HONG KONG, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Tens of thousands of people in Hong Kong watched here Monday a resplendent fireworks display to celebrate the 58th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Starting 9:15 p.m. in Victoria Harbor, one of the world's most famous harbors, the display lasted for 23 minutes and 26 seconds. The ten scenes of the display, which costs 3 million Hong Kong dollars, include the 8th scene "We are Ready", which welcomes the coming of the Beijing Olympic Games, and the 9th scene "10th Anniversary of Hong Kong's Return to the Motherland", which celebrate the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong's return and wish all the bests to the whole nation and the Hong Kong region.

About 23,000 pieces of fireworks were discharged from three large barges on the "Xiangjiang River".

Spectators were impressed by a pattern of Arabic numerals "08",which stands for the year of Beijing Olympic Games.

People applauded when a pattern of Arabic numerals "10", symbolizing the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the Chinese motherland. The display won great applause when it was over.

The joint sponsors of the fireworks display, Hong Kong Chiu Chow Chamber of Commerce and Tak Sing Alliance Holdings Ltd., said the purpose of sponsoring the fireworks display is to celebrate the National Day, the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, and to welcome Beijing Olympic Games, which carries a strong message to unite all peoples of Hong Kong for the success and prosperity of China.