Tourism Board axes controversial Peak lighting project following backlash

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has scrapped a controversial lighting project on The Peak following complaints from residents and trail users that it would ruin the natural environment.

In a paper submitted to the Central and Western District Council, the HKTB said it had met with district councillors and conducted site visits with lawmakers after the public “expressed concerns” about the installations along Peak Circle Walk.

The HKTB said it considered revising the project, including by reducing the number of lights, but decided ultimately to scrap it altogether.

“After taking into account local feedback, the expected outcomes after adjustments to the Project, as well as existing and upcoming tourism products and events, the Government’s conclusion is that there is no need to implement the Project and has therefore decided not to proceed,” the paper read.

“[The Tourism Board] will dismantle all related installations as soon as possible and fully restore the affected areas to their original condition,” it added.

The project came to light last month, when photos surfaced on social media of orbs, sculptures, and other decorations along the scenic hilltop path.

Criticism arose that the installations were unattractive and spoiled the serene natural environment.

Concerns were also raised about hanging lighting fixtures from trees.

In the District Council paper, the tourism authority said the addition of “small-scale lighting installations” along Lugard Road and Harlech Road on The Peak was meant to be part of a new series of immersive light shows across different tourist attractions to replace A Symphony of Lights.

The government announced earlier this year that the nightly Victoria Harbour attraction would be retired after more than two decades.

“Drawing on experience from lighting events worldwide, HKTB’s plan was to install various lighting and projection devices within the wooded areas, using moderate lighting effects to enhance the experience of viewing the natural landscape at night,” it said.

The board said the lights were intended to “complement the surrounding environment” and add a “new dimension” to attractions on The Peak.

The installations would only have operated from 7pm to 10pm, and would have been “completely switched off thereafter to minimise the impact on the environment.” Only “low-volume natural sound effects” would have been played, the HKTB added.

The board also said that it had consulted “relevant stakeholders” and District Council members, and had issued notices to residents in the vicinity, following complaints that there was insufficient communication with the public about the plan.

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Hillary Leung is a journalist at Hong Kong Free Press, where she reports on local politics and social issues, and assists with editing. Since joining in late 2021, she has covered the Covid-19 pandemic, political court cases including the 47 democrats national security trial, and challenges faced by minority communities.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Hillary completed her undergraduate degree in journalism and sociology at the University of Hong Kong. She worked at TIME Magazine in 2019, where she wrote about Asia and overnight US news before turning her focus to the protests that began that summer. At Coconuts Hong Kong, she covered general news and wrote features, including about a Black Lives Matter march that drew controversy amid the local pro-democracy movement and two sisters who were born to a domestic worker and lived undocumented for 30 years in Hong Kong.