CITY IN TIME is an augmented reality (AR), immersive, urban heritage experience that vividly brings back to life the landscapes of old Hong Kong. Using the technologies of photogrammetry and augmented reality, this project transforms a smartphone or tablet screen into a magic window that reveals images of Hong Kong’s past that are exactly positioned in those places where history happened. CITY IN TIME was originated and developed by Jeffrey Shaw at the Center of Applied Computing and Interactive Media (ACIM) at the School of Creative Media, City University of Hong Kong for the Tourism Commission. It was launched in March 2021 at 28 sites that are rich in cultural heritage located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, Yau Ma Tei and Jordan, Sham Shui Po, and The Peak. Visitors access through AR markers, 360-degree, 3D panoramas of historical Hong Kong that match the point of view where the visitor is standing. These panoramas, drawn from various time periods, are either rendered through old photographs or through panoramic illustrations which were specially commissioned for the project from contemporary artists who worked from historical photographs. The augmented reality imagery is further enlivened by subtle animations which create a sense of immediacy and thereness in the historical renderings. Viewers also have the opportunity to share the experience of CITY IN TIME on social media.

CITY IN TIME II extends CITY IN TIME to 16 additional locations across Hong Kong in Lei Yue Mun, Tai Hang and Kowloon City and augments the interactive, AR experience of CITY IN TIME with a number of additional features which enhance visitor engagement with the historical landscape and cultural history of Hong Kong. CITY IN TIME II, is led by Richard William Allen, director of ACIM, City University of Hong Kong, who oversees the realisation of the project and the organization of the Phase II team. Jeffrey Shaw, who is now Chair Professor at the Academy of Visual Arts, HKBU, remains as artistic director in charge of the artistic and conceptual development of Phase II. Project co-ordinator, Leung Wai Leung Alan, was retained from Phase I and he is now joined in the role by Yip Tsz Lam. Together, they ensure the smooth administration of the project in liaison with our partners at the Tourism Commission.

CITY IN TIME II features intangible cultural heritage (ICH) hot spots showing 360-degree panoramic videos of significant ICH events such as the Tin Hau Festival in Lei Yue Mun, and the Fire Dragon Dance in Tai Hang. Movie clips and narratives will be added to selected locations to enhance viewers recognition of the Hong Kong landscape by evoking familiar scenes from beloved Hong Kong movies indicating the importance of the Hong Kong movie industry and how Hong Kong movies present the historical Hong Kong. Furthermore, the immersive historical landscapes have themselves been enhanced by rendering animated elements in 3D. The Selfie has been the most popular function in the City In Time App. and, in order to enhance the selfie experience, CITY IN TIME II users can now record short videos with audio recordings and share their selfies with or without filter effects. Finally, we have also developed more user-friendly download options so that the app. can be easily accessed on site by users.

For phase II, Wong Hoi To, Calvin, an experienced historian and former lecturer in Chinese and History at CityUHK was hired as historical advisor. His meticulous research has been supported by two young graduates Melody Chan and Mike Lau, former students of Chinese and History at CityUHK who were recommended by Ching May Bo, Head of that Department. These researchers have sourced photographs from a variety of archives, institutions and individuals including Hong Kong public libraries, the Information Services Department, Public Records, the Lands Department, the Hong Kong Museum of History, the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence, and the Hong Kong Heritage Museum. Other sources: The University of Hong Kong Libraries—Special Collections, Jockey Club Lei Yue Mun Plus, Ho Lap Tin Hung Kuen Martial Art Association, Gateway Cuisine, Maj JGB McAndrew RA and David Bellis, Mr Ko Tim Keung and Mr Chor Kam Hung. In addition, the team has researched the oral histories of the local inhabitants which will be featured in the intangible cultural heritage hot spots, such as those focusing on Hakka culture, quarrying and the seafood industry in Lei Yun Mun.

For the six sites at Lei Yun Mun which comprises the first stage of CITY IN TIME II, three Hong Kong artists have contributed the visual rendering of the immersive historical landscapes. Carmen Ng graduated from Hong Kong Baptist University’s Academy of Visual Arts. She is a Hong Kong-based contemporary watercolourist and ink painter, who paints her complex, city-inspired dreams in vivid and delightful detail. Little Jade is an illustrator, urban sketcher, and art teacher based in Hong Kong. Over the past 10 years, she has dedicated her teaching skills to nurturing youths and adults with special needs in various NGOs. Tony Cheng graduated from Hong Kong Baptist University's Academy of Visual Arts in 2019. Tony is an emerging artist who recently focuses on digital landscape art, his artworks have been featured in group exhibitions in Germany, England, Japan, and Hong Kong.

Finally, a complex art and technology project such as CITY IN TIME could not be realized without a large creative and technical team. Sound design is created by MBS Studios, Website and AR Marker design by Trilingua, 3D scanning by Rob Schermuly, 3D modelling and animation by Kachi Chan, and panoramic live view photography by John Choy. We invite you to enjoy CITY IN TIME II, as new installations sprout across the city and perhaps also to revisit CITY IN TIME.

Lei Yue Mun Rest Garden.

The artwork in this location transports us to the Hong Kong’s coastal defense in the 1920s.