September 21, 2013

  • F.7 writing 2

    Have you forgotten the old Hong Kong?

    Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan city. We can see the skyscrapers in business district and modern infrastructure all around the city. Also, there are many historical sites and interesting backstreets in HK. They show a part of Hong Kong's past within the city centre.

    Somebody suggested renovating the historical buildings and backstreets in areas such as Wan Chai and Sheung Wan. In fact, the government have already done something to preserve them. For instance, Old Wan Chai Post Office and Western Market in Sheung Wan are the declared monuments. They are protected by law. Besides, the government have planned to renovate some historical buildings and change them to be museums or shopping malls without affecting the look outside. However, I think the government could do more.

    Tourism industry could have benefits if the historical buildings and interesting backstreets are reserved. It is because tourists like to visit the places that can reflect the history of HK. Moreover, they like to sightsee special backstreets. Traditional Chinese foods like shark's fins and dried fish are sold there. They can also see the craftsmen working on the pavement and barbers cutting hair in the street.

    Another advantage in preserving historical sites and special backstreets is that young people in HK can know more about old HK. Citizens should know the history of the place they live and these historical sites. The buildings and old streets are the best learning materials for us to study HK history. Those historical landmarks are better than the words in history books.

    Historical buildings could make our cosmopolitan city special. A city that only possesses tall buildings with shiny glasses is monotonous. No people want to live in such city for long. Historical buildings are actually art works in a city and it gives life to a city. Therefore, it is necessary to preserve them.

    In my opinion, historical sites and special backstreets should not be removed because of commercial reasons as they could not be rebuilt easily. If we only look up to money and look down on history, we will regret surely in the future.