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Hong Kong neon light street lantern displays, under the theme of "I Have a Date with Hong Kong" and showcasing the city's unique night scene, made their debut at the 2015 Taiwan Lantern Festival in Taichung today (March 5), allowing members of the public in Taiwan to experience the glamour of the Pearl of the Orient.
The Director of the Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office (HKETCO), Mr John Leung, said, "We are very pleased to participate in Taiwan's largest lantern festival for the second time and celebrate the Spring Lantern Festival together with Taiwan people. The Hong Kong lantern displays allow visitors to learn more about Hong Kong's cityscape and lifestyle."
He added, "This year, we created a 25-metre-long Hong Kong-themed street with signboards made with neon lights, light bulbs and LEDs, presenting Hong Kong's spectacular night street scene at the lantern festival. Visitors can have a date with Hong Kong here."
In addition, models of Hong Kong local food, namely a pineapple bun with butter, barbecue pork buns and wonton noodles, and other iconic features including a tram and a traditional food stall are on display. Buttons are placed along the street and visitors can press them to see and enjoy firework effects at the scene.
Mr Leung said that Hong Kong is seen as a food paradise by Taiwan people. In order to promote Hong Kong's food culture, HKETCO and the Hong Kong Tourism Board collaborated in producing an interesting video that introduces Hong Kong's famous delicacies. The video is being broadcast at the booth of the Hong Kong's lantern displays.
During the Taiwan Lantern Festival, HKETCO will be distributing to visitors the latest issue of "Art & Culture@Hong Kong" for free. The publication illustrates Hong Kong's cultural spots through various angles, including arts, design, culture and creativity, natural landscape and heritage revitalisation.
Moreover, visitors can obtain a specially designed notebook with Hong Kong features after giving a "Like" at the Hong Kong Week Facebook page. The page provides updated information on Hong Kong's arts, tourism, events and more. During the annual Hong Kong Week, programme-related news is posted to give fans first-hand information. The Hong Kong lantern displays are being exhibited at the 2015 Taiwan Lantern Festival adjacent to the High Speed Rail station in the Wuri district of Taichung from today to March 15.
HKETCO has been promoting the arts and cultural characteristics of Hong Kong through participation in such large-scale events as the Taiwan Lantern Festival, with a view to interacting with the locals and enhancing their understanding of Hong Kong.
Ends/Thursday, March 5, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:14
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