Text Transcript
Yinghong Gao (3036275297) & Kevin Shi (3036275455)
Ying:
The site that we have chosen for this video is the signboards on Portland Street, which is in the bustling district of Yau Ma Tei in Hong Kong. As you may already know, the neon signs in Hong Kong are a prominent feature of the cityscape and hold significant nostalgic value for the older generation of residents. These neon signs became widespread during the 1970s when Hong Kong experienced rapid growth, and they quickly became an integral part of the city’s identity. However, over the years, many of these neon signs have been disappearing due to the changing times and modernisation of the city. This has led to a sense of loss among the older generation who grew up with these signs as an essential part of their everyday lives. So, we decided to go to Yau Ma Tei to explore what these signboards mean to HK people from a tourist perspective.
Kevin:
These signboards hold cultural significance that is passed down from one generation to another, and they serve as a strong symbol of Hong Kong for both its residents and tourists. While we were waiting at the traffic light on Portland Street, these signboards caught our immediate attention when we looked up. They showcase what this area has to offer from a distance. HK is a fast-paced and modern city, where people are engaged in various activities, like unloading goods in this picture. These protruding signboards have been here for a long time, as indicated by the visible stains on them, which evoke a nostalgic feeling about HK.
Ying:
In addition to cultural value, we believe they can boost revenue for stores. We got hungry so we decided to go to a restaurant called “Iron Cow Taiwan”. But we couldn’t see the restaurant when we arrived at its proximity based on google map. After looking for 5 minutes, we noticed the signboard they have up there as you can see in this picture. We discovered that the store was located on the second floor within an inconspicuous mall, along with several other restaurants. As tourists, it would have been difficult for us to determine its exact location without the signboard. Due to the high cost of real estate in Hong Kong, developers often construct multi-level malls to maximize space. Consequently, many stores are located on higher floors to reduce rental expenses.
Kevin:
In 2010, the government began issuing “very tight policies for removing unauthorized neon signs due to public safety concerns regarding the aging signboards falling on pedestrians. Lots of neon signs are very old just like this one in the picture, which require significant renovation. Rain causes rusting in steel, and it might break overtime. Between 2018 and 2022, approximately 3,300 signboards were either removed or replaced each year due to government regulation. As a result, there are less than 400 neon signs left in the city. It’s hard to predict the outlook. I don’t believe we will have any in 10 years.
Ying:
That is sad to hear. This picture was taken on a bridge near the train station. It used to have lots of signboards hanging, like you see in movies about Hong Kong. But things have changed, and now it’s not the same anymore. There are only a few signboards left in this picture. Many tourists come here just to take pictures of the neon signs before they disappear completely. These signboards are important for restaurant owners because they help customers find their businesses. The restaurant industry in Hong Kong is already having a tough time because of the struggling economy, and if the government removes the signboards completely, it will make things even worse for business owners.
Kevin:
The government is not taking enough measures to preserve these signboards. The Signboard Validation Scheme was established in 2013 to allow owners to keep their signboards if they follow instructions. Owners should hire qualified professionals to inspect and certify the safety of existing signboards. In addition, Safety inspections must be conducted every five years, or the signboards should be removed. However, the processes involved in obtaining permission for these signs are complex and the expenses can be a deterrent. Business owners must complete a substantial amount of paperwork to disclose the structure of their signboards. The Buildings Department received 932 applications for signboard validation between 2013 and 2022, less than half of which were approved. Hiring a licensed contractor to conduct inspection to ensure compliance with regulations for a neon sign typically costs over HK$50,000. Many stores can’t afford that, and they must see their signboards from the last generations removed from the city.
Ying:
One thing we noticed during the site visit was that most of the signboards aremade of LED lights, instead of traditional neon lights popular in the past. On the right side of the picture, you can see LED lights, which look like small dots connected together. And they are capable of changing colors according to the owners’ preferences. Many stores opt for LED lights because they are more cost-effective and energy efficient. On the left side of the picture are neon lights. According to a store owner we spoke to, neon lights are becomingvery rare. In order to make neon lights,we need glass tubes filled with gas. Neon lights have a more static and less vibrant appearance compared to LED lights. The process of making neon lights is intricate and requires years of skill. The store owner told us that there are now fewer than 10 people whoknow how to create neon lights by hand in HK.Neon signboards are a vanishing art, and with strict regulations surrounding signboards in general, it is likely that signboards, including neon ones, will gradually disappear altogether in HK.
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