Hong Kong, December 19: Hong Kong has canceled its New Year's Eve fireworks display at Victoria Harbour, replacing it with a countdown event in the Central district, while also stepping up preparations to welcome tourists and manage traffic during the holiday period.
According to a Hong Kong Press report on December 18th, Hong Kong (China) announced the cancellation of its annual Victoria Harbour fireworks display and the relocation of the New Year's Eve countdown event to the Chater pedestrian area in Central, featuring various activities to welcome residents and tourists on December 31st. The decision was announced after an inter-agency group met to discuss plans for the festivities and the large crowds expected during the New Year's holiday.
Authorities did not specify the reason for canceling the fireworks, however, the decision is believed to have been made in response to the devastating wildfires in Tai Po at the end of last month, which killed more than 150 people.
In addition to the countdown program, a series of New Year's celebrations will still be held as planned. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) said the new countdown event aims to convey positive energy, care, and wishes for peace to the community.
To serve visitors to the city during the holiday period from January 1st to 3rd, major checkpoints will operate 24 hours a day. Hong Kong authorities have also discussed extending service hours at some other checkpoints after coordinating with Shenzhen authorities.
Public transportation has also been enhanced. Metro lines will run overnight on most routes, the schedule for the eastern railway line to Lo Wu station has been adjusted, and the frequency of buses connecting checkpoints has been increased to alleviate traffic pressure, according to China Daily .
Authorities said they will step up communication about congestion at checkpoints, and provide updates on traffic and weather to help residents and tourists plan their travel more easily.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
