Hong Kong celebrates National Day with grand fireworks show

China

Hong Kong celebrates National Day with grand fireworks show

2024-10-02 15:50 Last Updated At：16:57

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.

Over 3,500 participants compete in VEX Robotics Asia Open in China

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More than 3,500 participants from nearly 30 countries and regions gathered in Beijing for the 2025-2026 VEX Robotics Asia Open Signature Event, a contest focused on integrated robotic skills such as robot programming, construction and control.

Held at the Shougang Park in the Chinese capital city's Shijingshan District from Thursday to Sunday, the event drew 600 teams across age groups from kindergarten to university.

Separate divisions allow students of different ages to demonstrate abilities from operating mini robots to designing complex competitive machines.

"We think they are very strong. We have never seen teams so strong, and their robots work so perfectly. We think we are going to learn from them, and we will try to do our best," said Pol Serra Carner, a participant from Spain.

The VEX Robotics competition has been hosted across many countries, attracting millions of young people each year. It has become an important platform connecting global youth in science, technology and innovation.

"The competition brings together top teams from all continents, including Europe, North America, South America and Africa. We will fully leverage our resource integration advantages to cultivate new talents for development of the artificial intelligence industry," said Jia Hao, secretary-general of the Beijing-based Zhongguancun Shuzhi Artificial Intelligence Industry Alliance.

Organizers said the event not only features high-level technological contests but also promotes in‑depth cross‑cultural exchanges among young participants worldwide.