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in the historical process of hong kong's urban development, neon signs have played a very important role. since the 1980s and 1990s, these dazzling neon signs have become an iconic element of hong kong’s urban culture. not only as an important means for businesses from all walks of life to promote and attract customers, these neon signs have also become an important symbol of hong kong's urban economic prosperity and tourism development, reflecting the city's unique urban image as the "pearl of the orient". for hong kong, neon signs are not only a way of lighting, but also carry the cultural connotation of the city and entrust the rich emotions of the citizens. they have become a cultural element with symbolic and communication value, and are the unique urban style of hong kong. important component.

symbolic representation and image organization of hong kong urban culture

urban symbols are the material carrier of the history of urban space. they record the people and events in the city, connect the past and the present, and inherit the unique culture of the city. the production of virtual space by digital technology and the construction of urban physical space promote the dialogue between the virtual and the physical, promote the formation of urban space images, and circulate in digital space. as a unique cultural element of hong kong, neon signs have also made important contributions to urban culture and city image.

american urban planning expert kevin lynch defined urban image in his book "city image" (1960) as the common impression held in the minds of most urban residents, that is, "public image." he regarded roads, landmarks, borders, etc. as the main urban image elements, and emphasized that urban image is obtained through people's comprehensive "feelings". city image not only provides a clear impression of the city itself, but also achieves emotional security and creates a harmonious relationship between self and society by providing collective memory, strengthening citizens' sense of belonging to a place.

various symbols in the city have an important relationship with the city's image, and are an important carrier of the public's collective memory. the city's image is closely related to the local temperament of the city, and at the same time affects various human memories. therefore, the symbols, symbols and words of neon signs have become a vivid microcosm of hong kong's modern city, outlining the city's streets and community landscapes, making the city pulsate under the shining lights. after decades of fixed symbolic meanings, it has constructed a unique living landscape for hong kong citizens.

media bias and meaning production of neon signs

the text and design style in neon signs serve as objects of information reference to present cultural information in the form of visual expression. most of the cultural information carried by neon signboards has been accumulated through history. from discovery to commercial signboard application, it has experienced changes in different periods. its design often combines traditional chinese elements and western modern styles, which reflects the characteristics of hong kong as a place where the east and the west meet. .

these neon signs usually use traditional chinese calligraphy fonts, such as regular script or official script, which not only reflects china's long cultural tradition, but also conveys a kind of historical precipitation and cultural heritage.

various common chinese fonts in neon signs

in addition, these neon signs will also make flexible use of various graphic signs to convey the store's marketing strategy to customers. for example, restaurants and restaurants often feature patterns of chicken, seafood, tea cups, etc., and use light tubes in red, yellow, blue, green and other colors to enhance the sensory experience of appetite. bars and nightclubs often use intense designs, such as arabic numerals, music notes, cocktail glasses and other symbols, to create a fashionable and trendy atmosphere.

this clever visual design not only reflects hong kong merchants’ deep understanding of marketing, but also demonstrates the city’s unique cultural style, becoming an important part of tourists’ impression of hong kong.

signboards use fonts and patterns as communication media, bringing unique local visual culture to hong kong, creating a unique atmosphere and style, full of local characteristics, and representing the style of a certain era. from the design style point of view, the main function of neon signboards is not to provide lighting for the nearby environment, but to attract passers-by's attention to the light source itself. the visual information is both in the signboard and about the signboard itself.

the cultural picture created by neon signboards is based on material foundation and physical space, and people need to be immersed in it to feel the cultural implications. the image symbols of neon signs are deeply rooted in the intersection of chinese and western cultures, writing the history of hong kong's economic development and becoming a note that sings hong kong culture. these symbols represent the identity and aesthetic temperament of hong kong, design and beautify the street scenery of hong kong, become the image display of the city, and enhance the information dissemination ability of neon signboards from different angles.

the production of symbols by different communication media at different times outlines the cultural landscape of neon lights, and organically organizes the cultural significance, landscape presentation and image promotion of the city, highlighting the image of "both chinese and foreign" wandering in the mainland. interpret the symbolic imagination of people and things. for example, the presentation of neon lights in film works is distinctive and immersive. directors use neon lights to express the inner emotional world of characters and transmit information to the audience, forming a new perceptual space. the neon lights in literary works are highly directional and are works that readers decide to watch after selecting them. however, they are also subject to the location of reality and fictional worlds. the presentation of neon lights in pop music emphasizes personalized experience. singers present different neon lights with different emotional states and understandings of music, completing a modern reconstruction of the urban cultural image.

hong kong street scenes in wong kar-wai's film "fallen angels"

different communication media integrate neon culture and provide realistic support for the combination of neon lights and urban cultural images. at the same time, the neon sign itself, as a communication medium, has become a new carrier for spreading traditional culture. it can spread information symbols such as words and colors, and reveal the energy and spirit of hong kong's city image in different presentation states.

in terms of spatial imagery, neon signs provide environmental guidance and help people find and identify places and activities. neon signs of different lengths and sizes are displayed at different heights on the same street, forming a layered and complex visual spectacle. this chaotic visual art developed from local culture is one of the biggest features and attractions of hong kong street scenes. one.

the original intention of installing signboards was to guide people to their location, but with the changes of the times, they have become a symbol representing personnel activities, lifestyle and local culture. some people even believe that "neon lights carry hong kong's history, art and culture." this is actually a manifestation of the relevance of urban imagery: emphasizing the connection between historical cities and the various environments in which they are rooted in during the historical development process. neon signs, as urban cultural symbols and one of the urban images, affect people's daily life to a certain extent. neon signs reproduce the historical and cultural memories they carry, provide guarantee for the continuation of urban culture over time, help the public understand and reconstruct the context of urban development, and form the city's unique temperament.

the confusion and attachment of neon culture

“neon signs are part of hong kong and part of my growth.” when the author randomly asked four interviewees on the streets of hong kong, “what kind of memories do you think neon signs bring to you?”, all four interviewees mentioned this. to "childhood", "nostalgia", "retro" and other related words.

people are in the neon space, forming unique memories and urban emotions related to it, and once again understanding and identifying with the city's culture. for hong kong citizens, neon lights have become an integral part of their culture. their daily life, work and entertainment are gradually becoming related to this cultural symbol. a large number of artists and curators are also "rescuing" neon light art, because in neon lights play an important role in the identity of hong kong people.

for foreign tourists, before going to the city, they will always get information about the city from various channels in advance. this information will stimulate their imagination of the destination, and when they actually set foot in the city land, to search for information, communicate with people, obtain real experiences that are consistent with or inconsistent with your own imagination, update your understanding and understanding of the city, and form unique and profound memories.

when the hong kong sar government demolished a large number of neon signs because they were in disrepair and posed safety risks, it also caused considerable controversy in society. since the buildings department issued a statutory demolition order in 2010, the neon signs that once illuminated the entire street have been demolished. hong kong's unique visual landscape even disappeared in one night, triggering endless emotions from the public: "the neon signs have been demolished. "it means the disappearance of a major feature of hong kong."

because neon signs are distributed in different areas of hong kong's street architecture, differentiated spaces and public practices are formed. different types of neon lights reflect different commercial needs and community life, highlighting the particularity of urban space and showing the fireworks of urban life. it arouses people's cultural memory of the city and forms a unique urban image that cannot be carried by high-rise buildings and bustling streets.

although the streets of hong kong no longer rely on neon lights to locate shops, neon lights contain nostalgic emotions and collective memories and remain a unique urban symbol and image of hong kong. the process of urbanization has not made neon signs disappear as a place of spatial and imaginary construction. on the contrary, the public will still associate the city with neon lights and imagine it as a unique place, looking back in time and overlooking the urban civilization. for example, when the public imagines hong kong, neon lights and shadows come to mind, which in turn enhances the public’s impression of hong kong as a city. it is a process of continuous “production”, imagination and creation of neon culture.

"when i was a child, i often saw neon signs, but now i rarely see them. neon signs are a kind of memory of the times for me. basically, when i think of neon lights, i think of the streets of hong kong." a hong kong citizen responded to the author's interview. . as part of the urban landscape, neon signs can enhance the city's image recognition and make the city more individual and unique. convey specific information through images, graphics and text on signboards. for example, a neon sign can display the name of a store, the characteristics of its products or services, thereby attracting customers' attention and helping merchants advertise and promote their products and services. when the author asked the interviewees: "what impact do you think neon culture has on hong kong's urban image?", one of the interviewees said: "i think it is very attractive for others to come to hong kong to experience it, and the design of these signboards has traditional chinese characteristics. it has a unique taste and incorporates modern western elements. ”

the symbolic value and cultural capital of neon lights

when the tv news about the removal of neon signs was broadcast, it immediately attracted the attention of a large number of citizens. many hong kong citizens believe that neon culture has a high cultural capital after decades of accumulation and can provide hong kong with a lot of space for cultural creation and capital transformation. for example, hong kong movies and tv dramas can make full use of unique neon signboards for image production and even form cultural parks. however, the demolition of neon signboards means that the cultural capital accumulated over decades has been wiped out, which naturally arouses emotional reactions from some citizens. especially those signs belonging to historic businesses - scheduled to be demolished.

“in hong kong, you can see neon signs in different places, such as shops, restaurants, nightclubs, and large shopping malls. these signs usually have unique designs that attract people’s attention with bright colors and special fonts. neon signs have already becoming one of hong kong's unique urban cultural symbols, they have become part of the city and are attractive to both local residents and tourists. these signboards are not only commercial promotional tools, but also reflect the creativity and art of hong kong people. pursuit. they play an important role in creating hong kong’s bustling atmosphere and urban identity.”

"i think neon signs are part of hong kong and represent hong kong's history and unique culture. it's really a pity to demolish them. i take my children to see them now to tell them my experiences as a child. they are part of my growth. it is also my memory and emotional connection with hong kong. whether it is in mong kok or elsewhere, neon signs are not only a symbol of business, but also a lively atmosphere and iconic element of hong kong city,” the two citizens seemed to say in their hearts. it reflects the common aspirations of many hong kong citizens.

in the era of great development of the creative economy and digital knowledge, cities around the world are looking for sustainable development paths, planning and implementing spatial development plans of "history and culture + fashion consumption + livable environment + economic prosperity". the uniqueness of "urban ip" provides a realistic path to stimulate urban vitality, promote cultural consumption, and create emotional attachment. it also designs a "3c" plan (careful to listen, core of information, careful to listen, core of information, to explore urban stories, and perform historical culture). customized), implement city image enhancement marketing strategies to showcase unique history and culture and attract more capital into the cultural and creative industries. from this perspective, neon signs are the memories of almost all hong kong people and the world’s first impression of hong kong’s prosperity. therefore, the obvious neon cultural characteristics are a good material for shaping urban ip.

reverie standing under neon lights

the neon culture attracted many foreign tourists and even turned into a visual art after it was dismantled. according to american scholar kevin lynch: an "imaginable" city contains a readable or visible exterior. such a city's sensory appeal to the public will not be oversimplified, but will change over time. be extended, strengthened and deepened. therefore, the images, graphics and text of neon lights are not only the decoration of buildings, they are also part of the visual language of cities and streets, helping to construct the narrative of community life and displaying local cultural history, constituting hong kong’s unique streetscape and visual culture. has the removal of neon signs removed the uniqueness of hong kong’s fusion of chinese and western cultures? this may be an interesting topic left to historical commentary.

over the years, these neon lights have come together to form a unique landscape in hong kong's streetscape. the appearance and disappearance of neon lights reflects hong kong’s changing street ecology, spatial culture, memory of urban communities, people’s lives, and economic culture. for hong kong, neon lights are not only a sign of shops, but also a cultural symbol that builds hong kong's urban cultural image. its value is based on hong kong's long history and long-standing cultural heritage.