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Hong Kong’s new district councillors propose neighbourhood fairs and Instagrammable ‘check-in’ spots to boost growth, but will residents and visitors join the party?

  • Government has called on newly elected politicians to do their part to stimulate economic growth
  • But only two of 18 district councils are proposing events with local flair and experts warn weak desire to spend and overlapping schedules may cause parties to fizzle out

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The Temple Street night market has recently been overhauled in a bid to lure more people. Photo: Elson Li
Willa Wu

Hong Kong’s revamped district councils have proposed holding carnivals in their neighbourhoods and creating Instagrammable “check-in” spots to help boost growth, but economists and tourism sector leaders remain sceptical over whether the ideas will be successful.

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Among the initiatives proposed was a Thailand-style festival carnival in Kowloon City, where the Southeast Asian nation’s cultural influence can be felt, as well as decorating the celebrated wishing tree in Tai Po.

The 18 district councils, overhauled under Beijing’s “patriots-only” governing principle, put forward the idea of hosting fairs in a bid to answer the government’s call of organising activities to promote local economic development. The newly elected members began their term on January 1.
Temple Street draws people in December last year. The Yau Tsim Mong district council will study the possibility of organising more events with the West Kowloon Cultural District on the street. Photo: Elson Li
Temple Street draws people in December last year. The Yau Tsim Mong district council will study the possibility of organising more events with the West Kowloon Cultural District on the street. Photo: Elson Li

In addition to booths selling signature delicacies and handmade items specific to each district, the fairs would feature live performances and offer attendees incentives to spend at nearby shopping malls and stores.

A check of the agenda of different councils found that Kwun Tong’s planned to hold the longest event, a 23-day fair starting on January 25 to celebrate Lunar New Year.

At least six district councils intended to hold fairs centred around the Lantern Festival, which falls on February 24, while others such those in Sai Kung, Southern and Eastern districts would stage events celebrating traditional Chinese religious figures, such as the sea deities Tam Kung and Tin Hau, whose birthdays are marked in May.

Park Lane shopping boulevard in Tsim Sha Tsui. Special light displays have been proposed for certain attractions in the city to lure visitors. Photo: Jelly Tse
Park Lane shopping boulevard in Tsim Sha Tsui. Special light displays have been proposed for certain attractions in the city to lure visitors. Photo: Jelly Tse

The new councillors also suggested festooning local attractions with special lights, including the wishing tree in Lam Tsuen in Tai Po district, to lure people.

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