When I bought our tickets to Hong Kong last November, little did I know that our trip would coincide with China’s 60th National Day and the Mid Autumn festival. It was a few days before the trip when I started to make some research on the places for good food that I realized our trip would be clashing with 2 of the main events on the Chinese calender.
Not wanting to miss out on the spectacular fireworks display, we made our way to the Avenue of Stars at Tsim Sha Tsui as early as 4pm, 4 hours before the show. I thought I would be one of the early birds t here and should be able to get a good spot for my tripod. The last time I went for a fireworks display in Putrajaya, I was3 hours early and it was still empty. But I got it all wrong this time around.
At 4pm, the entire front row at the Avenue of Stars was already lined up with tripods. The better spots even had a second row of tripods already. I guess they were there since noon, some sleeping, some play cards, some dreaming. All sorts of stuffs. It was a cloudy the entire day, so that helped a little.
Crowd At The Avenue of Stars Waiting For Fireworks Display - © Bernard Loke
After walking up and down, I finally found a spot at the second row. It was not too bad actually as the person in front was a girl. She wasn’t too tall, so she wouldn’t be blocking my camera’s view then.
By 430pm, I was already getting hungry and wanting to go to the toilet. And that’s when the surprises came. The police shad ealed off the entire Avenue of Stars. No one could get in, or out. Not even to the public toilet just outside. And I had to sit there patiently holding my bladder for the next 4 hours, but it was worth the wait.
The fireworks started at 8pm, lasting for 23 minutes. Here’s what the Hong Kong Government says about the fireworks display.
The fireworks display consists of nine scenes of different themes. The first and second scene feature colourful and spectacular fireworks to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and also the pride of China. In scene seven, there will be smiley and heart-shaped fireworks to show the spirit of Hong Kong people. The fireworks display reaches its climax at the last scene with fast and rhythmic firing of shells displaying the Chinese characters for “China 60″, wishing all the best to the home country.
China's 60th National Day Fireworks in Hong Kong - © Bernard Loke
China 60th National Day Fireworks In Hong Kong - © Bernard Loke
China 60th National Day Fireworks In Hong Kong - © Bernard Loke
China 60th National Day Fireworks In Hong Kong - © Bernard Loke
China 60th National Day Fireworks In Hong Kong - © Bernard Loke