LNY fireworks dazzle nearly 340,000 spectators

Around 338,000 people gathered on both sides of Victoria Harbour to watch the Lunar New Year fireworks display on Sunday (Feb 11), which lasted for 23 minutes to celebrate the Year of the Dragon.

The show consisted of eight scenes and featured 23,888 pyrotechnic shells fired from three barges. The extravaganza started with a stunning display of silver lightning and thunder to welcome the New Year.

The second scene featured the lucky number "8" in different forms and colors, symbolizing wealth and abundance. 

The "Five-colored Cosmic Balls" firework effect - signifying the boundless sky and earth - was introduced for the first time and wished citizens a bright future with endless possibilities.

In the sixth scene, fireworks in the shape of smiling faces and double hearts delivered the message of hope and happiness to the citizens.

The final scene, "Harvest Drums," illuminated the night sky with huge brocade crowns to wish Hong Kong prosperity and peace in the Dragon's Year.

Speaking at a ceremony ahead of the show, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the dragon represents auspiciousness and vitality. 

He believed Hong Kong would prosper during the Year of the Dragon and take advantage of its unique position, which allows it to enjoy the strong support of the mainland while remaining closely connected to the world through the "one country, two systems" policy. 

The city leader noted that Hong Kong would shine on the international stage and create a more prosperous future.

Tam Kam-kau, the chairman of the Hong Kong Celebrations Association, said the fireworks display featured unique designs to send New Year greetings to both Hongkongers and tourists and wished the city steady progress on the journey from stability to prosperity.