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The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Library is presenting the “Forest of Books, Phoenix in Flight: The Art and Life of Ye Lingfeng” exhibition from now until 31 December 2026. The exhibition features precious manuscripts, art catalogues, ex libris, correspondence and photographs of the late renowned writer, bibliophile, and visual artist Ye Lingfeng, with some items shown to the public for the first time. Jointly presented by CUHK Library and the Hong Kong Literature Research Centre, the exhibition is open to the public free of charge.

Ye Lingfeng (1905–1975) was a leading figure in modern Chinese literature and was also renowned for his distinctive visual art. During the war years, he moved from Shanghai to Hong Kong, where his deep and enduring attachment to the city inspired a prolific body of literary and artistic works, leaving a lasting impact on the development of local literature and art. The exhibition brings together treasured items generously donated or loaned by Ye’s descendants, offering a comprehensive portrayal of his multiple identities as a novelist, essayist, editor, translator, collector and artist.

The opening ceremony was recently held at the CUHK Library’s Exhibition Area. Officiating guests included Mr Terry Yip Chiu-chun, representing Ye’s family; Mr Hui Tik-cheung, a respected local author; Professor Irwin King Kuo-chin, CUHK’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education); Professor Max Tang Xiaobing, CUHK’s Dean of Arts; Professor Wong Nim-yan, Director of the Hong Kong Literature Research Centre, CUHK; and Ms Patti Cheung Po-chun, Associate University Librarian of CUHK. The ceremony was attended by members of the cultural and academic communities, including Professor Ambrose King Yeo-chi, former vice-chancellor of CUHK, and film director Ms Ann Hui On-wah.

In his speech, Professor King expressed sincere gratitude to the Ye family: “We are deeply grateful to Ye Lingfeng’s descendants for their generous donation, which has enabled these precious items to find a permanent home in the CUHK Library for scholars and the public to access. This exhibition allows us to trace Ye Lingfeng’s journey from multiple perspectives: from Shanghai to Hong Kong, from literary creation to artistic design, and from private collecting to public cultural contribution. It reveals a life shaped by imagination, resilience and refinement, and reminds us that books and works of art are never merely objects; they are vessels of memory, thought and human connection.” 

Following the ceremony, the CUHK Library held a sharing session hosted by Professor Cui Wendong of the Department of Chinese Language and Literature. Speakers included Ms Yip Chung-man, Ye’s daughter, and Mr Li Guangyu, a renowned expert on Ye’s work. Ms Yip shared personal reflections on her father’s lifelong bond with books and the journey of donating his collection of over 10,000 volumes to CUHK Library. Mr Li spoke about Ye’s pioneering contributions to art and design.

The exhibition is organised into five thematic zones. The first, “Returning to His First Interest”, showcases Ye Lingfeng’s talent for designing book covers, illustrations and headlines after graduating from Shanghai College of Fine Arts. The second, “A Timeless Trove of Books and Arts”, displays his art catalogues and ex libris. The third, “Two Cities, Two Homes”, presents Ye’s life in Shanghai and Hong Kong, his literature and art, and his family life. The fourth, “A Persistent and Prolific Pen”, exhibits his writings and original newspaper clippings of his columns. The fifth, “Companions in Literature”, features photographs documenting his interactions with literary friends and with his family.

Mr Benjamin Meunier, CUHK University Librarian, said: “This exhibition reflects CUHK’s commitment to preserving literary heritage, advancing academic research and making important cultural collections accessible to the wider community. We hope that visitors will rediscover Ye Lingfeng and explore our rich Hong Kong Literature Collection.”

“Forest of Books, Phoenix in Flight: The Art and Life of Ye Lingfeng” exhibition information

Date: From today until 31 December 2026

Venue: Exhibition Area, G/F, CUHK Library

Opening hours: Please refer to the CUHK Library website

Admission: Free

Enquiries: 3943 8740