Hong Kong has done much to build its reputation as a modern, cosmopolitan city, but it has not put much effort into preserving or restoring its historic sites. Write an essay discussing the benefits and drawbacks of preserving Hong Kong’s past.
For the last twenty to thirty years, many historic sites in Hong Kong have been giving way to redevelopment, interests of property developers, commercial and transportation projects in order to build its reputation as a modern, cosmopolitan city. However, the government has put little effort into preserving and restoring Hong Kong’s past and its history even under the strong pressure and protest made by the Hong Kong citizens. Why do Hong Kong people support the conservation of local heritage while the government rejects? It is because of the benefits and drawbacks behind.
The preservation and restoration of Hong Kong’s historic sites may somehow hinder the economic development of the ‘Pearl of the Orient’. Firstly, the costs of rehabilitation and maintenance are very high. The government may need to spend a large sum of money on this project. More importantly, this amount of money cannot be used in other aspects to develop our economy or to help others in need.
Secondly, the land value may drop due to the cost of not developing the area. If the historic sites are demolished and the land is sold to the developers, the land price may rise with the building of many commercial skyscrapers and high-class residential apartments. This then can attract more investments in these areas.
Furthermore, the conservation of heritage may lead to a drop in job opportunities with a reduction of construction projects. When the historic sites are considered to be preserved, the whole piece of land cannot be redeveloped and all construction works have to stop. This may then arouse resentment among the construction sector and workers.
Other than that, the time cost for discussing the ways to preserve a particular heritage is high. It needs a long time for consultation among different parties including the LEGCO, the historians and the local residents and retailers, to see how these historic sites can be best protected, and different suggestions may lead to opposition and even conflicts. It needs a long discussion time.
Last but not least, the government claims that the restoration of historic sites would lead to bad impacts on tourism. This is because there will be less land to build shopping malls and attractions for tourists if the heritage is going to be kept.
Therefore, there is no clear plan and timetable for preserving the heritage in Hong Kong and the incentive and coordination between departments are poor due to these economic concerns. From the former KCR station in Tsim Sha Tsui, to the Tiger Balm Gardens in Tai Hung, and to the “Wedding Card Street”, more and more historic sites have been demolished and destroyed.
However, I think the benefits of preserving Hong Kong’s past can certainly outweigh the drawbacks, as these are many advantages in the economic, social and even political aspects.
First of all, I think the preservation will encourage the growth of tourism instead of hindering it. It is a myth to say that tourists visiting Hong Kong only aim at shopping. I am sure that many of them really want to understand more about the history and culture of Hong Kong by visiting our local heritage and traditional sites which reflect our past and record the transformation of Hong Kong. When we look at Shanghai, which is also a modern and cosmopolitan city in China, it attracts thousands of tourists due to the well-protected and beautiful historical buildings on the shores of Wong Po Jiang, “The Bund”.
Moreover, the preservation of heritage in Hong Kong is the preservation of Hongkongers’ collective memory. Many Hong Kong people regard these old buildings as the records of their lives and they have strong feelings towards the meaningful memories of these old places. They just cannot let go their collective memory. The conservation can build up the sense of belonging and unity among Hong Kong citizens.
This can thus enhance political stability as there will be fewer demonstrations requesting the keeping of valuable and unique buildings. This helps the building up of social harmony.
The strong protests against the removal of the Queen’s Pier can show how much Hong Kong people treasure their history. The cultural uniqueness and individuality of a city are reflected in its cultural heritage and historical buildings which represent a bridge between the Hong Kong of today and the past. Without this bridge, we are spiritually empty.
Last year the Wing Lee Street was saved from demolition by a movie award, but do we need to make a movie for every single street and building in order to protect it? That is impossible! Therefore, in conclusion, I hope the Hong Kong government can consider more about the real meaning and benefits behind those historical buildings instead of the fame they gain.