Amid the rising popularity of the traditional customs of “Villain Hitting” and “Offering Sacrifices to the White Tiger” among tourists underneath the Canal Road Flyover, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Raistlin Lau Chun stated there will be no accreditation mechanism for the activities.
Lau's remarks followed concerns raised by lawmakers about the lack of such mechanism to address conflicts between these customs, tourists, and nearby residents.
Speaking at a LegCo meeting, Lau highlighted that “Villain Hitting” operates year-round with about ten stalls beneath the flyover, which is considered as a commercial activity conducted by service providers, therefore no licensing or certification is required.
As for the practice of "Offering Sacrifices to the White Tiger" , Lau noted that it occurs only on the “Insects Awaken Day,” typically falling on March 5 or 6 in the Gregorian calendar, and carries special cultural significance.
To mitigate disturbances to the neighborhood, Diane Wong Shuk-han, Under Secretary for the Environment and Ecology Bureau, mentioned that nine joint operations have been conducted between January and May.
Addressing concerns that the practices could cause negative perceptions, Wong stated every department will fulfill their duties, noting unauthorized articles placed on Government land, as well as obstructive items will be cleared to maintain a clean pathway.
Additionally, Clarence Leung Wang-ching, Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, indicated that he would submit lawmakers' opinions for discussion at the district council if necessary.
Regarding the promotion of these practices at the Chinese Culture Experience Centre, Lau noted that related customs would be showcased during the introduction of the “Twenty-Four Solar Terms,” but emphasized that it would not be a year-round activity at the center.
(Phoebe Poon)
