Crowds gather early to see fireworks blast back
Crowds of Hongkongers and tourists gathered around Victoria Harbour on Sunday before the Lunar New Year fireworks, with the first eager spectators getting there to claim a spot in the morning.  The Lunar New Year fireworks display is making its return to the SAR after a four-year absence caused by the pandemic. The 23-minute show will start at 8pm on the second day of the Year of the Dragon. A Hongkonger said she and her family arrived five hours ahead of time to be sure of a good spot. "The atmosphere is good, a lot better than the previous years. Last time, we couldn't see the fireworks show because we stood at the back. So we came earlier this time," she told RTHK. A tourist from Henan province said she came to Hong Kong for Saturday's night parade and Sunday's fireworks show. "When I came to Hong Kong last time, there weren't such events. The night parade was a lot better than I expected. I didn't think the Lunar New Year atmosphere would be this good! Maybe it's because the borders have reopened and activities have resumed after Covid," she said. Another tourist from the mainland said he decided at the last minute to come to Hong Kong for the show. "We didn't know there was a fireworks show at first. We saw the news on social media in the morning. We packed our luggage and came directly," he said. A dining group director, William Lam, said seats at his restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui were fully booked two weeks ago, as diners hope to watch the show from the restaurant. He said business on Sunday has improved for 20 to 30 percent compared to the same holiday last year. Road closures and traffic measures are in place in parts of Tsim Sha Tsui and Hong Kong Island. The Observatory says skies will be clear for viewing, but is urging spectators to wrap up warm.