appConfigEntityId

bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

isVideo

articlePageQuery

article

articleSchemaContent

content

hooksArticlePageAdvertisementConfigArticle

hooksArticlePageFloatingButtonConfigArticle

appConfig

filter

json

liveArticle

Cannix Yau

Thousands of Pokemon enthusiasts from around the world have gathered in Hong Kong for a two-day event in which players of the popular mobile game can participate in quests to catch virtual creatures at local landmarks.
Gamers descended on Tsim Sha Tsui on Saturday morning for the inaugural “Pokemon Go City Safari” event, an extension of the augmented reality mobile game.
The event featured six themed areas: Sha Tin, Kowloon City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong Island, Cheung Chau and Ngong Ping.
Players will have an exclusive opportunity to encounter the Pokemon “Skiddo” before its global release.
Pokemon Go created a worldwide buzz when it first launched in 2016, allowing gamers to participate in real-life settings through augmented reality.
The game pits players against one another in battles, each with a set of three Pokemon. Players tap on the screen to attack with different gestures and gain points by knocking out their opponents.
In Hong Kong, the game recently received more attention after 16-year-old student Cheng Yip-kai, who plays under the username Yekai0904, became the first from the city to be crowned Pokemon Go world champion in August.

Among the fans in Tsim Sha Tsim was healthcare worker Agnes Ng, in her 50s, who came with friends whom she met via a Pokemon group on social media.
“We were eagerly anticipating this event because this is the first time Hong Kong will host the ‘Pokemon Go City Safari’. We hope to feel the vibes and have a good time with friends who share the same interest,” she said.
“We hope to show some support for this event. An event like this overseas really makes profits through drawing crowds and visitors to restaurants or shopping. We hope Hong Kong can continue to hold similar events.”
Nepali Angus Gurung, 45, and his son Ryon, 11, both Pokemon enthusiasts, attended the event and said they enjoyed the experience.
“It’s really nice to see a lot of Pokemon fans who gather together outdoors. Usually we play the game at home. We hope to have more of this kind of activity,” Gurung said.
But Taiwan-based financial analyst Eli Cheong, 25, who visited Hong Kong with his two friends for the event, said he felt underwhelmed compared with his previous trips to Japan.
“I went to the Pokemon Go Fest in Sendai this summer and the World Championship in Yokohama last year,” he said.
“There were celebrations, installations and ads everywhere, and foreigners like us made such trips to the event especially. The atmosphere was a lot better.
“But the promotion in Hong Kong was disappointing, no souvenirs and no merchandise. Overall speaking, the ambience wasn’t as good.”


Hong Kong rises in property market transparency rankings, but trails Singapore and Japan

From moongazing to bus tours: how to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong

Hong Kong to welcome 1.29 million mainland Chinese visitors for National Day break

Northern Metropolis data hub to start phased operations in mid-2027: CLP Power

Hong Kong economy

Thousands flock to Hong Kong for 2-day ‘Pokemon Go City Safari’ event

Pokemon Go players gather outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Photo: Dickson Lee

Pokemon Go players in Hong Kong. The game created a worldwide buzz when it first launched in 2016. Photo: Dickson Lee

Pikachu pals: how Hong Kong’s teen Pokemon Go star teamed up with 75-year-old doctor

Cheng Yip-kai became the first Hongkonger to be crowned Pokemon Go world champion in August. Photo: Handout

Renowned liver expert Lai Ching-lung (left) and Pokemon Go world champion Cheng Yip-kai finally met in person. Photo: SCMP

The youngster plans to set aside more time in the year ahead to prepare for his university admission exams and has restricted gameplay to about an hour a day. Photo: SCMP

Hong Kong liver expert, 75, key player in teen’s Pokemon World Championships triumph

Cheng Yip-kai (right) is Hong Kong’s first Pokemon world champion. Photo: Pokémon Company

Sam Cheung (right) with Dr Lai Ching-lung. Photo: Facebook/English Lesson for Freedom

Funding for esports could result in big win for Hong Kong economy, industry players say

Hong Kong teenager Cheng Yip-kai is world champion when it comes to Pokemon. Photo: Pokémon Company

A Hong Kong esports team won silver at the Asian Games last September. Photo: Dickson Lee

News

Hong Kong

Hong Kong Economy

Gamers descend on six locations to catch an assortment of virtual creatures at various landmarks and hidden gems


Gamers descend on six locations to catch an assortment of virtual creatures at various landmarks and hidden gems.


Thousands flock to Hong Kong for 2-day ‘Pokemon Go City Safari’ event

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Gamers descend on six locations to catch an assortment of virtual creatures at various landmarks and hidden gems

Gamers descend on six locations to catch an assortment of virtual creatures at various landmarks and hidden gems