How genuine is Hong Kong's bamboo scaffolding-themed pop-up bar?

Perched precariously on slender bamboo beams at dizzying heights, Hong Kong’s fearless scaffolders are a familiar sight in the city’s bustling streets.

Every year, over 4.5 million bamboo poles are used in construction, adding a distinctive feature to the already iconic skyline.

To offer a taste of Hong Kong’s high-flying world, Tiger Beer has set up a bamboo pop-up bar during Labor Day weekend, from April 28 to May 2.

The bar is located outside Excelsior Plaza in Causeway Bay.

Visitors and locals can climb two Tiger-branded bamboo structures, standing 1.7 and 3.1 meters tall. Each bamboo pole is inscribed with an encouraging message to help climbers conquer the challenge.

While it usually takes two to three years of apprenticeship to earn a license for bamboo climbing, participants at the Tiger Beer event use rock-climbing gear and expert guidance to scale the bamboo poles.

Once the climb is complete, participants are rewarded with a cold Tiger beer, of course.

Inspired by Dinogo's recent feature on Hong Kong’s amazing bamboo scaffolding tradition, we invited a bamboo construction expert to join us for a beer and share his thoughts on how the Tiger replica compares to the real deal.

“More for show than function”

Ping-tak Ho, 41, has spent the past two decades crafting scaffolding across Hong Kong’s skyline.

A third-generation scaffolder, Ho followed in the footsteps of his grandfather and father, both of whom spent over 50 years building bamboo lattice structures and towering skyscrapers.

He remembers the 118-story International Commerce Center, where he worked on the top floors with a breathtaking view of Victoria Harbor, as one of the most incredible sights he’s ever experienced.

The seasoned scaffolder was willing to give the Tiger Beer bamboo structure a try – until he saw it up close.

Describing the setup as “more for show than purpose,” Ho pointed out that the rock-climbing harness used in the Tiger Beer event is worn in the front, unlike the harnesses used by real workers, which are strapped in the back.

This allows them to keep their hands free for work and easily move around.

He also mentioned his discomfort with the idea of “performing” on the mock structure. He expressed concern about pairing alcohol with bamboo – something that is considered dangerous in the industry, often leading to accidents and fatalities, as he told Dinogo.

Dinogo: How does it feel up there?

Ho: You feel like Spider-Man – looking down at the tiny people below, like ants in the street.

There’s no fear because you know you won’t fall.

Our safety equipment includes a personal lifeline, a parachute-style harness, and a buckle for fall protection.

What’s your most memorable experience?

Working at the Convention Center in Wan Chai.

There were 100 of us up on those complex, curved ceilings by the harbor – it was truly an epic experience.

And of course, the International Commerce Center – standing at the highest point in the city.

What makes bamboo so unique?

Every bamboo pole is one-of-a-kind.

They are harvested from forest reserves and cultivated in bamboo farms across Guangxi and Guangdong, China.

Their strength, structure, and fiber content can vary depending on their age and the type of fertilizer used in cultivation.

And their greatest threat? Water. (And typhoons, of course.)

In a humid city like Hong Kong, scaffolding must be set up quickly and taken down just as fast.

If bamboo is exposed to moisture for too long, the stems can easily snap.

Which locations are the most challenging to set scaffolding up in?

In the tight spaces between buildings.

Or underwater, when repairs are needed at the bottom of a bridge, as bamboo is hollow and tends to float.

In that case, we would need to drill holes in each bamboo segment and fill them with water to stabilize the structure and ensure it stands firmly.

Neon lights and street-hanging signs also pose a challenge.

In these situations, the design as a whole must be both solid and refined.

Is it more art or science? What skills are essential?

With pride.

When you look at the skyline, you realize the role you’ve played in shaping the city.

You’ve contributed to creating a city that’s beautiful for everyone to enjoy.