Expanded Mid-Autumn Festival lantern show returns to Victoria Park
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
The Hong Kong Tourism Board has announced an expanded International Lantern Spectacular set to illuminate Victoria Park in Causeway Bay from September 17 to 27. The annual Mid-Autumn Festival event returns with its largest showcase yet, featuring more than 3,000 distinctive lanterns from 20 countries and regions. The upgraded programme aims to draw both locals and tourists to experience this celebration of traditional lantern craftsmanship and cultural exchange.
Key Points
- International Lantern Spectacular runs September 17-27 at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay, organized by Hong Kong Tourism Board
- World Lantern Boulevard showcases over 3,000 lanterns from 20 countries and regions including South Korea and Brazil
- "Shadowlight" is an eight-metre-tall lantern installation inspired by Hong Kong's iconic banyan trees, crafted by master artisans from Nanjing
- Four giant Qinhuai lanterns from Nanjing, a craft included on China's national intangible cultural heritage list, feature at the show
- Hill Knoll Pavilion displays over 400 classic handcrafted Hong Kong lanterns with designs such as rabbit, star fruit and goldfish
- Fire Dragon Dance in nearby Tai Hang neighbourhood complements the lantern festivities
Why It Matters
The expanded lantern show represents Hong Kong's strategic push to revitalize tourism through cultural events, providing a platform for local artisans to showcase traditional craftsmanship alongside international contributors. This celebration of heritage lanterns reinforces the Mid-Autumn Festival's significance as a time for family reunions and community gatherings while positioning Hong Kong as a vibrant cultural destination in the region.
The expanded lantern show represents Hong Kong's strategic push to revitalize tourism through cultural events, providing a platform for local artisans to showcase traditional craftsmanship alongside international contributors. This celebration of heritage lanterns reinforces the Mid-Autumn Festival's significance as a time for family reunions and community gatherings while positioning Hong Kong as a vibrant cultural destination in the region.