A giant heart-shaped balloon, that is part of the "Chubby Hearts Hong Kong" campaign, had to be taken down in Central on Saturday afternoon due to strong winds. The campaign, which has received a HK$7.8 million grant from the government's Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund, was launched on Valentine’s Day in a move to attract tourists.

In a Facebook post, the campaign organiser, Hong Kong Design Centre, said the wind speed at Statue Square Garden had exceeded the maximum limit that the 12-metre installation could withstand.

Visitors who came to see the display had to settle for a substitute - a pair of three-metre heart-shaped balloons.

Among them was Mr Chan, who said he was disappointed by the downsizing of the exhibit.

"I'm a little let down. There was supposed to be a big balloon but the sign said it's taking a break and they put up two smaller balloons instead. I find the smaller balloons quite short. I thought the display would be tall but it's not what I would have expected and that disappoints me a bit." he added.

Mint, a tourist from Thailand, came to take a picture of the enormous installation, designed by fashion designer Anya Hindmarch, but only got to see the smaller display.

"We saw from the news, from Time Out, and from the website, the advertisement, so we came here to take a picture.. but actually we expect like higher, so easier to take a picture, but it's okay, it's nice." she added.

The art installation will remain in place until February 24.