Neon Signs in Hong Kong

Neon Signs in Hong Kong

Intangible Heritage

The linked media shows a 2007 street view of Hong Kong at night along Portland street, with a plethora of signs: some LED, some neon. Neon signs enjoyed its heyday in Hong Kong during the later part of the 20th century, with most businesses using as a form of identity and advertisement. Estimates put an average of 120,000 signs at the end of 2010. After 2010, due to tightening government regulations ordering removal of signs that did not "meet government regulations", their numbers have plummeted to less than 400. After the city’s handover to China in 1997, there have been tightening regulations on ‘unauthorized’ neon signs and enhanced safety regulations, with removal orders issued spiking in 2017-2021. As paperwork to appeal for authorization of the signs is complicated and upkeep of the signs get more expensive, more shopkeepers have elected to remove the signs in favor of switching to cheaper LED alternatives.

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is51102025

25 March 2025

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English

Intangible

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25/03/2025

26/03/2025

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portland_Street#/media/File:HK_Portland_Street_Night.jpg

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TEXT

Digital interpretation of Neon Signs as an intangible cultural heritage can address United Nations’ Sustainable Development (UN SDG) Goal 4 – Quality Education, especially Target 4.7 which aims to “ensure that all learners acquire...appreciation of cultural diversity”. If incorporated into tourism, the digital interpretation of the neon signs can address United Nations’ Sustainable Development (UN SDG) Goal 8 – Promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth – specifically Target 8.9 with the aim to “devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products”

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