Symphony of lights — Attraction in Hong Kong

Symphony of Lights" (SoL) has illuminated Hong Kong's skyline for the enjoyment of millions of tourists since 2004. This multi-media show has always been the signature icon for Hong Kong, symbolising its dynamic energy and contrasting culture. In December 2017, SoL has taken on a new direction and transformed Hong Kong's cityscape into a true symphony. In grand style the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra has recorded the new musical score, entwined with a vibrant and contemporary flavour, representing the charismatic rhythm of Hong Kong. Traditional Chinese flutes and string bowed instruments such as the Erhu, have been interwoven to create a truly distinctive sound, matching Hong Kong's character of "east meets west". With 43 buildings and two attractions featured in this incarnation of SoL, this symphonic approach joins each participating building into a harmonious and complete canvas, working effortlessly together to the beat in unison. The city of Hong Kong is SoL's source of inspiration; the patterned symmetry of the skyline, modern metropolitan design, forested mountain terrain and expanse of the harbour, offer a truly all-encompassing visual and sound scape of the soul of Hong Kong. A myriad of searchlights, lasers, LED screens and lighting illuminate for this nightly spectacle that transforms the HK skyline into an outdoor audio visual feast...

Really, this has got to be one of the worst overhyped and over-marketed attractions in Hong Kong. The view itself is legendary and stunning, but come 8pm, they all start flashing in an out of sync kind of way with a soundtrack that really doesn’t do anything to lift the spectacle. It would make more sense to just leave some thoughtful music playing over the cheap low quality speakers dotted around, whilst dusk settles and the lights maintain the usual standard patterns - this is already stunning and doesn’t require the overwork and pretence of what looks like the security guards at each of the buildings on a conference call being instructed by someone with no sense of timing to “you flick your lights on and off now…. now your turn”.

Each time I have taken a visitor to see this (because they were so eager based on the HK Tourist Board inflated marketing and photoshopping of the imagery), they are left underwhelmed and standing besides us are loads of other tourists who very quickly realise the world famous light show is pretty flat.

Tip to the HK Tourist Board - let those things that are already amazing about HK shine through on their own merit, and stop the dishonest...

My wife and I visited the Symphony of Lights right after landing at Hong Kong International Airport. We didn't know about the show until we met two Filipinos at the Temple Night Market. They suggested we hurry to see it before 8 PM!

From Yau Ma Tei, we took the MTR. We rode the Tsuen Wan Line to Central, switched to the Island Line, and got off at Tsim Sha Tsui Station. It was a short walk to the waterfront.

The show was incredible! As the sun went down, colorful lights lit up the skyline, all in sync with the music. Watching famous buildings like the HSBC and the International Commerce Centre sparkle was magical.

I highly recommend the Symphony of Lights if you're in Hong Kong. It's a fantastic way to start your visit! Just make sure to arrive on time!

‼️Don't expect more, Just...