Members of Yau Tsim Mong District Council hold their first meeting at the Mong Kok Government Offices on Jan 02, 2024. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

Yau Tsim Mong District Council on Tuesday held the first meeting of the seventh-term District Councils to propel the bustling area’s economic development, discussing various proposals including enhancing the nighttime attraction of Tsim Sha Tsui and launching more distinctive district activities.

During the meeting, the Home Affairs Department proposed a collaborative initiative, which involves the government, businesses, and residents, to organize various activities attracting residents and tourists.

Choi Siu-fung, a member of the Yau Tsim Mong District Committees, said that many merchants from other districts had told him that they considered the experience of the Temple Street Night Market worthy of reference

The activities include an event tentatively named “Tsim Sha Tsui Night Vibes”, which is planned to be launched prior to Lunar New Year in February and features large-scale neon signs and other visually appealing attractions. 

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Discussions centered around exploring the future direction of the renowned Temple Street Night Market and collaborating with the West Kowloon Cultural District to organize more vibrant bazaars. 

The council expressed interest in enhancing the unique characteristics of specific streets within the district.

Chris Ip Ngo-tung, a member of Yau Tsim Mong South District Council, who used to serve as the chairman of Yau Tsim Mong District Council, proposed replicating the successful model of Temple Street in other distinctive streets within Yau Tsim Mong, such as the Ladies’ Market and Fa Yuen Street.

Choi Siu-fung, a member of the Yau Tsim Mong District Committees, said that many merchants from other districts had told him that they considered the experience of the Temple Street Night Market worthy of reference. Some vendors from the Ladies’ Market even expressed their willingness to rent out their stalls to hold such activities. 

Choi mentioned the limitations on the types of goods sold at the stalls, which fail to meet the demands of the public. He said he hopes the relevant authorities consider expanding the variety of products available.

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Other councilors spoke of the need for traffic and crowd management at the night market.

Yu Kin-keung, current chairman of the Yau Tsim Mong District Council, expressed his hopes of launching the initiative, with the Tsim Sha Tsui Night Vibes event as a highlight, before the start of the Lunar New Year. 

He added that this event seeks to offer new attractions for Chinese mainland tourists and local residents, which will stimulate consumption and propel economic growth in the region.