The Last Hong Kong Traditional Handwritten Minibus Sign ｜Understanding Local Culture

The red minibus (also known as the red van) is one of the most unique modes of transportation in Hong Kong. One feature that stands out is the striking minibus sign, featuring red characters on a white background, which are often hand-painted! Let’s explore the story behind these minibus signs!

The Last Calligrapher of Hand-painted Minibus Signs: Mak Kam-sang
calligrapher Mak has been in the industry of hand-painting minibus signs for nearly 40 years, witnessing the rise and fall of the minibus industry. He is the only remaining calligrapher who still hand-paints these signs. Since the age of 15, Mak has been involved in advertising design and now runs the “Clever Advertising Company.” In 1978, he started a sign shop near Mong Kok. Minibus drivers, noticing his calligraphy skills, started commissioning him to paint their signs.

The peak of minibus popularity was between 1984 and 1986. During this period, the government allowed minibuses to install air conditioner. As the red minibus had flexible schedules and routes, so There was a high demand for hand-painted minibus signs, a time calligrapher Mak often recalls as a period of prosperity.

The minibus signs have an iconic style: a white acrylic background, red characters writing in horizontal way indicate the “destination,” while the blue characters in the middle indicate the “stops along the route,” the English name of the destination will be on the top, and the fare are indicated in “Suzhou numerals”.

Suzhou numerals
The Suzhou numerals is a traditional numerical system in China, which is originating in Suzhou. This system evolved from counting rods. The numbers in Suzhou numerals can be written in one stroke, resembling the style of an abacus, making them suitable for business use, such as in ledgers and invoices.

Decline of the Minibus Sign Industry
Due to economic reasons and the mass production of minibus signs, the industry gradually declined. About ten years ago, a tourist visiting Temple Street found the display of Mak’s minibus signs intriguing. With the suggestions from others, Mak realised he could turn these unique Hong Kong minibus signs into decorations with some popular slangs, leading to the creation of the minibus sign keychains we see today.

Mak’s shop, “Hawk Advertsing Company Limited,” not only sells these keychains but also many other minibus-themed products, such as anti-magnetic card holders, phone cases, and even coin holders. The shop also hosts the “Minibus Culture Museum,” which occasionally offers guided tours introducing the history of minibuses.

Hawk Advertising Company Limited
🕰️ Opening hours: 11:00 – 18:00 (Closed on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays)
🚗 Address: Loft, 39 Battery Street, Yau Ma Tei (Jordan MTR Exit A)

Photo sources are from the internet. If any copyright infringement, will delete immediately.