Hong Kong will get a brand-new Symphony of Lights display, as part of the government’s efforts to encourage tourists to visit the city. Financial Secretary Paul Chan revealed the plans for the revamped nightly harbourside light-and-sound event, and confirmed that the city will also stage fireworks and drone shows every month.
“The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will hold pyrotechnic and drone shows against the backdrop of the splendid night views of Victoria Harbour every month. The HKTB will also revamp its light-and-sound show, A Symphony of Lights,” said Chan when he unveiled the 2024-2025 budget on Wednesday.
A Symphony of Lights, one of the most popular free attractions in Hong Kong, was first introduced in 2004. The multimedia show expanded in 2017 to include 43 buildings and two attractions that put on a light show synchronised to a score by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra featuring western and Chinese instruments. The 10-minute event begins at 8pm every day.
Chan also announced that the city’s Development Bureau will add food-and-beverage outlets, as well as new retail and entertainment spots at specific harbourside spots. He also stated that authorities aim to “develop brand new seasonal, festival and event experiences of varying themes featuring Chinese and Western arts, popular cultures, wine-and-dine, outskirt[s] explorations, [and] active sports.”
The government has already started work on creating new recreational facilities on the Hong Kong Island side of Victoria Harbour, most notably by creating a new harbourside event space in Wan Chai, which will open next month with a maze-themed event that the public can enter for free. Last year saw the complete opening of the Water Sports and Recreation Precinct — the longest promenade along Victoria Harbour, connecting Kennedy Town and Fortress Hill over a nine-kilometre-long stretch.
In addition, the Financial Secretary said that the Tourism Board will “promote immersive, in-depth tourism with themes like ‘Citywalk’, and promote young-adult focused activities such as hiking, cycling, stand-up paddle-boarding, trail running, and stargazing in the wilderness”. Chan also cited the success of the new-look Temple Street Night Market, and added that the Tourism Board will work on creating more such activities to make the area attractive to visitors.
Header image credits: Vincent_Vuttipipat via Canva
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