Hong Kong Ballet is staging its most ambitious world premiere of the season this October: Dunhuang: In Search of Light, a new full-length ballet inspired by the ancient Buddhist grottoes of Dunhuang and Hermann Hesse's novel Siddhartha. It runs for three performances only, from 16–18 October 2026 at the Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Here's what the production is, who's behind it, and how to book tickets.
In This Guide
What is Dunhuang: In Search of Light?
Dunhuang: In Search of Light is a new full-length ballet from Hong Kong Ballet, reuniting choreographers Hu Song Wei Ricky and Mai Jingwen. The story follows a young man's spiritual journey toward enlightenment, drawing on themes from Hermann Hesse's Nobel Prize-winning novel Siddhartha and combining classical ballet technique with imagery inspired by the Mogao Grottoes at Dunhuang, in Gansu province — a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Buddhist cave murals.
The production is billed as Hong Kong Ballet's first collaboration with the Dunhuang Academy, the Gansu-based institution responsible for the conservation and study of the Mogao caves. Onstage, the young protagonist is guided by Feitian — the Flying Apsaras, celestial dancing figures drawn directly from Dunhuang mural art — rendered through immersive, visual-effects-driven staging alongside classical choreography.
Dunhuang: In Search of Light
What do tickets to Dunhuang: In Search of Light cost?
Tickets are sold through URBTIX, Hong Kong's official government box office, in six price zones. Full and concessionary rates are as follows:
Dunhuang: In Search of Light — URBTIX price zones
| Zone | Full price | Concessionary |
|---|---|---|
| Zone A | HK$1,380 | — |
| Zone B | HK$1,100 | HK$550 |
| Zone C | HK$880 | HK$440 |
| Zone D | HK$680 | HK$340 |
| Zone E | HK$480 | HK$240 |
| Zone F | HK$280 | HK$140 |
Concessionary tickets typically apply to students, seniors and people with disabilities, per standard URBTIX terms. Prices correct as of August 2026 — confirm before booking as allocations and pricing can change.
Why is this part of a bigger season?
Dunhuang: In Search of Light is one of three major new productions anchoring Hong Kong Ballet's 2026/27 season, titled "Hong Kong Bling" under artistic director Septime Webre. The season, unveiled in July 2026, draws on Hong Kong's 1970s cultural heyday — disco culture, neon streets, martial arts cinema and fashion — across an eclectic slate of premieres.
The other two centrepiece productions are Bruce Lee: Hong Kong Legend, a large-scale ballet celebrating the martial arts icon with designs by Oscar-winning art director Tim Yip, and Coco Chanel: The Life of a Fashion Icon, choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. Both are part of the same season programme; check Hong Kong Ballet's official season page for their confirmed dates closer to each show.
Dunhuang: In Search of Light joins a packed autumn for Hong Kong's performing arts scene. For more of the city's stages, see our guides to the best dance performances in Hong Kong, best musicals and theatre, and Hong Kong's arts and culture scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book before it sells out
Three nights only, six ticket zones and a story spanning Dunhuang's ancient grottoes to the modern stage — Dunhuang: In Search of Light is one of the standout arts events of Hong Kong's autumn. Book through URBTIX.
Insider tip: unlike Hong Kong Ballet's classical repertory pieces, which often return in later seasons, this is a brand-new world premiere with only three scheduled performances — if it isn't restaged, 16–18 October 2026 is the only chance to see it live.