The postcard view of Hong Kong's night skyline showing skyscrapers lit up and reflected in Victoria Harbour is one known all over the world.

It is this view which probably features on the must-see list of most of the millions of tourists who come to Hong Kong every year.

However, it is important that the city's sparkle is sustainable and balanced, according to Edwin Lau Che-feng, Director of General Affairs for Friends of the Earth (Hong Kong).

Lau believes Hong Kong - the Pearl of the Orient - would be beautiful even with less intense lights.

"Yes of course, we need some beautiful scenery to attract tourists but we need not to be excessive or too extravagant with lights," said Lau.

"Hong Kong was named the Pearl of the Orient at least 50 years ago, not in 2000 or 1999. If you look at pictures from that time, was Hong Kong very bright? No, I would say there were less than half of the current lights.

"I think it would be just as attractive if we had more contrast, like a Yin Yang effect, with some bright areas and some darks, but not light blasting throughout."

Dr Jason Pun Chun-shing, of the University of Hong Kong's Department of Physics, agrees, saying although he appreciated the bright skyline was part of the attraction of Hong Kong, he felt it should be reserved for tourist areas.

"I understand there is a place for this kind of lighting but, on the other hand, do we want every place in Hong Kong to have this kind of night skyline even when it is not a tourist spot?" said Pun.

(HK Edition 01/03/2014 page3)