Write to Win: If you could design a night market in Hong Kong, where would it be held, and what stalls would you include? (Round 6)

Night markets are integral to Hong Kong’s vibrant culture, and everyone who sets foot in the city must experience them. Therefore, I’d like to create one right inside the airport. Reflecting on the airport’s location on Chek Lap Kok Island, I’d call it the “Chek Lap Kok Night Bazaar”.

Stalls illuminated by red lanterns will sell trinkets like jade bracelets and lucky cat figurines. Visitors can also strike poses against a backdrop of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline at a photo booth. Meanwhile, Bruce Lee fans can learn high-energy Kung-Fu moves at another engaging stall. Delectable street snacks like fish balls and egg tarts will provide alternatives to convenience stores, which are often the only places operating late at night, and silky milk tea will provide weary travellers with immense comfort.

The market’s lights and location would really reflect the city’s vibes.

I would open a night market in the Eastern District of Hong Kong as it has the highest proportion of people over 65 years old. Having a night market there would allow elderly people to buy what they need easily and encourage them to go out more often. From a socialisation perspective, it would attract more family visits.

I would like to include stalls selling herbal tea, casual clothing, street food and toys so I could target different customers. Herbal tea stalls would attract elderly people and raise awareness about health in the wider community. Clothing and food stalls would convince people of all ages to visit, as everybody loves local street food.

It would also add to the area’s cultural history alongside sites such as the Metropole Hotel, which was built in 1899 and used until 1906. The area’s cultural significance could also be represented through the clothes and toys sold at the stalls.

Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Park in Hong Kong is the perfect location for a futuristic night market. Its spacious layout and stunning views of Victoria Harbour offer an ideal setting to showcase innovative stalls and activities.

One stall would feature robo-waiters, where robots serve food and drinks, demonstrating cutting-edge technology. This would provide a unique dining experience and highlight Hong Kong’s technological prowess.

Another exciting stall would be an augmented reality treasure hunt. Visitors could use AR glasses or smartphones to embark on a virtual adventure, hunting for treasure or solving puzzles based on the city’s rich history and culture. This interactive activity would engage attendees and offer an immersive experience.

Step inside the Y2K Night Market, a time capsule at Victoria Harbour that reimagines the night market concept in an ode to the city’s enduring spirit.

As you traverse this enthralling market, relive Y2K mania by taking retro-style shots that encapsulate the essence of the time. The neon oasis is dedicated to Y2K-style body and face paint, presenting the ideal canvas for creating vivid Instagram-worthy memories in the embrace of the night.

The karaoke stage is a nostalgic haven, boasting an extensive catalogue of 90s hits for guests of any age to channel their inner rock star. Expect splendid surprises when 90s icons make cameos, bridging the generation gap. Nostalgia seamlessly blends with contemporary trends, creating a one-of-a-kind experience under the starry Hong Kong sky.

The Art Park at West Kowloon Cultural District is a hidden gem and an excellent place for a night market. Located right on the waterfront, it offers a stunning panoramic night view of Victoria Harbour and the skyline of glittering and shimmering skyscrapers. Its proximity to M+ museum, the Palace Museum and Xiqu Centre represent contemporary Hong Kong, where East meets West, and past meets future.

The market will conveniently receive visitors from the museums and performances nearby, ready to leisurely stroll and have some fun under the night sky, with the opportunity to try new foods and shop for cute and interesting goodies.

There will be stalls featuring a wide range of street delicacies, ornaments, handicrafts, and electronics, as well as street performances such as singing, dancing and street acrobatics, turning the night market into a special carnival for everyone. A magical experience in a magical location – that is what the night market will be.