*********************************************************
Government House will be open to the public on March 20 (Sunday) from 10am to 5pm.
Visitors can view the blossoming flowers and trees in the garden and see places where the Chief Executive holds official functions and receives dignitaries.
"The free guided tour services provided on the open days last year were well received. We will continue to provide such services at fixed positions for visitors to highlight the history and architectural features of this distinguished building," a government spokesman said.
"Two-dimensional barcodes (2D barcodes) will also be set up along the visitors¡¦ route in Government House. Visitors who have mobile devices with photo-taking and Internet functions and related 2D barcode software may browse information on the ballroom, the dining room and the drawing room in Government House, and video footage on plants in the garden including azalea, wild Chinese viburnum, Hong Kong orchid tree and rose of Venezuela.
"Visitors will be treated to musical performances by the Hong Kong Police Band, student choirs and ensembles while strolling in the garden. Display boards showing the history, architecture and important moments of Government House will also be set up," the spokesman added.
Government House is usually open to the public twice a year. Azalea can only be seen on the spring open day. The previous open day on November 7 last year drew more than 6,000 visitors.
A large number of visitors are anticipated on the day. To ensure that those already in the queue can be admitted in time, queuing outside Government House may be stopped before 5pm.
Visitors will enter the garden through the east gate at Upper Albert Road and leave through the main gate. They are encouraged to come by public transport.
Visitors may visit the website of Government House (www.ceo.gov.hk/gh/eng) for details of the open day.
"In addition, visitors are welcome to send electronic copies of the pictures of flowers and trees they take at Government House on the open day to photos@ceo.gov.hk. Selected pictures will be uploaded to the official Facebook page of the Chief Executive's Office (www.facebook.com/UpperAlbertRoad) for public enjoyment. The collection period will begin on the open day until Thursday, March 24," the spokesman said.
Government House has a history of 155 years and is a declared monument under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance.
Ends/Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Issued at HKT 20:28
NNNN
