing Committee shall not be liable for any delays, cancellations, or alterations due to circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to natural disasters, acts of God, or other force majeure events.
6.The RRS25 Organizing Committee reserves the right to make changes to the content at any time.
Fieldside Dialogue Registration Period:
From now to 19 September 2025 ( Friday ), 17:00 HKT
