Hong Kong light show draws criticism over smells and visibility

A government-hosted Mid-Autumn Festival light show in Hong Kong’s Yuen Long district has faced widespread online criticism over foul smells and what visitors described as poor execution. The two-day event, organised by the Drainage Services Department, opened on Friday at a section of the Yuen Long Nullah between MTR Long Ping Station and On Ning Road. Residents were required to register in advance to enter the viewing area.

Visitors complained on social media about an unpleasant smell coming from the open-air concrete drainage channel. Others criticised the use and positioning of projection surfaces, saying images were difficult to see clearly from the available viewing areas. Some users questioned the design of the installation and argued that the projection could have been made more visible with a larger suspended screen.

Others said the concept was promising but that the execution did not match it. Despite the criticism, some attendees praised the display, particularly projections featuring floral patterns, lanterns, rabbits and flowers. The event also attracted large crowds on its opening night, with people gathering on both sides of the canal.

The Drainage Services Department described the programme as an inaugural effort to turn the Yuen Long Nullah into a large-scale art exhibition space. It said the show combined large-scale projection, animation and lighting effects around the theme of Mid-Autumn reunion. The department said the light-and-shadow presentation was intended to help the public understand the nullah’s flood-prevention functions, environmental improvements and proposed future.

The South China Morning Post contacted the department for comment.