The decline of Hong Kong's iconic neon glow

Neon is fading.

Master Wu started making neon signs in the ’80s and has been filling Hong Kong’s streets with bright neon signs ever since. But recently, Master Wu has seen his business slow down as brighter-burning and more energy-efficient LED signs emerge. In addition to getting fewer requests, Hong Kong’s iconic neon landscape is also losing thousands of signs per year, ushering in the end of the city’s neon era.

As Hong Kong’s neon lights start to fade, I spent some time with Master Wu at his neon shop, where he showed me how he makes neon signs, and took a look at Hong Kong’s changing cityscape.

[Vox]

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[akirajoestar]

The "aesthetic" of the neon lights is really gorgeous

[manjus]

Each video is unique.. no part is used in another.. soo original, each & every time..

[militantpacifist]

Once LED takes over, all neon lights argon.

[DannyK]

Hong Kong - the city that inspired Cyberpunk

[nicholasdelavin]

This is a super interesting series. Vox in general brings topics that are so niche and specific, that you normally wouldn't learn anywhere, or actively even want to know, and makes them fascinating and interesting, thank you

[CallieMasters]

When I visited HK back in the 90's, I remember the neon signs along Nathan Road were not allowed to flash, as it was near the old airport and they didn't want them to confuse pilots!

[MynameisJoey]

I thought he was gonna make a Vox neon sign for the outro

[clairetomtravel]

This channel is so great and I love this Hong Kong series. The border one in particular was great

[sharsasuke]

Vox might have some questionable views on certain topics but I know one thing for sure, and its that their production is top quality.

[CKTDanny]

I love the aesthetic of neon lights, I hope they never go away.

[yoroko]

I believe there is a translation error at 4:09. Instead of saying that it takes half a year for a neon light sign to be produced, Mr. Wu is saying that it takes half a year for a neophyte to learn how to make neon light signs in general.

[Skillseboy]

I freaking love these Hong Kong / Border episodes. Amazing cinematography and great education! Thanks Vox

[rayemartin]

This series is so dear to my heart. I was 9 years old when my family started to travel abroad and Hong Kong was the first country we’ve ever been to. I returned 9 years later, and I saw the difference. The city was more stream-lined and much more ready for the modern world whereas 2006 Hong Kong was very cultural and pulled so much inspiration from the orient. I’ve been to Europe, the Middle East and all around South East Asia. Hong Kong is still the most special to me.

[loveparkes]

Such brilliant content!
Vox is everything great about Youtube.

[andrewtaylor]

I sympathise. I'm still mourning the loss of candle light signs. Lost art.

[monkeydvader]

Omg. Old Hong Kong with the neon lights is so much better looking. 😍

[edmsquad]

Hong Kong is a gorgeous city and *Vox* just accentuated it all 😍

[SunnySunflowers]

dam it another thing I start appreciating once it starts disappearing. I grew up in Hong Kong but moved away 18 years ago. No wonder when i walk around HK i cant find those street w overcrowded neon lights as pictures i have seen. Thanks VOX

[alexngau]

As a hongkonger, I am really happy to see that someone made a video to introduce Hong Kong cultural. Grateful for what you did thank you!