Hundreds of thousands gather on both sides of Victoria Harbour as Hong Kong welcomes 2024 with a bang

As the clock struck midnight on New Year's Eve, hundreds of thousands of people congregated on both sides of Hong Kong's iconic Victoria Harbour. They were there to usher in the year 2024 with the city's most grandiose countdown fireworks display to date. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation for a brighter economic future and improved job opportunities. The city was alive with festivities, including concerts at theme parks, lively bar parties, and a spectacular 12-minute pyrotechnic display over the harbour. These celebrations marked the conclusion of a challenging year characterized by an economic downturn and declines in the property and stock markets.

John Lee Ka-chiu, the city's leader, sought to instill confidence in the populace as the new year approached. He made a commitment to bolster the economy. Meanwhile, finance chief Paul Chan Mo-po urged for a curious and open-minded approach to navigate the changing times. The police reported that the fireworks display attracted an audience of over 479,000 people on both sides of the harbour.

In anticipation of the fireworks show on Sunday, thousands of residents and tourists began to assemble along the waterfront several hours in advance. The city recorded its warmest New Year's Eve to date, with a temperature of 25. 7 degrees Celsius at the Hong Kong Observatory. At Tamar Park in Admiralty, a location renowned for its excellent view of the fireworks, some individuals arrived as early as 6pm. They settled on picnic mats and portable recliners, shared refreshments, and enjoyed music as they eagerly awaited the countdown.