‘Shabby’ Hong Kong vs shining Shanghai lights, debate rages online over which city looks better after dark
- Two cities, one question, which metropolis shines most after dark
- Online observers debate recent global list ranking Hong Kong in top three
As Hong Kong works at feeling comfortable in it’s own skin and Shanghai powers on as a leading top-tier city, arguments continue to rage over which boasts the best nighttime cityscape.
While Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour boasts a lengthy coastline dotted with skyscrapers that spectacularly light up at night, Shanghai’s Bund offers a blend of historic architecture and contemporary lighting.
Landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower gleam along the Huangpu River, adding to the city’s metropolitan allure.
In 2012, Hong Kong was recognised by the World Night View Summit as one of three cities with the “Most Spectacular Night Views in the World,” along with Monaco and Hokkaido in Japan.
The list has led to a rapid increase in the number of tourists visiting to experience these sights.
However, a January 24 post on the Xiaohongshu social media platform on questioned the credibility of the list.
It said: “Whenever it is mentioned that Shanghai’s night view is stunning, a bunch of people jump up and say that Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour night view is the foremost among the top three night views in the world.
“I was curious about the other two great night views and found them to be Hokkaido and Monaco. It’s quite amusing. I thought they would be New York, London, or Tokyo, but none of them are listed, which really undermines its credibility.”
Placing a high value on Shanghai’s rapid development and its world-class architects, the author even goes so far as to refer to Hong Kong’s urban areas as “shabby”.
“Hong Kong gives me the impression of once being prosperous with many lively buildings but lacking in design sense. The city area is old and shabby, even the central business district has many residential buildings.
“Shanghai, on the other hand, feels newer, more modern and cleaner. So, it’s really unnecessary to think that Hong Kong is better than Shanghai,” the post concluded.
This sparked an intense online debate, with many people leaping to the defence of Hong Kong.
“I find Shanghai’s night view quite tacky. There are too many bright colours, like someone who has overdressed or overdone their makeup,” one online observer said.
“Look at New York, Tokyo, Dubai, Singapore, none of these places have such bright red, purple, and blue lights. Of course, everyone has different aesthetic preferences. If you find Shanghai beautiful, just enjoy more of Shanghai.”
Another online observer agreed: “Hong Kong has mountains and sea, and the view from Victoria Peak is spectacular. However, Shanghai only has river views and colourful LEDs. Honestly, it’s really tacky. Its aesthetic judgement is off.”
Others argued for the diversity of Chinese culture and the distinctive beauty of different parts of the country.
“I’ve seen foreigners in Shanghai marvel at the Bund. In Hong Kong, many foreigners also praise the beauty of Victoria Harbour. Why do we always have to fight among ourselves? Can’t beautiful things coexist?” another person said.
“Having seen many stunning night views, both Hong Kong and Shanghai are beautiful, as well as Guangzhou’s Zhujiang New Town and Shenzhen’s Nanshan. They are all Chinese cities, each with its own beauty,” said another.
