City Spotlight | The cultural symbolism of HK's neon signs

Neon signs have played a crucial role in the historical development of Hong Kong. Since the 1980s and 1990s, these vibrant lights have become iconic city culture elements. They not only served as important tools for businesses to advertise and attract customers but also symbolized Hong Kong's economic prosperity and its allure as the "Pearl of the Orient." Beyond their practical function, neon signs encapsulate the city's cultural essence, reflecting the emotions of its citizens and becoming a key part of Hong Kong's unique urban landscape.

Neon Signs as Cultural and Urban Symbols

Urban symbols, like neon signs, act as material carriers of a city's history, connecting the past with the present and conveying the city's unique culture. These signs have contributed significantly to Hong Kong's cultural identity and urban image. American urban planner Kevin Lynch, in his book The Image of the City (1960), defined city imagery as a "public image" shared by most residents, shaped by elements like paths, landmarks, and boundaries. Neon signs, as part of Hong Kong's streetscapes, help form collective memories and strengthen citizens' sense of belonging, offering emotional security and a harmonious relationship between self and society.

Media Bias and Meaning Production of Neon Signs

The text and design of neon signs are not merely for commercial purposes—they also convey rich cultural information. These signs typically blend traditional Chinese elements with modern Western styles, reflecting Hong Kong's position as a meeting point of East and West. Many signs use traditional Chinese calligraphy, such as kai shu (regular script), symbolizing the deep roots of Chinese culture. Other signs incorporate symbolic imagery, such as restaurant food items or cocktail glasses for bars, to attract customers and create a sensory experience. This combination of aesthetics and marketing showcases Hong Kong's unique cultural style, leaving a lasting impression on both locals and visitors.

Neon signs are not just functional—they create a visual spectacle. They build a cultural landscape that requires direct, physical experience to fully appreciate. Neon signs are not just functional—they create a visual spectacle. They build a cultural landscape that requires direct, physical experience to fully appreciate. Regarding spatial imagery, neon signs provide environmental cues, helping people find and identify places and activities. Signs of various lengths and sizes are displayed at different heights along the same street, creating a layered and complex visual spectacle. This chaotic yet artistic visual arrangement, born from local culture, is one of Hong Kong's streetscape's most distinctive and attractive features. Neon signs symbolize Hong Kong's identity and aesthetic, are deeply rooted in the blend of Eastern and Western cultures, and enhance information transmission in artistic and commercial ways.

The Allure and Nostalgia of Neon Signs

For many Hong Kong residents, neon signs evoke a deep sense of nostalgia. When asked about their memories of neon signs, interviewees commonly mentioned words like "childhood," "nostalgia," and "retro." These signs have formed a key part of their cultural identity, representing not just the city's urban landscape but also personal memories and experiences.

The removal of many neon signs due to safety concerns has sparked strong reactions from the public. Since the Buildings Department issued a demolition order in 2010, many signs that once lit up entire streets have been dismantled, erasing a distinctive part of Hong Kong's visual identity. Residents lamented the loss, saying, "The removal of neon signs means losing a unique part of Hong Kong's character."

Despite the decline of neon signs, they remain closely associated with Hong Kong's image. Even in their absence, these signs continue to evoke memories of a bygone era and remain a unique symbol of the city's cultural identity. For tourists, neon lights are often the first impression of Hong Kong, and their glowing presence reinforces the city's image as a vibrant, dynamic metropolis.

The Symbolic Value and Cultural Capital of Neon Signs

The removal of neon signs has raised concerns not only about the loss of iconic imagery but also about the erosion of cultural capital. Many Hong Kong residents believe that the neon sign culture, developed over decades, holds significant cultural value. Neon signs have been used in films, television shows, and other creative industries to represent Hong Kong's unique urban aesthetic. Their removal, therefore, represents a loss of cultural heritage and artistic potential.

As cities worldwide look to develop sustainable strategies that integrate history with modernity, Hong Kong's neon signs offer a unique opportunity to blend cultural heritage with contemporary creativity. These signs are a key element of the city's "urban IP"—a valuable asset that can attract investment in the cultural and creative sectors. Neon signs can potentially become part of a broader effort to promote the city's identity, combining historical culture with modern consumption and economic prosperity.

Reflections Under the Neon Lights

Neon signs have long attracted foreign tourists, becoming a form of visual art even after many were dismantled. According to American scholar Kevin Lynch, an "imaginable" city includes a readable or visible exterior whose sensory appeal to the public is not overly simplified but deepens and strengthens over time. Neon images, graphics, and text are not just decorations for buildings—they are a visual language that shapes the city's narrative, reflecting community life and local cultural history, forming a key part of Hong Kong's distinctive streetscape and visual culture. Does removing neon signs erase the unique fusion of Eastern and Western culture in Hong Kong? This is a question for future historical reflection.

Over the years, these neon signs have collectively created a unique urban landscape in Hong Kong. Their presence and disappearance reflect the evolving street ecology, spatial culture, and community memory of the city, as well as the lives of its people and its economic shifts. For Hong Kong, neon signs are not just commercial markers but cultural symbols that help construct the city's identity—an identity deeply rooted in the city's rich and long-standing cultural heritage.

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