HKTB reviews Peak light plans after public concerns
The Hong Kong Tourism Board has pledged to review its plan to install decorative lighting on the Peak after strong opposition from residents and environmentalists. The board will hold wider consultations and assess all suggestions before publishing updated plans.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has pledged to carry out wider public consultations and review its plans to install decorative lighting on the Peak, following mounting concerns from local residents and environmental advocates.
In an official statement, the tourism authority said it remained committed to balancing sustainable tourism, protecting the natural environment and addressing the needs of neighbourhood residents before moving forward.
The initiative sought to place small, low-glare light installations along selected portions of the popular Lugard Road and Harlech Road walking trails. The scenic enhancement was scheduled to launch alongside a new light and sound show for the upcoming Hong Kong WinterFest, acting as a modern replacement for the traditional "A Symphony of Lights" spectacular to boost the city's night-time economic appeal.
During the developmental process, the board sought feedback from multiple stakeholders and regulatory departments. In April, representatives introduced the creative concepts to the District Officer (Central and Western) and local district councilors. The board sent direct written notices to nearby households on 5 May, 2 September and 24 September to keep the community informed of construction timelines and temporary traffic arrangements. It also convened two cross-departmental meetings on 19 May and 5 August to coordinate safety, logistics and infrastructure regulations.
A total of ten public bodies were consulted on the project parameters, including the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the Fire Services Department, the Home Affairs Department, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Highways Department, the Lands Department, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Transport Department, the Civil Engineering and Development Department, and the Water Supplies Department.
Under the original proposal, the low-glare lights were designed to operate on a controlled schedule from 7pm to 10pm daily, with all installations positioned away from residential properties to safeguard local privacy. The trial project was initially intended to run for a pilot phase of 12 months. To minimise the ecological footprint, the board engaged registered arborists and relevant departments to oversee environmental safety. Every aspect of the installation—including the selection of appropriate trees, hanging methods, protective cushioning, weight-bearing limits, and physical attachment techniques—required formal sign-off from professional arborists, who were also tasked with conducting routine follow-up inspections on the trees' health.
Recognising the intensity of public and resident feedback, the tourism board confirmed that it will carefully assess all suggestions, review the overall operational arrangements, and publish updated plans at a later date.