Tourist arrivals surge during Mid-Autumn Festival

More than 423,000 tourists came to Hong Kong on Sept 16 during the Mid-Autumn Festival, according to the Immigration Department figures. That’s an increase of by 45 percent over the same period last year.Among the arrivals, 140,370 were from mainland China, and 29,853 from other countries, a 48 percent and a 23 percent increase respectively.

To celebrate the moon festival, the government set up three large-scale lantern carnivals in Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsing Yi Park, and Victoria Park in Causeway Bay. 

The Carnivals showcased a variety of colorful lanterns that combined traditional and modern designs in clothing, food, housing and travel, The four themes symbolise the prosperity of Chinese civilization and the authentic style of Hong Kong while praying for good health and a better future.

Zheng Jialing, 24, and Liu Shixing, 24, both from Guangdong Province were visiting Hong Kong during the moon festival for the first time.

“People of different ages and genders come to the carnivals and it’s different from my hometown where we won't have such a huge event,” Zhang said.“They usually stay at home to eat mooncakes and watch television with their families rather than go outside,” Zhang explained.“I think Hong Kong put a lot of effort into such a traditional festival,” she said.

“ We definitely want to spend another Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong,” said Liu.

“Many people invite us to take a photo with them because of our costumes, we really enjoy it there because it is lively and joyful,” she said.

Jean Joanason and Kyra Smith, both from the United Kingdom, said the lantern display grabbed their attention when they arrived at the carnival in Victoria Park.

“The lanterns make me a bit confused about where I should start,” Smith said . 

“First time in Hong Kong and so far so good,” Joannason added.