Neon Nostalgia Hong Kongs Fading Luminosities
Nostalgia Hong Kong’s Fading Luminosities NEON
Introduction After all the neon fluorescent tubes at the Bank of China Tower were replaced with LED tubes on January 28, the iconic neon fluorescence, a feature of Hong Kong’s cityscape, has taken another step toward disappearing. Neon signs became a unique cultural symbol in Hong Kong during nearly half a century of development. However, due to safety hazards and high production costs, many have been removed in the past decade due to municipal management, while LED signs have taken their place. According to unofficial statistics, the number of neon signs in Hong Kong has plummeted from nearly 120,000 in 2011 to around 400 in 2022. Which neon signs still exist in Hong Kong’s urban areas today? What is their operational and preservation status? After losing most of their companions, how do the remaining neon signs, still hanging on the streets, continue to carry the unique charm of this city?
A street corner with multiple neon signs, located at the intersection of Portland Street and Changsha Street in Mong Kok. Several users on Xiaohongshu have shared that this is now the most densely packed spot for neon sign photography in Hong Kong.
The sign of Metro Sham Shui, located in Sham Shui Po. The number of working neon signs in Sham Shui Po has dropped to single digits, and this is one of them.
A neon sign of a snack shop on Mong Kok Road, Mong Kok. This is a smaller neon sign, usually obstructed by buildings and several other non-lit signs.
A neon sign of a restaurant next to Nathan Road. Several other signs are still hanging on the building’s street-facing side, but they no longer light up.
The neon sign of Golden Plaza, hanging alone on the street at Nathan Road, Mong Kok, away from other signs. Across the street, Allied Plaza has replaced its sign with an LED sign.
A close-up of the neon sign for Sing Tei Yue Lok Karaoke, located on Nathan Road, Mong Kok.
The neon sign of Sing Tei Yue Lok Karaoke, with the LED signs of Allied Plaza and a clubhouse visible nearby. Compared to the images on Google Maps, the blue neon tubes around the sign are no longer operational in this photo.
The neon sign for Luk Fook Jewellery near the street, Nathan Road, Mong Kok. They own another larger shop on Nathan Road with a larger neon sign.
Two signs owned by Sing Hing Mahjong Company, on Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok. The higher one is an LED sign, while the lower one is made of neon tubes.
A close-up of the neon sign for Sing Hing Mahjong Company, Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok.
Neon sign of Pieces Coffee, at the intersection of Tung Choi Street and Fife Street. This is a relatively new sign which is not hanging above the street.
Neon sign of Ngan Lung Restaurant on Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok. One of its corner is not operating.
A small neon sign of Times Lounge in Mong Kok, building straight on the wall of the building.
A neon sign for a sauna place on Soy Street, Mong Kok. The characters are not lighting up.
Another neon sign of Luk Fook Jewellery on Nathan Road, Mong Kok. Parts of the sign is not lighting up.