Opening tomorrow, the “Yau Ma Tei Police Station Light and Shadow Journey” exhibition may be extended in the future, according to Cheuk Wing-hing, who said its scale could be further enlarged.

“Yau Ma Tei Police Station Light and Shadow Journey” Exhibition Opens to Public, Blending Film Culture with Tourism Development

The exhibition “Yau Ma Tei Police Station Light and Shadow Journey,” staged at the former site of the historic Yau Ma Tei Police Station, will officially open to the public from tomorrow, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore Hong Kong’s rich police film heritage through immersive visual, spatial and interactive experiences. The exhibition is designed to combine the city’s long-standing film culture with tourism development, transforming a well-known historical landmark into a vibrant cultural attraction.

The opening ceremony was attended by a number of senior government officials, including Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration Cheuk Wing-hing, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Law Shuk-pui, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung, along with representatives from cultural, tourism and law enforcement departments. Their presence underscored the government’s emphasis on promoting cultural tourism and revitalising historic sites through creative and innovative uses.

Celebrating Hong Kong’s Police Film Legacy

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing highlighted the cultural significance of Hong Kong police films, describing them as a “valuable treasure” of the city’s film and television history. For decades, police-themed movies and television dramas have played a crucial role in shaping Hong Kong’s popular culture, gaining recognition not only locally but also internationally.

According to Mr Cheuk, these films have helped define the identity of Hong Kong cinema, portraying stories of justice, loyalty, courage and social change while showcasing the city’s unique urban landscape. From classic black-and-white productions to modern action blockbusters, police films have remained one of the most recognisable genres associated with Hong Kong’s creative industries.

“The exhibition allows members of the public and visitors to revisit memorable moments from these iconic productions,” Cheuk said. “It offers a new way to appreciate Hong Kong’s film culture while also understanding the historical role of policing in the city.”

Historic Significance of the Yau Ma Tei Police Station

Mr Cheuk also emphasised the historical and architectural value of the former Yau Ma Tei Police Station, noting that it is one of the few remaining pre-war police stations in Hong Kong. Built with distinctive architectural features, the building stands as a testament to the city’s law enforcement history and colonial-era urban development.

Over the years, the old Yau Ma Tei Police Station has become one of the most frequently used filming locations for police movies and television series. Its authentic setting, vintage design and central location have made it a favourite backdrop for countless productions, contributing to its iconic status among film fans.

Because of this strong association with the film industry, the site has long attracted visitors, photography enthusiasts and movie lovers eager to “check in” and capture scenes reminiscent of their favourite films. The new exhibition builds on this popularity by offering a structured, curated experience that goes beyond sightseeing.

Part of a Broader Tourism Strategy

As the head of the Government’s Working Group on Tourism Hotspot Development, Cheuk Wing-hing explained that the exhibition is one of the nine tourism hotspots announced last year. These hotspots were identified as part of a broader strategy to diversify Hong Kong’s tourism offerings, encourage longer visitor stays, and revitalise districts through culture-led development.

“The goal is to integrate Hong Kong’s cultural assets with tourism in a meaningful way,” Cheuk said. “By combining film culture, history and innovative exhibition design, we aim to enrich the overall visitor experience while creating new economic opportunities.”

He noted that while the current exhibition is not large in physical scale, it has been carefully curated to deliver rich content and immersive storytelling. Visitors are able to step into recreated film scenes and gain a deeper appreciation of how police stories have been portrayed on screen over the years.

Cheuk also revealed that the government will continue to review visitor feedback and operational outcomes, adding that the scope of the exhibition could be expanded in the future if there is sufficient interest and demand.

Immersive Journey Through Film and Time

The exhibition experience begins at an entrance designed to resemble an old-style cinema, immediately setting a nostalgic tone. Visitors are guided through a “time tunnel” that symbolically transports them from the present day into different eras of Hong Kong police cinema.

Once inside, the exhibition unfolds into a series of themed zones inspired by classic police films and television dramas. These include recreated spaces such as an identification parade room, armoury, surveillance room, and detention area, each designed to reflect scenes commonly seen in police productions.

Through careful set design, lighting and sound effects, visitors are able to immerse themselves in environments that feel familiar from the screen. The exhibition does not simply display props or images but encourages exploration, allowing visitors to move freely between spaces and engage with the surroundings.

Multimedia and Interactive Features

To enhance the visitor experience, the exhibition incorporates a wide range of multimedia elements. Large-scale video projections showcase famous clips and behind-the-scenes footage from police films, while audio installations play iconic dialogue and soundtracks that many viewers will instantly recognise.

Creative lighting design is used to evoke mood and atmosphere, shifting from tense, dramatic tones to reflective and nostalgic moments. Interactive installations invite visitors to participate actively rather than passively observe, reinforcing the sense of being “inside” a film.

One of the highlights of the exhibition is the inclusion of AI-powered photo booths, which allow visitors to digitally transform themselves into police film characters. Through facial recognition and costume overlays, visitors can pose as detectives, officers or suspects and receive personalised photos as souvenirs.

Multiple themed “check-in” spots have also been set up throughout the exhibition, catering to social media users and photography enthusiasts. These spots have been carefully positioned to reflect iconic cinematic angles and compositions.

Bridging Culture, Tourism and Technology

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Law Shuk-pui said the exhibition represents a successful example of how culture, tourism and technology can work together. She noted that Hong Kong has a strong foundation in creative industries and heritage conservation, and initiatives like this demonstrate how historical sites can be revitalised in contemporary ways.

By incorporating digital technology and interactive storytelling, the exhibition appeals to a wide audience, including young people, families and overseas tourists. Law emphasised that such projects play a key role in making cultural heritage more accessible and engaging for the public.

Security and Heritage in Balance

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung also spoke at the event, highlighting the importance of preserving the historical legacy of the police force while presenting it in a modern, approachable format. He noted that the exhibition provides an opportunity for the public to better understand the evolution of policing in Hong Kong, as well as the values of professionalism and public service portrayed in police films.

Tang added that transforming the old police station into a cultural venue reflects a broader effort to strike a balance between heritage conservation and community engagement.

Economic and Community Impact

Beyond its cultural value, the exhibition is expected to generate economic benefits by attracting both local residents and tourists to the Yau Ma Tei area. Increased foot traffic is likely to support nearby shops, restaurants and small businesses, contributing to district revitalisation.

Officials expressed hope that the exhibition would encourage visitors to explore other attractions in the neighbourhood, turning a single visit into a broader cultural journey. In the long term, the project could serve as a model for similar initiatives at other historic sites across Hong Kong.

Looking Ahead

While the exhibition is currently being launched on a modest scale, government officials have indicated that future enhancements are possible. These may include additional exhibition areas, rotating themes, collaborations with filmmakers, or expanded use of digital technology.

As Hong Kong continues to reposition itself as a leading cultural and tourism destination, projects like the “Yau Ma Tei Police Station Light and Shadow Journey” demonstrate how storytelling, history and innovation can come together to create meaningful experiences.

Opening to the public tomorrow, the exhibition invites visitors to step into the world of Hong Kong police films, relive cinematic memories, and gain a deeper appreciation of a genre that has left an indelible mark on the city’s cultural landscape.