Hong Kong (CNS) -- Organizers anticipate 200,000 visitors to this year's Hong Kong Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival, according to Li Jieyi, senior manager at the Entertainment Office, Leisure and Cultural Service Department of Hong Kong, September 7.
Under the influence of inflation and RMB appreciation, the carnival budget will increase sharply to 5.4 million HKD, 6.7% more than last year. However, the evening party will be open to the public free of charge and expects a little bit more than last year's 194,000-person attendance, if the weather permits.
The carnival is scheduled on three sites at the same time: Tin Shui Wai Park and the Ginza Plaza in the New Territories West, Victoria Park in the urban area, as well as Sha Tin Park and the Sha Tin Town Hall Square in the New Territories East.
In addition, a lantern exhibition will be held on the open square in front of the Tsim Sha Tsui Cultural Centre, in the theme of a playground. An 8.5-meter roller coaster of lanterns will be on display.
The carnival will include elements of the Ullambana Ceremony, the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, and dragon dancing, which were all recently included in the third list of national intangible cultural heritages.
New innovations will also be adopted, such as a lunar observation activity. The Henan Provincial Art Troupe is also contributing to the event, with Shaolin Wushu performances, singing and dancing performances, and acrobatics.
