Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese Email this article news.gov.hk
HKETCO showcases glamour of Hong Kong at lantern festivals in Taoyuan and Taichung (with photos)
***********************************************************

     The Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office (HKETCO) has installed large-scale lantern displays showcasing Hong Kong in Taiwan at the 2016 Taiwan Lantern Festival and the 2016 Central Taiwan Lantern Festival held in Taoyuan and Taichung respectively. The displays showcase the rich and diverse characteristics as well as the glamour of the city of Hong Kong, providing alternative means for the public in Taiwan to gain an understanding about Hong Kong.

     The HKETCO today (February 21) held a lighting ceremony for the Hong Kong lantern area at the 2016 Taiwan Lantern Festival. Speaking at the ceremony, the HKETCO Director, Mr Rex Chang, said, "The HKETCO was established in Taipei in December 2011 and is in its fifth year of operation. Its main role is to promote economic, trade and cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Taiwan. One way to enhance such exchanges is to organise and take part in activities of different types. This year marks the third time that we have participated in the Taiwan Lantern Festival, a mega event in Taiwan. Through unique lantern displays, we look forward to presenting to the public in Taiwan a different Hong Kong, so that they would acknowledge that Hong Kong embodies rich and diverse characteristics on top of its thriving economy."

     Other officiating guests at today's lighting ceremony were the Chairperson of the Hong Kong-Taiwan Economic and Cultural Co-operation and Promotion Council, Mr David Lie; the Director (Taiwan) of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Ms Winnie Shyu; the Chairman of the Hong Kong Business Association in Taiwan, Mr Richard Shen; and the Chairman of the Hong Kong Club of Taipei, Mr Oliver Mok.

     The Taiwan Lantern Festival is the largest of its kind in Taiwan. Twenty-five metres in length, the Hong Kong lantern area there carries the theme of "Trendy. Splendid. Hong Kong Welcomes You". It features at its entrance a 6m-tall flying dragon, leading the visitors to appreciate along the route multiple colourful large-scale displays showcasing the trendiest sides of Hong Kong, including Hong Kong's delicacies, the stunning night view of Victoria Harbour, building blocks blending modern high-rises and built heritage, a traditional Chinese sailing boat, public transport and more. The other side of the lantern area reveals the richness of Hong Kong's art and culture, including classic martial arts movies, sturdy trees that resonate with the city's literature and music notes that signify the city's Chinese and Western music culture. Members of the Taiwan public will have a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of Hong Kong after touring the lantern area.

     In addition, Mr Chang and Ms Shyu also launched the Hong Kong lantern displays at the 2016 Central Taiwan Lantern Festival at Taichung Park on Friday (February 19). Following the theme "A Fantastic Tour to the Dynamic City of Hong Kong", the HKETCO set up a double-decker tram model with a video clip containing sketches of Hong Kong's streets screened inside the compartment, giving visitors a real-time experience in the dynamic city of Hong Kong. The model was previously exhibited at the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park in Taipei during Hong Kong Week 2015 and was well received by the public. Revamped with a new design, the model has been moved to Taichung for display so that the public outside Taipei will also have an opportunity to experience the charm of Hong Kong.

     To further provide a real taste of Hong Kong to visitors, the HKETCO has specially arranged distribution of various kinds of Hong Kong delicacies after the two lighting ceremonies and during the 2016 Taiwan Lantern Festival. Those delicacies include bowl puddings, pineapple buns and milk tea.

     Moreover, the HKETCO will also distribute the latest issue of "Art & Culture@Hong Kong" for free during the two lantern festivals. The publication features a seven-day cultural tour of Hong Kong exploring the city's unique cultural atmosphere, with text, pictures and links to videos introducing Hong Kong's lifestyle, culture, arts and creativity.

     Also, the public visiting the two Hong Kong lantern areas can also obtain a specially designed notebook at the booths set up there by giving a "Like" on the Hong Kong Week Facebook page. The page is updated from time to time to provide the latest information on Hong Kong arts, culture, festive activities and more. During the annual Hong Kong Week, information about the programmes will also be posted.

     The Hong Kong lantern area of the 2016 Taiwan Lantern Festival will be in operation between February 21 and March 6 near Taoyuan High Speed Rail Station, whilst the Hong Kong lantern displays in the Central Taiwan Lantern Festival are being exhibited at Taichung Park between February 18 and 29.

     The HKETCO will continue to actively promote the arts and culture of Hong Kong through participating in large-scale events in Taiwan, and to enhance the exchanges and interaction between Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Ends/Sunday, February 21, 2016
Issued at HKT 20:42

NNNN

Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo
Print this page