Tourism Board Launches First International Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival at Victoria Park
Crhk · 5 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago3 MIN
Summary
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced on Tuesday the launch of its inaugural International Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival at Victoria Park, running from September 17 to 27. The event will showcase over 3,000 lanterns from 20 countries and regions, alongside four giant Nanjing Qinhuai lanterns crafted by master artisans from Nanjing, a tradition dating back over 1,700 years. The Tourism Board's Director of Tourism, Liu Zhenhan, stated that the event aims to leverage Hong Kong's unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures to create a world-class Mid-Autumn Festival experience that can attract visitors from mainland China and Southeast Asia, ultimately driving tourism revenue and extending visitor stays in the city.
Key Points
- The carnival runs nightly from 6:30 PM to 11 PM, with lanterns extending their illumination until midnight on the Mid-Autumn Festival proper (September 25)
- Victoria Park's Model Boat Pool promenade will feature "Lantern World Street" displaying over 3,000 traditional lanterns from 20 regions, including Korean silk lanterns from Jinju, Brazilian patchwork lanterns, and Polish paper-cut lanterns
- The park's main entrance will showcase four giant Nanjing Qinhuai lanterns, including the 8-meter "Banyan Splendor" lantern inspired by Hong Kong's iconic banyan tree, alongside "Fish among Lotuses," "Fish Leaping Through Dragon Gate," and "Moonlight over Lotus Pond"
- A dedicated "Lantern Pavilion" on the park's hillside will feature over 400 hand-crafted Hong Kong-style lanterns in classic shapes such as rabbits, starfruit, and goldfish
- The Tourism Board expects tourists to comprise 10 to 15 percent of attendees, with special promotional efforts targeting mainland central cities and Southeast Asian markets
- From September 17 to 20, the HKTB will partner with Po Leung Kuk to sell specialty mooncakes from various regions, with all proceeds donated to the charity
Why It Matters
The event represents a strategic effort by Hong Kong to differentiate itself from mainland cities where Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations may be less elaborate, positioning the city as a premier destination for international cultural tourism during the holiday period. By combining lantern displays with the nearby Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance and coordinating with businesses on festive promotions, the Tourism Board aims to stimulate economic activity across retail, dining, and hospitality sectors while encouraging visitors to extend their stays in Hong Kong .
The event represents a strategic effort by Hong Kong to differentiate itself from mainland cities where Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations may be less elaborate, positioning the city as a premier destination for international cultural tourism during the holiday period. By combining lantern displays with the nearby Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance and coordinating with businesses on festive promotions, the Tourism Board aims to stimulate economic activity across retail, dining, and hospitality sectors while encouraging visitors to extend their stays in Hong Kong .