The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) held a grand fireworks show on the night of October 1, China's National Day, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, lighting up the night sky with more than 30,000 fireworks.
Lasting for around 23 minutes, the show featured eight distinct scenes, showcasing fireworks in various colors and shapes to convey different themes and good wishes.
Among the highlights were fireworks in scene one which formed China's iconic red stars and the floral emblem of Hong Kong, the Bauhinia flower. Bamboo-leaf-shaped fireworks were also displayed in scene six to welcome pandas to the region, drawing citizens to gather outdoors and enjoy the spectacle.
"Citizens from all walks of life are very excited and cheerful, coming outdoors to enjoy the National Day fireworks display together. I have seen more laughter, and a brighter night scene over Victoria Harbor," said Chen Yong, a deputy of the HKSAR to the National People's Congress.
Many spectators also expressed their heartfelt wishes for their mother country.
"I saw the fireworks tonight, and I believe that everyone was joyful. Taking this chance, I would like to extend my best wishes to our country, wishing her continued prosperity and strength," said Lin Zhiyin, another deputy of the HKSAR to the National People's Congress.
Organized by the Cultural, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the HKSAR government, the fireworks show is one of Hong Kong's 2024 mega events to entertain residents and promote tourism.
Hong Kong celebrates National Day with grand fireworks show
Hong Kong celebrates National Day with grand fireworks show
China's Shenzhou-21 astronauts carried out multiple in-orbit tasks in a well-organized manner, including scientific experiments, space station upkeep, equipment maintenance, and health management over the past week, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
The crew consists of mission commander Zhang Lu and astronauts Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang. They have spent over three months in orbit, and are all in good condition. In the field of space medicine, the trio collected blood samples, which will be used to study the patterns of change and adaptation mechanisms in astronauts' bones, nerves, and cerebral vessels during long-duration spaceflight. Using laptops, the crew also conducted experiments related to the effects of long-term exposure to microgravity on upper and lower visual field differences and their cognitive neural mechanisms. In the realm of microgravity physical science, the three astronauts cleaned samples in non-container experimental chambers, performed electrode maintenance, cleaned lens covers, disassembled and reassembled fluid dynamics experimental modules and replaced experimental samples.
In terms of onboard environmental monitoring and equipment maintenance, they used a dew point meter to monitor the thermal environment inside the cabin and conducted air cleanliness tests. They also sorted supplies and cleaned the cabin.
For health management, the astronauts utilized devices with adsorption force to keep their leg muscles strong and completed eye, vision and optic nerve tests.
The Shenzhou-21 manned spacecraft was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on Oct 31, 2025. The crew onboard completed their mission's first series of extravehicular activities on Dec 9.
Shenzhou-21 crew proceeds with planned in-orbit tasks smoothly
