Cathy,Ho Siu Wa 6A(7)

A controversial issue: Preserving Hong Kong’s heritage

Have you been watched The Echoes Of The Rainbow? It filmed

in Wing Lee Street in Sheung Wan, which has many old
buildings and special building styles. Because of the film, many
citizens in Hong Kong pay more attention on the problem of the
heritage conservation. Hence, they have suggested restoring the
historical buildings and backstreets of areas, such as Wan Chai
and Sheung Wan. On the contrary, some people deem that this
action is wasting the government’s funds and the target is not
achievable. Although both groups are having diverse opinion,
their arguments are valid. Now, I would like to mention both the
arguments for and against preserving Hong Kong’s heritage.

The first benefit is that it would provide an opportunity for

young people to learn about Hong Kong history. Nowadays,
many people neglect the important of preserving heritage,
especially the youngsters, as we are a lack of the sense of
heritage conservation. They think that old buildings are outdated
and meaningless. Frankly speaking, heritage is a living history
book. We can understand our Hong Kong in the past through
visiting the heritage. If old buildings are restored, Hong Kong
young people can gain a deeper appreciation of their city and
change their view of heritage.

The second benefit is to provide more historical tourist

attractions. In 2005,Macau’s historical ruins and restored city
center were officially included on UHESCO’s World Heritage
List. This has attracted an increasing number of tourists. In fact,
historical tourist attractions are another development of tourism.
Many western countries have restored a lot of old buildings with
historical value for their tourism. For instance, Piazza del
Duomo is the well-known historical tourist attractions in Italy.
There are about 5000 many tourists go to visit this famous
landmark every year. If these historical buildings are destroyed,
tourists will perceive Hong Kong as merely a modern giant
shopping center with no history, no character and no soul.
I have resented two important arguments for restoring Hong
Kong’s historic buildings. Next, I will examine the arguments
against it.

The first drawback is that the few remaining old buildings may
not be a very powerful attraction to tourists. In fact, Most of the
local buildings constructed before the second world war have
already been torn down. These buildings were destroyed for
many years and became a valueless thing. Therefore, the pulling
down of the remaining old buildings may not be a great
financial loss to the local tourism industry.

The second drawback is that it is still unclear to public that how

the restored buildings would be used and maintained. Many old
buildings were agreed to restore and reuse, but the government
only hold the project and do not put any recourses to the old
buildings, such as Lui Seng Chun.The idea of revitalization of
the old buildings should be discussed before any decision is
made.

To summaries, the supporters deem that Preserving Hong

Kong’s heritage can enhance the youngster’ knowledge on the
history of Hong Kong and benefit for the Hong Kong’s tourism.
However, opponents think that old buildings may not be an
attraction to tourists and the government does not have a well
planning on restoring buildings. In my opinion, even though
preserving Hong Kong’s heritage cannot attract tourists or
benefit for the Hong Kong’s tourism, we still need to treasure
and conserved the heritage, as it is a symbol of our cultural
identity.