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The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has today (October 1) taken part in a spectacular National Day Parade in Beijing to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
The theme of the float is “Blooming Bauhinia heralds the anniversary of the founding of the PRC, and vibrant, colourful Hong Kong”.
The float includes models of Hong Kong landmarks and other decorative elements, two short anniversary-themed videos by renowned Hong Kong film directors Andrew Lau Wai-keung and Johnnie To Kei-fung, and a specially choreographed performance by Hong Kong Ballet dancers.
The float represents the dynamism of Hong Kong as a financial centre and a regional capital for creative industries, events and tourism.
Andrew Lau’s video ‘Those Were The Days’ portrays the rapid development of China which has led to a closer relationship between Hong Kong and the Mainland, with both joining hands to strive for a brighter future.
Johnnie To’s video ‘Ever Blooming Bauhinia’ uses the SAR’s floral emblem to symbolise Hong Kong’s prosperity and the can-do spirit of Hong Kong people.
The video covers a 24-hour period that takes people on a journey through the myriad images of major Hong Kong landmarks, infrastructure and activities.
The Hong Kong Ballet dancers represent the spirit of the blossoming Bauhinia, beaming with brilliance and elegance to convey the beauty and charm of a modern metropolis.
The float consists of four parts:
* The focal point on the front is the Golden Bauhinia, which symbolises the successful implementation of ‘One Country, Two Systems’ as well as Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability following reunification with the motherland.
* The top is adorned with celluloid film complemented by a clipboard and two Hong Kong Film Award trophies that highlight the contributions of the local film industry. The videos and dance performance represent Hong Kong’s creative industries.
* At the back of the float the two mascots for the 2009 East Asian Games – ‘Dony’ and ‘Ami’ – promote Hong Kong’s staging of this major sporting event and underpin the city’s status as a regional events capital.
* The top of the float showcases landmarks that represent various aspects of the HKSAR:
- The International Finance Centre represents Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre.
- The Star Ferry wrapped in Brand Hong Kong livery symbolises Hong Kong’s status as a regional tourism capital.
- The former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower, now a declared monument, represents how Hong Kong has preserved its cultural heritage while setting its sights on new development.
- The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, which is used for a wide range of trade, economic, cultural and academic activities, represents Hong Kong’s vitality and creativity.
Following today's parade, the float will be on display in Tiananmen Square for six days from tomorrow (October 2). Visitors will be able to enjoy different views of the float during the day and night.
Ends/Thursday, October 1, 2009
Issued at HKT 14:25
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