Hong Kong entertainment icon Aaron Kwok, known to fans as “City City,” made a high-energy appearance at Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday to launch the new horse racing season. Performing his hits “Strong” and the new single “Rush Rush Rush,” Kwok also officiated a ceremonial drumming event, drawing a large crowd of racing enthusiasts and admirers.
In an interview, Kwok opened up about a recent family vacation to Singapore, where he, his wife Fang Yuan, and their two daughters enjoyed time away. The family stayed at a resort with a pool, allowing Kwok to bond with his children over swimming. “I used to focus mostly on gym training, but because my daughter loves swimming, I’ve caught the bug for water activities,” he said. “I can swim three strokes, and I’ve been teaching them myself. They also attend formal swimming lessons to build a foundation.”
Kwok, a horse owner himself, revealed that his daughters have developed an interest in riding after watching him visit his racehorses. “In Singapore, we took them horseback riding. When they’re older, we might arrange professional training, depending on their interest. As for becoming jockeys? That might be tough—they really love dancing,” he joked.
The singer said his daughters have watched his latest music video and challenged him to teach them the choreography. After learning a “shark dance” routine, they even dared him to a dance-off. “My daughter challenged me, so I danced with her. And she was really good! I’m looking forward to her taking on the ‘Rush Rush Rush’ dance,” Kwok said with a smile.
Addressing reports about his children’s education, Kwok clarified that his daughters did not change schools but are attending an international school to maintain a low-profile upbringing. “We don’t want to pressure them. Coming home and immediately studying can lead to nearsightedness. We want them to be free and happy. The school’s basic education is very complete,” he explained. When asked about fellow star Andy Lau’s daughter being a school alumna, Kwok laughed: “Now Andy and I have another topic to discuss. It’s like when I run into Jacky Cheung—we just compare notes on parenting.”
Kwok also touched on his growing interest in calligraphy, noting that one of his works sold for 1.5 million Hong Kong dollars for charity. He revealed he gifted actor Julian Cheung a personalized calligraphy piece featuring the character “Zai” (meaning “being present”) for Cheung’s birthday and concert. “Julian knew I practice Buddhism. On my birthday, he went all the way to Mount Putuo to have a monk write a scroll wishing me ‘All Wishes Granted.’ I’ve never forgotten that. This time, he asked me to write something, and I was glad to do it. The character ‘Zai’ fits his concert theme and also means cherishing the moment—he loved it,” Kwok shared.
On his wife, Fang Yuan, who recently appeared at public events, Kwok praised her growth. “She’s no longer shy in front of the camera. She’s learning to handle the media and adapt to society, which is good. She wasn’t an entertainer before—she worked in self-media—so she needs time. Seeing her progress makes me happy. Eventually, she’ll be able to teach our daughters etiquette and speech, and I’ll feel more at ease,” he said. When asked about Fang’s comment in a mainland variety show that she hasn’t fully integrated into his Hong Kong social circle after eight years of marriage, Kwok replied calmly: “That’s fine. It’s a process.”
Turning to work, Kwok revealed preparations for a major New Year’s Eve countdown concert at the Kai Tak Main Stadium, set for late this year. Dates and session numbers are pending official announcement, but the team has already held meetings and site inspections for three months. “The venue is huge, so we need to solve potential echo issues so every audience member can hear clearly. I’ll be touring Malaysia and mainland China through mid-October, then pause to focus on rehearsing for the Kai Tak show. The stage will be massive, with more dancers and much more movement. That means greater physical demand, but I’m not worried. I’m still in great shape,” Kwok said.
Regarding rumors that he will appear in the upcoming film “Twilight of the Kowloon Walled City” opposite Daniel Wu, Kwok remained tight-lipped. His manager, Mei, also declined to confirm, stating only: “We’ll leave that for the film company to announce. Whether he’s in it or not, we support Hong Kong cinema and the ‘Kowloon Walled City’ project.”
