Yuen Long Mid-Autumn Light Show Panned Online for Smell, Poor Execution
SCMP · 1 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
A government-hosted Mid-Autumn Festival light show at a nullah in Yuen Long has sparked widespread online criticism, with visitors expressing disappointment over foul smells and poor execution. Social media platforms were flooded with negative reviews on Saturday, hours after the opening night of the two-day event organized by the Drainage Services Department .
Key Points
- Event named "Yuen Long Flood Barrier and Nullah Improvement Scheme – Mid-Autumn Light Show," organized by the Drainage Services Department
- Located at Yuen Long Nullah between MTR Long Ping station and On Ning Road, running Friday and Saturday nights
- Netizens reported foul smells emanating from the drainage canal during the light projections
- Viewers criticized projection quality, noting images faced only one direction and lacked clarity from ground level
- Some praised the floral patterns of lanterns, rabbits and flowers projected onto the canal walls
- Attendees were required to pre-register with the government before entering the viewing area
Why It Matters
The criticism highlights ongoing challenges in Hong Kong's efforts to repurpose infrastructure for community events, as the public scrutinizes government spending on initiatives that fail to meet expectations. The Drainage Services Department had promoted the event as transforming the nullah into a large-scale art exhibition space, making the negative reception a setback for similar urban renewal projects .
The criticism highlights ongoing challenges in Hong Kong's efforts to repurpose infrastructure for community events, as the public scrutinizes government spending on initiatives that fail to meet expectations. The Drainage Services Department had promoted the event as transforming the nullah into a large-scale art exhibition space, making the negative reception a setback for similar urban renewal projects .