David Hilgier Photographs

Market stands throughout Hong Kong are often brightly illuminated and full of color. They become a stage for the proprietor to sell their goods. Some letting their offerings speak for themselves. Other vendors competing for the attention of passing patrons with attempts to out shout one another with indications of daily specials, unique items, or declarations of ‘buy from me’.

Prior to getting back on the MTR after our day of hiking and exploring Shek O, we procured some fruit from this market in Shau Kei Wan for the next morning’s breakfast. I try to avoid absolutes like favorite or best, but I was really drawn to this market. Kam Wa embodied what we came to learn was the typical setup for a Hong Kong Street Market. ‘Temporary’ stalls line the edges of the street and behind them are permanent storefronts, restaurants and residences.

The life guard towers of Shek O beach utilize a mosaic of tiles adorning their exteriors. The stark contrast of blue tiles creating the large typography used to identify each of the lookouts.

While traveling, I’m always in search of visual cues particular to the location I’m visiting. As we completed our hike of the Dragon’s Back, we spent the remainder of our afternoon enjoying the beaches of Big Wave Bay and Shek O. Anchoring both were a series of towers serving as posts for the lifeguards to overlook the beaches. Their presence helping define the visual identity of this area of Hong Kong.

Our final destination for the day came into view long before we reached it. From the high points of the Dragon’s Back Hike we looked down upon Shek O. Its beaches and a few beers would be a reward for a day of hiking.

Big Wave Bay represents a starting or ending point to the trail. For us it meant an opportunity for rest, some snacks, and a cold beverage prior to continuing on to Shek O.

As populated as Hong Kong is, we were rather surprised to encounter only a handful of people while on this hike. After leaving the bus and prior to descending into Big Wave Bay we only crossed paths with one other person.

The entirety of Hong Kong is not a concrete jungle and the complex of islands is not packed to the brim with buildings. An easier than anticipated journey consisting of metro and bus rides transports one from city center to this enjoyable hike that follows the crest of the hills of Shek O Pennisula.

From this corner of Mong Kok, the gamut of signage options on display. A cluster of led, neon, florescent, and other artificial lights illuminates the night. The glow of which reaches out for blocks.

I wish I was able to experience Hong Kong much sooner in life. One reason being to experience the city’s plethora of blade signs at its peak. While there is presently no shortage of advertisements, signs, and displays the current situation seems tempered in comparison to what it was like in years past. The evolution of Hong Kong has imposed some restraint on a visual system that at one point seemingly lacked any control or regulation. Technology has altered the methodology for display, neon no longer the standard, sadly replaced by less demanding methods like LED lights and backlit displays. The government reining in the process in the name of safety and presumably to also de-clutter the concrete landscape.