Events to rejuvenate Temple Street night market starting Nov, says tourism chief

There will be a number of events to be held at Temple Street next month to enhance the atmosphere of its night market and draw locals and tourists alike, though the opening hours will not be extended to midnight to avoid disturbing nearby residents.

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung said on Sunday that Temple Street has been known for various traditional performances and local snacks, and he hopes the night market there could be rejuvenated in a form like the Wan Chai Waterfront Carnival.

Regarding whether the opening hours of the night market should be extended to after midnight, the tourism chief said Yau Ma Tei is a residential area - unlike the Wan Chai harbourfront - and the authorities have to reduce the disturbance that caused to residents. 

It was learned that there is a plan to set up food stalls on a 100-meter stretch of Temple Street, which will last around five months. Apart from local street snacks such as beef offal, Southeast Asian Food will also be sold at the food stalls. 

Separately, Yeung said the chance for the tourist numbers to return to pre-pandemic levels at the end of the year is slim. He expected at least 30 million tourists by the time and believed the recovery would speed up.

He added that as Hong Kong is a city of hospitality, it would aim to attract not just mainland tourists but also those from Southeast Asia and overseas.