Hong Kong’s New Year countdown features the largest-ever six-tier fireworks display lighting up the Victoria Harbour skyline

By MOOK Travel & Lifestyle Chen Guanxin, compiled and reported

 

Organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board and title-sponsored by New World Development Company Limited, the “New Year. New World. Hong Kong Countdown” will take place on the evening of December 31 this year at Victoria Harbour and various buildings across Hong Kong Island. Last year, Hong Kong was ranked No. 1 among CNN’s “Top 10 Unique New Year’s Eve Cities Worldwide.” This year’s countdown will feature multiple new elements, with the event scaled up to surpass previous years. Starting at 11:00 PM, buildings along the Hong Kong Island waterfront will launch meteor fireworks every 15 minutes, allowing attendees to capture these beautiful moments and make heartfelt wishes for the coming year.

The six highlights of the “New Year. New World. Hong Kong Countdown” include: First, a new high-altitude fireworks show—featuring high-altitude fireworks for the first time, synchronized with lights and music, an eight-minute “Fireworks Music Spectacular” will be staged over Victoria Harbour; Second, the largest-scale performance in history—fireworks and effects will be launched at varying heights, covering a broader and higher range than before, extending the visual spectacle three-dimensionally outward to create the largest-ever fireworks music event; Third, focus on the Wan Chai Convention and Exhibition Centre—with the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre as the centerpiece, seven buildings in Wan Chai and Admiralty will launch fireworks from their rooftops in coordination; Fourth, a giant LED screen next to the Convention Centre will display the large “2014” at midnight; connecting both sides of Victoria Harbour, six-tier fireworks will be launched from the waters off Tsim Sha Tsui to the centre of the harbour, layering toward the land and the skyline to create a grand and spectacular scene linking both shores; Fifth, delightful fireworks patterns—including heart shapes and smiley faces to enhance the festive atmosphere and send New Year blessings; Sixth, near-shore fireworks launches—the fireworks will be set off close to the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, allowing spectators to experience the impact of the display up close.

 

Hong Kong Tourism Board Chairman Allan Zeman said: “This year’s fireworks show will continue to feature the popular Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre as the focal landmark. The scale of the event is the largest in history, with multiple new elements added to further highlight the majestic beauty of Victoria Harbour. Visitors can enjoy the countdown fireworks show near the harbour and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere on New Year’s Eve.”

 

The best viewing spots for the Hong Kong New Year fireworks music show include the coastal area from Tsim Sha Tsui’s Avenue of Stars to the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Central’s new waterfront, the areas around Central Piers 9 and 10, and Wan Chai’s Golden Bauhinia Square.

 

For New Year’s Eve travel packages, some travel agencies still have availability and reserved rooms. For example, Bestway Travel offers a three-day trip starting at HK$13,888 per person, staying at the Grand Harbour View Hotel; Southeast Travel highlights the EDITION hotel starting at HK$14,800; and Five Star Travel has reserved rooms at the Park Regis Kowloon starting at HK$16,800.

 

 

●  Further Reading:

Taipei’s New Year countdown connects with Japan: Red and White Song Contest and live performance by Masaharu Fukuyama to welcome the new year

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