The ongoing National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, running from Oct 1 to 8, has seen thriving nighttime tourism across China, with visual spectacles and local snacks drawing millions of visitors.
In Nanchang City of east China's Jiangxi Province, a stunning fireworks gala was staged Wednesday along the Ganjiang River. Drones and fireworks lit up the starry sky, drawing in over 1.2 million visitors.
A total of 5,000 drones, as well as a 1,300-meter-long fireworks display, created a dazzling scene along the river, with the vibrant reflections dancing on the water.
At the Xinzhou ancient city in north China's Shanxi Province, a mix of intangible cultural heritage and folk performances, such as molten iron fireworks, fascinated the tourists. The snack streets were bustling with crowds eager to sample local delights.
"This place is very lively, featuring unique snacks from various districts and counties in Xinzhou. They are affordable and delicious," said Yuan Pengtao, a tourist.
As of the third day of the holiday, the average foot traffic in the ancient city has surpassed 110,000 visitors.
Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village in Leishan County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, was decorated with lights to celebrate the holiday, drawing in throngs of tourists.
As the local stilt houses nestled among the mountains and rivers illuminated the night, tourists, dressed in traditional Chinese costumes, eagerly captured the breathtaking scenery on their phones and in their memories.
"The views in the Miao village are stunning in the daytime, and the atmosphere at night is even more enchanting. The lights are vibrant and beautiful," said a tourist.
The village's dining scene has also received a massive boost, with long lines forming in front of stalls as tourists eagerly wait to taste authentic Miao cuisines.
Xuyi County in east China's Jiangsu Province launched a night tour market, showcasing intangible cultural heritage products and local snacks.
"There is delicious food and fun entertainment, as well as spectacular performances. The atmosphere is lively and festive," said a resident.
Night tours enchant tourists with shows, snacks across China during holiday
Night tours enchant tourists with shows, snacks across China during holiday
Night tours enchant tourists with shows, snacks across China during holiday
After the devastating fire at the housing complex Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the central government, Hong Kong authorities, and people from across China have joined forces in a massive outpouring of relief and support.
The blaze, the deadliest Hong Kong had witnessed for decades, broke out at around 14:50 on Nov 26 at the eight-towered residential estate Wang Fuk Court, which was under renovation, in Tai Po district. The fire quickly engulfed seven of the towers, leaving at least 159 dead, 79 injured and thousands of families homeless.
According to the latest official update, the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, established by the HKSAR government, has received 3 billion Hong Kong dollars in external donations. Together with the HKSAR government's start-up capital of 300 million Hong Kong dollars, the fund stands at around 3.3 billion Hong Kong dollars in total. It will be used to help residents rebuild their homes and provide long-term support.
Following the fire, the HKSAR government has made comprehensive, multi-tiered rescue and resettlement efforts.
On the night of the blaze, the government promptly established temporary shelters at multiple locations across Tai Po district, coordinating accommodations in youth hostels, hotels, and transitional housing for affected residents. Emergency subsidies and living allowances were distributed to those impacted, while support was also provided through a "one household, one social worker" mechanism.
People from across Hong Kong have joined volunteer efforts, hoping to bring warmth to the wounded community, with donated supplies such as clothing, food, drinking water continuously arriving at temporary shelters.
Many taxi drivers have also volunteered to provide free rides.
"We work here from 08:00 in the morning to past 22:00 at night. We only leave when there are no passengers. That's how it is. It does affect earnings a bit. It definitely has an impact. But that's not important. The most important thing is to help others first," said Wong Chi-chuen, a taxi driver .
At the request of the HKSAR government, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council has coordinated the Ministry of Emergency Management to provide batches of supplies for the Tai Po fire relief effort, including portable outdoor charging stations, heavy-duty conveyors, blowers, respirators, goggles, protective suits, headlamps, and waterproof boots.
Mainland companies and residents, and various sectors in Macao also provided support following the devastating fire in Hong Kong, donating funds and supplies for emergency relief and post-disaster recovery.
"A large amount of supplies was collected and delivered to our disaster-stricken areas in a very short time. It made me realize what it means to be bound by blood. Because this kind of bond runs deep. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone," said Peter Lam, chairman of Tai Po Rural Committee.
Support from across China pours in after devastating fire in Hong Kong
