Upgrade or eyesore? Why Hong Kong’s Peak light display has hit a snag

A controversial lighting project along a walking trail on The Peak is in doubt following mounting complaints that the installations damage Hong Kong’s natural beauty.

Designed as one of several new attractions meant to replace a retired light show, the initiative has been criticised by local residents and visitors as counterproductive.

The South China Morning Post looks at what has gone wrong with the project.

1. What is the project about?

The Tourism Board planned small light installations for selected points along the walking trail near Lugard Road and Harlech Road to add new features to The Peak’s attractions.

The installations feature a soft, low-glare lighting design and were scheduled to operate from 7pm to 10pm on a 12-month trial basis, according to the board.

“The initiative aims to further enhance the appeal of Hong Kong’s nighttime tourism and showcase the city’s unique charm as an international metropolis,” the board said last week.

2. Why did it trigger controversy?

Many residents accused the board of removing trees and vegetation to make way for the installations and causing serious light pollution.

Critics labelled the installations an eyesore that ruined the area’s natural ambience, pointing out that the walkway was set to feature at least 276 spotlights and 52 trees bound with cables.

One social media user said: “The LED lights are so strong that they could affect local wildlife. Cables were strung along the railings, creating a risk of electrical leakage.”

Jim Chi-yung, a research chair professor of geography and environmental science at The Education University of Hong Kong, widely known as the “Tree Doctor”, said installing a lighting project in a natural setting was “incongruous” and “a mismatch”.

3. How did the project originate?

Led by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the project was launched as one of several initiatives intended to replace Hong Kong’s long-running “A Symphony of Lights” display.

The nightly synchronised light, laser and music show, which had illuminated Victoria Harbour since 2004, was retired on September 9.

The 22-year-old show was named the world’s “Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show” by Guinness World Records in 2005 with lights spanning more than 40 buildings on both sides of the harbour.

The replacement initiative followed Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po’s budget announcement in February, which stated that the board would launch a series of new shows across various locations and times throughout the year.

At a Legislative Council Finance Committee meeting in April, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said the board would allocate about HK$200 million (US$25.49 million) to launch a brand-new light and shadow parade, which includes The Peak light show.

The show was meant to form part of a new light display set to premiere alongside the coming Hong Kong WinterFest mega-event.

What does the future hold for the new light display?

The project’s future remains uncertain following the public outcry.

The board stated it would review the project, while security guards told the SCMP this week that related work has been suspended.

Law noted on Wednesday that the board and the Tourism Commission were currently gathering public feedback, adding that a final decision on whether to include the installations in the Christmas display would come later.