Dim prospects for Hong Kong’s neon signs amid enhanced safety regulations, redevelopment efforts

“The workload used to be very heavy. In the past, I was making neon sign boards with two other masters. There was one week we were too busy to return home to sleep,” he shared.

With falling demand these days, Mr Wu has had to pivot to remain in the industry, taking on an apprentice looking to learn how to combine neon lights with art.

Though the next generation of artists has to comply with the new building rules, many locals say it is still important to preserve such heritage, amid Hong Kong’s redevelopment.

Mr Kwok said: “The neon sign somehow represents the image of our industry as a traditional one.

“The nostalgic feeling that neon signs give people is a reminder of the glorious days of Hong Kong, back when everything was vibrant and colourful.”