***********************************************************
Giant lanterns of "Haibao", the Expo 2010 Shanghai China (Shanghai Expo) mascot, will be a prominent feature at three Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnivals launched across Hong Kong this evening (September 18).
The lantern carnivals are presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival next week. Visitors will be treated to spectacular lantern displays, lively entertainment and colourful shows.
All three carnivals, at Tsing Yi Park, Victoria Park and Tai Po Waterfront Park, will be open to the public until next Thursday (September 23).
At Tsing Yi Park, the Haibao lantern decorations tie in with the theme, "Haibao Under the Moon".
At Victoria Park, Haibao is accompanied by wave and coral lanterns under the theme, "Haibao in the Waves".
Themed "Haibao in the Expo", the Tai Po Waterfront Park Haibao lantern has an international element. The lantern designs are of people from America, Mainland China, Guam, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Mongolia, South Korea and Taiwan, as well as bauhinia-shaped flower lanterns.
Visitors can take photos with the Haibao lanterns during the lantern carnivals at Tsing Yi Park and Tai Po Waterfront Park from 6.30pm to 11pm with an extension until midnight on September 22. For Victoria Park, the daily opening time is from 6.30pm until midnight.
Hong Kong has a strong presence at Shanghai Expo centred on the stand-alone Hong Kong Pavilion under the theme "Hong Kong - Potential Unlimited", as well as Hong Kong's UBPA Exhibition themed "Smart Card · Smart City · Smart Life". Netizens can experience the city's virtual presence in the Expo Shanghai Online project.
Sixty events and activities involving some 100 performances are being staged by Hong Kong in Shanghai during the six-month Expo period to showcase Hong Kong's cultural diversity, creative talent and modern lifestyle.
For more details on Hong Kong's participation in the Shanghai Expo, please visit www.hkexpo2010.gov.hk.
Ends/Saturday, September 18, 2010
Issued at HKT 11:01
NNNN
