Tag: Victoria Harbour

New Years Eve 2022 @ Victoria Harbour

Hundreds of thousands of HongKongers braved a chilly evening and gathered on both shores of Victoria Harbour to kick out a depressing and stressful 2021 and communally embrace the hope and expectations of a New Year.

It was disappointing that even after months of no local Covid infections and harsh quarantine measures, the government still cancelled the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display. The ‘enhanced’ Symphony of Lights didn’t really offer anything to those watching from Kowloon side, not even a 2022 on the front of the HKCEC…

But you would be wrong to think too negatively, people gathered knowing there were no fireworks. We gathered peacefully, no shoving or pushing, to recharge each other. To support and strengthen the old and the young after the harshness of the last twelve months.

Where alone and individually we might not feel strong to face 2022, together unspoken counting down to midnight we recharged each other’s batteries and shared our strength.

Together we are HongKongers and our flame burns brightly in the cold dark night! Happy New Year!

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photos: HKTB

Cross-harbour Race Returns

After a two-year hiatus, the Victoria Cross-habour Race returns on 12 December. The Hong Kong China Swimming Association (HKGSA) have limited this year’s race to 1,500 swimmers – who have to be fully vaccinated and provide a negative test result within 48 hours of the event.

This year’s race takes a new route. Starting at the Golden Bauhinia Square Public Pier in Wanchai swimmers will traverse the beautiful Victoria Harbour and emerge at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui.

HKGSA President Mr Ronnie Wong said: “The Harbour Race is back, overcoming the pandemic. With this year’s new route, swimmers will be able to enjoy the beautiful Victoria Harbour view from a new perspective. We look forward to giving everyone an even more enjoyable experience with our new arrangements.”

The race comprises two groups, Racing and Leisure, and registration is open till 22 November.

Cross-harbour Race 2021
Date: 12 December, 2021
Venue: Victoria Harbour
Tickets: Online registration is open until 22 November at www.hkharbourrace.com

 

Virtual Skydive Over Hong Kong

Not sure what to do with your consumption vouchers? Drop $300 or more at Lok Fu Place and enjoy a free virtual skydive over Hong Kong.

As part of the mall’s August ‘Sportival‘ festival, as well as a free fitness bootcamp shoppers can enjoy a VR skydiving experience that offers a virtual flight from 10,000 feet. Glide over Victoria Harbour, steer through the sky and land in Lok Fu.

While in the area check out the Rooftop Republic urban farm for locally grown seasonal greens.

Star Ferry Price Increases

Chief Executive Carrie Lam has approved The “Star” Ferry Company, Limited application for fare increases for its two franchised ferry services, “Central-Tsim Sha Tsui” and “Wan Chai-Tsim Sha Tsui”.

The Star Ferry applied for an increase of $0.3 and $0.5 in April 2019 and the new fares will take effect on 9 February, 2021. The increase is the first since 2017

 

 

Santa Staycation Stamps Available Today

Ignoring the National Security Law, Wuhan virus quarantine and social distancing rules Santa Claus has come to town! Hongkong Post launches it’s fourth set of Christmas stamps (previous issues were in 2002, 2007 and 2014).

The set of four stamps features Santa enjoying a short staycation – twelve days, not one less – while his new hybrid electric/reindeer sleigh is recharging. Savouring Chinese tea and dim sum, playing on the swings in a children’s playground, practising Tai Chi on the Victoria Harbour waterfront Santa finds the ‘Worlds Greatest City’ much changed before jumping on a Ding Ding to deliver presents and seasonal blessings of hope to the people of Hong Kong.

The $2 stamp and self-adhesive stamp sheetlet sees Santa savouring a Hong Kong-style Christmas feast of yum cha. On the stamp sheetlet, Santa is sharing dim sum from a cart with the homeless.

$3.7 stamp and self-adhesive stamp sheetlet, Santa and Rudolph chill out on the swings reminiscing about pre-Covid Christmas and free speech.

The $4.9 stamp has Santa Claus join his gingerbread men friends for a Tai Chi workout on the Victoria Harbour waterfront. The $4.9 stamp sheetlet has Santa and the gingerbread man enjoying a mental workout over a game of Chinese chess.

$5 stamp and self-adhesive stamp sheetlet – with his reindeer recovering from being pepper-sprayed while trying to park his sleigh in Central – has Santa taking a ding ding to finish delivering his presents…

No visit to Hong Kong is complete without a trip on the Star Ferry, Santa crosses the harbour to bring love, peace and joy to those unable to sit at home with piles of cash.

The assorted Christmas stamps and philatelic products can be bought at any post office or ordered online here

Lunar New Year Fireworks Cancelled

Home Affairs Secretary Lau Kong-wah announced that the fireworks display in Victoria Harbour, traditionally held on the second day of the Lunar New Year has been cancelled for security reasons.

It appears that the government is unable to exert enough control on the HK Police to ensure public safety. And that more video of police beating and arresting random people will further erode the tourism industry.

A mainland visitor, when asked if she was afraid of coming to Hong Kong, answered: “I’m afraid of being attacked or arrested for no reason”.

National Day Fireworks Cancelled

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department have announced that the National Day fireworks in celebration of the 70th Anniversary of China’s formation on 1 October have been cancelled for ‘public safety’ reasons.

The last time the fireworks were cancelled was in 2014 during the Umbrella Movement.