The International Chinese New Year Night Parade held at Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong on Thursday attracted around 100,000 visitors, lightening the night with a visual feast.
With the theme of "World City, World Party," the colorful parade featured 13 illuminated floats accompanied by 23 spectacular international and local performing groups.
There was a carnival atmosphere as festive crowds lining up while watching the parade with Victoria Harbor serving as a stunning backdrop.
Staged for the 16th year, with Hong Kong Tourism Board as the organizer, the parade was graced by the presence of Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region John Tsang.
The parade is a key event of New Year celebrations in Hong Kong, he said. This year's highlight was the city's international connectivity and cosmopolitan lifestyle, as well as its great cultural diversity.
Tsang said last year Hong Kong welcomed a record 36 million visitors, which is more than five times its population. The government is committed to supporting the development of the tourism industry, he said.
Thursday's parade marked the beginning of a series of events and activities celebrating the Year of the Rabbit in Hong Kong, including the grand fireworks show over the Victoria Bay on Friday.
