Cat murals, a time tunnel and Lantern Festival markets are among initiatives proposed by Hong Kong's 18 district councils to show how unique each area is and lure in more visitors.

Central and Western District Council, which held the first meeting of its new term on Thursday, wants to set up a huge landmark at Peak Road Garden and a "time tunnel" at the facade of the Old Mental Hospital in Sai Ying Pun.

The Liberal Party's Jeremy Young said a large sign, such as "I LOVE HK", would show the world that the SAR has returned to normalcy.

Meanwhile, Sai Kung District Council has suggested painting cat murals in the heart of the neighbourhood, and paving a "starry road" along Wan Poon Path in Tseung Kwan O South to make the district more Instagrammable.

A number of districts plan to host Lantern Festival markets to boost local consumption, including Tsuen Wan, Sha Tin, Wong Tai Sin and North District.

Dennis Wong from the Vocational Training Council said the councils have to come up with ways to attract tourists in the long run.

"They have to improve the whole package. A single check-in spot may not be enough. More is needed to make tourists stay longer in the district, such as traditional food or shops with district characteristics," he said.