Culture News

Hong Kong scraps its Peak trail light show after residents and green groups object

Hong Kong authorities have dropped a plan to install decorative lights along a scenic trail on The Peak, the South China Morning Post reported on October 29. The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Tourism Board concluded there was no urgent need for the project after assessing a watered-down version, and promised to restore the natural landscape as soon as possible.

The scheme was meant to boost night-time tourism. According to The Standard, it was planned as a 12-month pilot with small, low-glare lights on parts of the Lugard Road and Harlech Road walking trails, running from 7pm to 10pm daily, and was to launch alongside a new light and sound show for Hong Kong WinterFest replacing “A Symphony of Lights.” On October 18, the Tourism Board said it would review the plans after residents and environmental advocates raised concerns.

By October 23, The Standard reported, Commissioner for Tourism Ann Chan had walked the trails with lawmakers, who passed on proposals to remove ground-level fixtures blocking resting areas and cut the number of installations. Officials then said “feasible adjustments will be executed promptly.” The SCMP had earlier reported an outcry over felled trees.

How each outlet framed it

• South China Morning Post — the outcome: a tourism project abandoned in the face of public pressure, and a promise to restore the trail.
• The Standard — the process: consultations, site visits with lawmakers, and the Tourism Board's case for balancing tourism, nature and residents.

What we don't know yet: neither paper gives the project's cost, or what will replace it in the city's WinterFest plans.