Hong Kong has seen various significant events and developments this past week, showcasing the vibrant cultural scene, various celebrations, and some notable issues faced by the city. The week started with New Year's Eve celebrations, highlighted by stunning fireworks at the iconic Victoria Harbour, as over 400,000 people gathered to welcome 2025 with grandeur.
On December 31, the fireworks display lasted for 12 minutes and was themed "Happiness Symphony," creatively conceiving different natural elements through colorful explosions. This event served as the centerpiece of Hong Kong's New Year celebrations. Across the harbor, Taipei welcomed the new year with its own firework show from the Taipei 101 skyscraper, which lasted 6 minutes from midnight, captivating both locals and tourists alike.
Come January 1, the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui were filled with crowds celebrating the first day of the year. Celebrated with traditional lion and dragon dances, the 2025 Hong Kong Dragon and Lion Festival took place, drawing large crowds and creating a festive environment.
Meanwhile, not far from the excitement, cultural institutions were also busy enriching the city's artistic fabric. The Keelung Museum held the “At the Pinnacle of the Century” exhibition, highlighting the historical evolution of the city over its first century.
Simultaneously, Hong Kong welcomed the launch of the C919 aircraft by Eastern Airlines through its inaugural service between Hong Kong and Shanghai on January 1, making this the first international flight for the domestically manufactured aircraft.
On the more poignant side of news, the city faced challenges as it dealt with the aftermath of significant events across the region. A tragic plane crash from Jeju Air occurred on December 29, which caused 179 fatalities. This devastating news has cast concern over travel safety standards, with reports indicating potential issues with runway design at the Jeju Airport.
Back at home, the recently appointed Customs Chief, Chan Tsz-Dak, emphasized his commitment to maintaining national security and combating smuggling, particularly through junk food products dubbed "space oil." The customs department has undertaken several initiatives, aligning its operations with national security measures.
Transporting joy, the second Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge half marathon took place on January 6, featuring around 8,000 participants, including prominent officials like the Secretary for Justice, Lam Ting-kwok. The event, celebrated with cheers and camaraderie, aimed to attract overseas participants and invigorate Hong Kong's tourism economy.
Finally, the Hong Kong tourism department unveiled its “Tourism Development Blueprint 2.0,” indicating ambitious strategies to invigorate local tourism, which also links with wider aspirations of attracting talent and businesses to the region.
With the backdrop of such activities, the city continues to navigate challenges and opportunities. Excitement surrounds the new year, bringing with it hope, potential tourist influx, and celebrations of culture and history.