A Symphony of Lights
Encyclopedia
A Symphony of Lights is a synchronised building exterior decorative light and laser
multimedia display, featuring 44 buildings on both sides of the Victoria Harbour
of Hong Kong
accompanied by music. The technology was developed by Australian firm Laservision and cost approximately 44 million HK dollars
. It has attracted over 4 million visitors and locals so far, and is held every night for ten minutes.
Guinness World Records
has named A Symphony of Lights the world's largest permanent light and sound show.
and displayed every night with good weather at 8pm Hong Kong Time
. An orchestration of music, decoration lights, laser light displays, and pyrotechnic fireworks
, the multimedia light and sound show lasts for about 14 minutes.
The best vantage points include the "Avenue of Stars
" on the Tsim Sha Tsui
waterfront, on the waterfront promenade outside the Golden Bauhinia Square
in Wan Chai
and on sightseeing ferries (i.e. Star Ferry
) running across the Victoria Harbour
. The Show's music and narration live at the "Avenue of Stars" and the promenade outside the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai every night. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays the narration is in English
, while it is in Mandarin on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and Cantonese on Sundays.
Special pyrotechnic fireworks will be added to the show on the rooftop of participating buildings on both sides of the habour or stages off at the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. It will be added on special events or holidays, example like Chinese New Year
and Christmas
.
When Tropical Cyclone
Warning Signal No.3 or above or Red/Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is issued by the Hong Kong Observatory
at or after 3pm on the Show day, the Show will be suspended. No show will be staged even if the Signal is removed before 8pm on that day. The show may also be suspended in emergencies without prior notice.
The Show comprises five major themes, taking spectators on a unique journey celebrating the energy, spirit and diversity of Hong Kong:
The first scene "Awakening" begins with flashes of laser lights that give life to a nucleus of light-energy which gradually illuminates participating buildings using an array of dancing lights and rainbow colour. This scene symbolises the genesis and powerful growth of Hong Kong.
The second scene "Energy" is represented by the display of rising colour patterns and the sweeping of the lasers and searchlights energetically across the night sky, signifying the vibrant energy of Hong Kong.
In the third scene "Heritage", traditional lucky red and gold colours are displayed across buildings on both sides of the Harbour, complemented by the introduction of music using Chinese musical instruments, symbolising Hong Kong's colourful heritage and rich cultural traditions.
The fourth scene "Partnership" features a display of laser beams and sweeping searchlights scanning across the Harbour, representing an illuminated connection with the opposite side. Beams reach out to symbolically connect the two sides of the Harbour into one greater and unified partnership.
The finale "Celebration" brings out a powerful rhythmic display of swirling, kaleidoscopic patterns of lights and beams dancing lively across the Harbour. The exciting final scene signifies the celebration of the close partnership between the two sides of the Harbour and represents an even brighter future for Asia's world city - Hong Kong.
. There are different types of lighting effects included in the show, such as laser, searchlights, LED
lights, simple lighting and projection lighting. Types of lighting effects are listed in brackets ([ ]) after each of the participating buildings below.
The show ranges from Wan Chai
and spreads to the western district. The buildings included are listed below:
The buildings included are mainly from around the Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier
, with some in Hung Hom
, Kowloon Bay
and Mong Kok
. They are listed as follow:
Moreover, for the last 20 seconds before entering the year of 2008 (23:59:40), Two International Finance Centre
started firing pyrotechnic fireworks from the outer walls, which face the Victoria Harbour
, and counting down. For the first 2 minutes of the year 2008, (24:00:00), 16 of the participating buildings of both sides of the habor had a themed pyrotechnic show, along with Two International Finance Centre
, to celebrate the arrival of the new year. Reuters
Earth TV broadcasted the show live to the whole world on that night.
for Hong Kong’s New Year Countdown 2008 celebrations. For the last 60 seconds before entering the year of 2009 (23:59:00), 60-sec numerical countdown by LED
lights with pyrotechnic display effects on the facade of Two International Finance Centre
was launched.
Hong Kong welcomes 2009 with spectacular display. Continue with a 5 minutes brilliant pyrotechnical show on 10 landmark
buildings on Hong Kong island, orchestrated by special theme song written and produced by award winning Hong Kong musician Mr Peter Kam to illuminate the glamorous Victoria Harbour
, signifying a bright and hopeful New Year for Hong Kong and the world.
.
is a campaign in Hong Kong to protest against the city's air pollution
. Organisers of the campaign urged people in Hong Kong to switch off their lights for 3 minutes at 8pm on 8/8/2006 as a statement of protest. However, Chief Executive
Donald Tsang
refused to support the campaign with a delay of the nightly light show, A Symphony of Lights, which started at 8 pm. In a reply to the request made to delay the light show, Donald Tsang said that the campaign could "give adverse publicity to Hong Kong as an international metropolis and a major tourist attraction."
Laser
A laser is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of photons. The term "laser" originated as an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation...
multimedia display, featuring 44 buildings on both sides of the Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour is a natural landform harbour situated between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. The harbour's deep, sheltered waters and strategic location on the South China Sea were instrumental in Hong Kong's establishment as a British colony and its subsequent...
of Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
accompanied by music. The technology was developed by Australian firm Laservision and cost approximately 44 million HK dollars
Hong Kong dollar
The Hong Kong dollar is the currency of the jurisdiction. It is the eighth most traded currency in the world. In English, it is normally abbreviated with the dollar sign $, or alternatively HK$ to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies...
. It has attracted over 4 million visitors and locals so far, and is held every night for ten minutes.
Guinness World Records
Guinness World Records
Guinness World Records, known until 2000 as The Guinness Book of Records , is a reference book published annually, containing a collection of world records, both human achievements and the extremes of the natural world...
has named A Symphony of Lights the world's largest permanent light and sound show.
Background
The show is organised by the Hong Kong Tourism BoardHong Kong Tourism Board
The Hong Kong Tourism Board is a Government-subvented body founded in 2001. The Board replaced the Hong Kong Tourist Association established in 1957...
and displayed every night with good weather at 8pm Hong Kong Time
Hong Kong Time
Hong Kong Time is the time in Hong Kong, observed at UTC+8 all year round. The Hong Kong Observatory is the official timekeeper of the Hong Kong Time.-Time standards:...
. An orchestration of music, decoration lights, laser light displays, and pyrotechnic fireworks
Fireworks
Fireworks are a class of explosive pyrotechnic devices used for aesthetic and entertainment purposes. The most common use of a firework is as part of a fireworks display. A fireworks event is a display of the effects produced by firework devices...
, the multimedia light and sound show lasts for about 14 minutes.
The best vantage points include the "Avenue of Stars
Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong
The Avenue of Stars , modelled on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, is located along the Victoria Harbour waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. It honours celebrities of the Hong Kong film industry.-History:...
" on the Tsim Sha Tsui
Tsim Sha Tsui
Tsim Sha Tsui , often abbreviated as TST, is an urbanized area in southern Kowloon, Hong Kong. The area is administratively part of the Yau Tsim Mong District. Tsim Sha Tsui East is a piece of land reclaimed from the Hung Hom Bay now east of Tsim Sha Tsui...
waterfront, on the waterfront promenade outside the Golden Bauhinia Square
Golden Bauhinia Square
The Golden Bauhinia Square is an open area in Wan Chai North, Hong Kong. The square was named after the giant statue of a golden Bauhinia blakeana at the centre of the area, situated outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, where the ceremonies for the handover of Hong Kong and the...
in Wan Chai
Wan Chai
Wan Chai is a metropolitan area situated at the western part of the Wan Chai District on the northern shore of Hong Kong Island, in Hong Kong. Its other boundaries are Canal Road to the east, Arsenal Street to the west and Bowen Road to the south. The area north of Gloucester Road is often called...
and on sightseeing ferries (i.e. Star Ferry
Star Ferry
The Star Ferry, or The "Star" Ferry Company, is a passenger ferry service operator in Hong Kong. Its principal routes carry passengers across Victoria Harbour, between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon...
) running across the Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour is a natural landform harbour situated between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. The harbour's deep, sheltered waters and strategic location on the South China Sea were instrumental in Hong Kong's establishment as a British colony and its subsequent...
. The Show's music and narration live at the "Avenue of Stars" and the promenade outside the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai every night. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays the narration is in English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
, while it is in Mandarin on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and Cantonese on Sundays.
Special pyrotechnic fireworks will be added to the show on the rooftop of participating buildings on both sides of the habour or stages off at the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. It will be added on special events or holidays, example like Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year – often called Chinese Lunar New Year although it actually is lunisolar – is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. It is an all East and South-East-Asia celebration...
and Christmas
Christmas
Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days...
.
When Tropical Cyclone
Tropical cyclone
A tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a large low-pressure center and numerous thunderstorms that produce strong winds and heavy rain. Tropical cyclones strengthen when water evaporated from the ocean is released as the saturated air rises, resulting in condensation of water vapor...
Warning Signal No.3 or above or Red/Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is issued by the Hong Kong Observatory
Hong Kong Observatory
Hong Kong Observatory is a department of the Hong Kong government. The Observatory forecasts weather and issues warnings on weather-related hazards...
at or after 3pm on the Show day, the Show will be suspended. No show will be staged even if the Signal is removed before 8pm on that day. The show may also be suspended in emergencies without prior notice.
Themes
The first scene "Awakening" begins with flashes of laser lights that give life to a nucleus of light-energy which gradually illuminates participating buildings using an array of dancing lights and rainbow colour. This scene symbolises the genesis and powerful growth of Hong Kong.
The second scene "Energy" is represented by the display of rising colour patterns and the sweeping of the lasers and searchlights energetically across the night sky, signifying the vibrant energy of Hong Kong.
In the third scene "Heritage", traditional lucky red and gold colours are displayed across buildings on both sides of the Harbour, complemented by the introduction of music using Chinese musical instruments, symbolising Hong Kong's colourful heritage and rich cultural traditions.
The fourth scene "Partnership" features a display of laser beams and sweeping searchlights scanning across the Harbour, representing an illuminated connection with the opposite side. Beams reach out to symbolically connect the two sides of the Harbour into one greater and unified partnership.
The finale "Celebration" brings out a powerful rhythmic display of swirling, kaleidoscopic patterns of lights and beams dancing lively across the Harbour. The exciting final scene signifies the celebration of the close partnership between the two sides of the Harbour and represents an even brighter future for Asia's world city - Hong Kong.
Participating buildings
The show has been further expanded with the total number of participating buildings increased to 44 on both sides of Victoria HarbourVictoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour is a natural landform harbour situated between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. The harbour's deep, sheltered waters and strategic location on the South China Sea were instrumental in Hong Kong's establishment as a British colony and its subsequent...
. There are different types of lighting effects included in the show, such as laser, searchlights, LED
LEd
LEd is a TeX/LaTeX editing software working under Microsoft Windows. It is a freeware product....
lights, simple lighting and projection lighting. Types of lighting effects are listed in brackets ([ ]) after each of the participating buildings below.
On Hong Kong Island
Wan Chai
Wan Chai is a metropolitan area situated at the western part of the Wan Chai District on the northern shore of Hong Kong Island, in Hong Kong. Its other boundaries are Canal Road to the east, Arsenal Street to the west and Bowen Road to the south. The area north of Gloucester Road is often called...
and spreads to the western district. The buildings included are listed below:
- Sun Hung Kai CentreSun Hung Kai CentreSun Hung Kai Centre is a skyscraper in Wan Chai, on Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong. It is 215 metres high and has 53 floors.-External links:...
(starting from 17 January 2004) [laser/searchlights] - Central Plaza, Hong KongCentral Plaza, Hong KongCentral Plaza is the third tallest skyscraper in Hong Kong. With a height of 374 m , Central Plaza is only surpassed by 2 IFC in Central and the ICC in West Kowloon. The building is located at 18 Harbour Road, in Wan Chai on Hong Kong Island...
(starting from 17 January 2004) [laser] - Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition CentreHong Kong Convention and Exhibition CentreThe Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre is one of the two major convention and exhibition venues in Hong Kong, along with AsiaWorld-Expo. It is located in Wan Chai North, Hong Kong Island. Built along the Victoria Harbour, it is linked by covered walkways to nearby hotels and commercial...
(starting from 17 January 2004) [LED lights] - Hopewell Centre (starting from December 2004) [LED lights/laser]
- Harcourt House (starting from 17 January 2004) [LED lights]
- The Hong Kong Academy for Performing ArtsHong Kong Academy for Performing ArtsThe Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts , located near the north coast of Wan Chai on the Hong Kong Island in Hong Kong, is both an academic institution and a venue for performances....
(starting from 17 January 2004) [searchlights/projection lighting/LED lights] - MassMutual Tower (starting from 17 January 2004) [LED lights]
- CITIC TowerCITIC TowerCITIC Tower is an office building on Tim Mei Avenue, Admiralty, Hong Kong. It is the corporate headquarters of CITIC Pacific Ltd, a conglomerate publicly traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and listed on the Hang Seng Index, and also a subsidiary of the CITIC Group.This 33-storey prestigious...
(starting from 1 May 2005) [LED lights] - Queensway Government Offices (starting from 17 January 2004) [searchlights]
- The Chinese People's Liberation Army Forces Hong Kong BuildingChinese People's Liberation Army Forces Hong Kong BuildingThe Chinese People's Liberation Army Forces Hong Kong Building is a 113 metre, 28 floor building located within the former HMS Tamar naval base on Lung Wui Road, Admiralty, Hong Kong. It serves as the headquarters of the People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison...
(starting from 17 January 2004) [searchlights/projection lighting] - Bank of AmericaBank of AmericaBank of America Corporation, an American multinational banking and financial services corporation, is the second largest bank holding company in the United States by assets, and the fourth largest bank in the U.S. by market capitalization. The bank is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina...
Tower (Hong Kong) (starting from 1 May 2007) [LED lights] - Bank of China Tower (starting from 17 January 2004) [LED lights/searchlights]
- AIA Central (starting from 23 December 2005) [LED lights]
- Cheung Kong CenterCheung Kong CenterCheung Kong Center is a skyscraper in Central, Hong Kong designed by Cesar Pelli. It is 62 storeys tall with height of and a gross floor area of . When completed in 1999, it was the third-tallest building in the city. It sits on the combined sites of the former Hong Kong Hilton, which was...
(starting from 17 January 2004) [Optical Fiber] - HSBC Main Building (starting from 17 January 2004) [LED lights/searchlights]
- Hong Kong City HallCity Hall, Hong KongThe Hong Kong City Hall is a building located at Edinburgh Place, Central, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong.Since Hong Kong does not designate itself or any part of itself as a city, there is no mayor or city council; therefore, the City Hall does not hold the offices of a city government, unlike most...
(starting from 17 January 2004) [LED lights] - Standard Chartered BankStandard Chartered BankStandard Chartered PLC is a multinational financial services company headquartered in London, United Kingdom with operations in more than seventy countries...
Building (starting from 1 May 2007) [LED lights] - Jardine HouseJardine HouseJardine House , formerly known as Connaught Centre , is an office tower in Hong Kong. The building is located at 1 Connaught Place, Central on the Hong Kong Island. It is owned by Hongkong Land Limited, a subsidiary of Jardines. At the time of its completion in 1972, Jardine House was the tallest...
(starting from 17 January 2004) [searchlights/projection lighting] - One Exchange SquareExchange Square (Hong Kong)The Exchange Square is a building complex located in Central, Hong Kong. It houses offices and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. It is served by the Central and Hong Kong stations of the MTR metro system....
(starting from 17 January 2004) [searchlights/projection lighting] - Two Exchange Square (starting from 17 January 2004) [searchlights/projection lighting]
- Two International Finance CentreInternational Finance CentreThe International Finance Centre is an integrated commercial development on the waterfront of Hong Kong's Central District....
(starting from 17 January 2004) [laser] - One International Finance Centre (starting from 17 January 2004) [laser]
- The CenterThe CenterThe Center is the fifth tallest skyscraper in Hong Kong, after International Commerce Centre, Two International Finance Centre , Central Plaza and Bank of China Tower. With a height of 346 m , it comprises 73 stories. The Center is one of the few skyscrapers in Hong Kong that is entirely...
(starting from 17 January 2004) [LED lights]
In Kowloon
Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier
Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier is a pier located on reclaimed land at the southernmost tip of Tsim Sha Tsui on Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. It is commonly known as Star Ferry Pier in Tsim Sha Tsui. Star Ferry operates the pedestrian ferry service across Victoria Harbour to Wan Chai and to Central on...
, with some in Hung Hom
Hung Hom
Hung Hom is an area of Kowloon, in Hong Kong, administratively part of the Kowloon City District, with a portion west of the railway in the Yau Tsim Mong District. Hung Hom serves mainly residential purposes though is mixed with some industrial buildings in the north.-Geography:Hung Hom is located...
, Kowloon Bay
Kowloon Bay
Kowloon Bay is a bay located at the east of the Kowloon Peninsula and north of Hong Kong Island in Hong Kong. It is the eastern portion of Victoria Harbour, between Hung Hom and Lei Yue Mun...
and Mong Kok
Mong Kok
Mong Kok , less often known as Argyle , is an area in the Yau Tsim Mong District on Kowloon Peninsula, Hong Kong...
. They are listed as follow:
- Ocean TerminalOcean Terminal, Hong KongOcean Terminal is a cruise terminal and shopping centre located on Canton Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.-History:The location of Ocean Terminal was once a wharf pier on the west shore of Tsim Sha Tsui. Rebuilt and enlarged for use as a cruise terminal, it also served as a multi-story shopping...
– Harbour City (starting from 26 June 2007) [projection lighting] - Star HouseStar HouseStar House is a commercial building facing Victoria Harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong. The building is located on Salisbury Road and Canton Road....
(starting from 23 December 2005) [projection lighting] - The GatewayThe Gateway, Hong KongThe Gateway , part of Harbour City, is the office buildings with shopping arcade at lower level in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong.-Tenants:...
- Harbour City (starting from 1 May 2007) [LED lights/searchlights] - Hong Kong Cultural CentreHong Kong Cultural CentreThe Hong Kong Cultural Centre is a multipurpose performance facility in the Tsim Sha Tsui area of Hong Kong. Located at Salisbury Road, it was founded by the former Urban Council and, after 2000, is administered by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of Hong Kong Government...
(starting from 23 December 2005) [searchlights/projection lighting] - One Peking (starting from 23 December 2005) [searchlights]
- Hong Kong Museum of ArtHong Kong Museum of ArtThe Hong Kong Museum of Art is the main art museum of Hong Kong. The museum was established as the City Hall Museum and Art Gallery in the City Hall in Central by the Urban Council in 1962. In 1991, it was moved to the present premises at 10 Salisbury Road, near the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and...
(starting from 23 December 2005) [LED lights/searchlights/projection lighting] - The Peninsula Hong KongThe Peninsula Hong KongThe Peninsula Hong Kong is one of the most internationally recognizable hotels in Hong Kong. Opened in 1928, it is Hong Kong's most historical hotel. It is located at the junction of Nathan Road and Salisbury Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong...
(starting from 23 December 2005) [simple lighting ] - Langham Place (starting from 26 June 2007) [LED lights/searchlights]
- Avenue of StarsAvenue of Stars, Hong KongThe Avenue of Stars , modelled on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, is located along the Victoria Harbour waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. It honours celebrities of the Hong Kong film industry.-History:...
(starting from 23 December 2005) [searchlights/LED lights] - 26 Nathan Road (starting from 1 May 2007) [LED lights]
- K11 (shopping centre) (starting from 26 June 2007) [laser]
- Hotel PanoramaHotel PanoramaHotel Panorama is a hotel located in Hart Avenue, near Chatham Road South, in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. It is managed by Rhombus International Hotels Group.-External links:*...
(starting from 23 December 2005) [projection lighting] - New World CentreNew World CentreThe New World Centre is a shopping centre, apartment complex and office building on Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong. It is located near the Sogo Department Store and the Hong Kong Space Museum, opposite the MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Station. It was closed on March 31, 2010 for...
(starting from 23 December 2005) [searchlights] - Tsim Sha Tsui Centre (starting from 23 December 2005) [LED lights/searchlights]
- Empire Centre (starting from 23 December 2005) [LED lights/searchlights]
- InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong (starting from 23 December 2005) [simple lighting]
- Hong Kong ColiseumHong Kong ColiseumHong Kong Coliseum is a multi-purpose indoor arena, in Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.It was built by the Urban Council and inaugurated on 27 April 1983....
(starting from 23 December 2005) [LED lights/searchlights/projection lighting] - Harbourview Horizon All-Suite Hotel (starting from 26 June 2007) [LED lights]
- Harbourfront Horizon All-Suite Hotel (starting from 26 June 2007) [LED lights]
- EMax (starting from 26 June 2007) [searchlights]
- MegaBox (starting from 1 October 2007) [LED lights/searchlights]
2007
To celebrate the arrival of the year 2008, on New Year's Eve of 2007, pyrotechnics were added to the show on the rooftops of participating buildings on both sides of the harbor.Moreover, for the last 20 seconds before entering the year of 2008 (23:59:40), Two International Finance Centre
International Finance Centre
The International Finance Centre is an integrated commercial development on the waterfront of Hong Kong's Central District....
started firing pyrotechnic fireworks from the outer walls, which face the Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour is a natural landform harbour situated between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. The harbour's deep, sheltered waters and strategic location on the South China Sea were instrumental in Hong Kong's establishment as a British colony and its subsequent...
, and counting down. For the first 2 minutes of the year 2008, (24:00:00), 16 of the participating buildings of both sides of the habor had a themed pyrotechnic show, along with Two International Finance Centre
International Finance Centre
The International Finance Centre is an integrated commercial development on the waterfront of Hong Kong's Central District....
, to celebrate the arrival of the new year. Reuters
Reuters
Reuters is a news agency headquartered in New York City. Until 2008 the Reuters news agency formed part of a British independent company, Reuters Group plc, which was also a provider of financial market data...
Earth TV broadcasted the show live to the whole world on that night.
2008
Thousands of spectators gathered along both sides of Victoria HarbourVictoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour is a natural landform harbour situated between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. The harbour's deep, sheltered waters and strategic location on the South China Sea were instrumental in Hong Kong's establishment as a British colony and its subsequent...
for Hong Kong’s New Year Countdown 2008 celebrations. For the last 60 seconds before entering the year of 2009 (23:59:00), 60-sec numerical countdown by LED
LEd
LEd is a TeX/LaTeX editing software working under Microsoft Windows. It is a freeware product....
lights with pyrotechnic display effects on the facade of Two International Finance Centre
International Finance Centre
The International Finance Centre is an integrated commercial development on the waterfront of Hong Kong's Central District....
was launched.
Hong Kong welcomes 2009 with spectacular display. Continue with a 5 minutes brilliant pyrotechnical show on 10 landmark
Landmark
This is a list of landmarks around the world.Landmarks may be split into two categories - natural phenomena and man-made features, like buildings, bridges, statues, public squares and so forth...
buildings on Hong Kong island, orchestrated by special theme song written and produced by award winning Hong Kong musician Mr Peter Kam to illuminate the glamorous Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour is a natural landform harbour situated between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. The harbour's deep, sheltered waters and strategic location on the South China Sea were instrumental in Hong Kong's establishment as a British colony and its subsequent...
, signifying a bright and hopeful New Year for Hong Kong and the world.
2009
A similar display was also launched before entering the year 2010 (23:59:00), followed by fireworks with an installation set on the facade of Two International Finance CentreInternational Finance Centre
The International Finance Centre is an integrated commercial development on the waterfront of Hong Kong's Central District....
.
Lights Out Hong Kong
Lights Out Hong KongLights Out Hong Kong
Lights Out Hong Kong is a campaign in Hong Kong to protest against the city's air pollution. Organisers of the campaign urged people in Hong Kong to switch off their lights for 3 minutes at 8pm on 8/8/2006 as a statement of protest...
is a campaign in Hong Kong to protest against the city's air pollution
Air pollution
Air pollution is the introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials that cause harm or discomfort to humans or other living organisms, or cause damage to the natural environment or built environment, into the atmosphere....
. Organisers of the campaign urged people in Hong Kong to switch off their lights for 3 minutes at 8pm on 8/8/2006 as a statement of protest. However, Chief Executive
Chief Executive of Hong Kong
The Chief Executive of Hong Kong is the President of the Executive Council of Hong Kong and head of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The position was created to replace the Governor of Hong Kong, who was the head of the Hong Kong government during British rule...
Donald Tsang
Donald Tsang
Sir Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, GBM, KBE is the current Chief Executive and President of the Executive Council of the Government of Hong Kong....
refused to support the campaign with a delay of the nightly light show, A Symphony of Lights, which started at 8 pm. In a reply to the request made to delay the light show, Donald Tsang said that the campaign could "give adverse publicity to Hong Kong as an international metropolis and a major tourist attraction."
See also
- Avenue of StarsAvenue of Stars, Hong KongThe Avenue of Stars , modelled on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, is located along the Victoria Harbour waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. It honours celebrities of the Hong Kong film industry.-History:...
- Golden Bauhinia SquareGolden Bauhinia SquareThe Golden Bauhinia Square is an open area in Wan Chai North, Hong Kong. The square was named after the giant statue of a golden Bauhinia blakeana at the centre of the area, situated outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, where the ceremonies for the handover of Hong Kong and the...
- Hong KongHong KongHong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
External links
- http://www.tourism.gov.hk/symphony/ A Symphony of Lights Official Website
- http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/showtime/lighting/index.jhtml Discover HongKong page
- http://news.gov.hk/en/category/businessandfinance/051121/html/051121en03016.htm Named the world's largest permanent light and sound show by the Guinness World Records
- Laservision:Symphony of Light - Hong Kong, the webpage of Laservision, the company which develops the Show.