Fireworks display in Hong Kong celebrates Year of Rat

HONG KONG, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- Tens of thousands of people in Hong Kong watched here Friday evening a resplendent fireworks display to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, or, the Year of the Rat.

Starting 8 p.m. in Victoria Harbor, one of the world's most famous harbors, the display lasted for 23 minutes and 25 seconds. A total of 40,000 firing shells were discharged in the display from four barges in the extravaganza consisting of 10 scenes.

The opening scene, packed with colorful displays of festive celebration, symbolized a prosperous year ahead. The fifth scene lighted up the sky with the Chinese characters for "Beijing" and "2008", and the seventh scene celebrated the hosting of the Olympic equestrian events in Hong Kong. In the 10th scene, at which the fireworks display reaches its climax, fast and rhythmic firing of shells created a stunning visual impact.

People applauded when the pattern of "Beijing" and Arabic numerals "2008" appeared in the sky, which stood for celebration for the Beijing Olympic Games.

Police estimated around 400,000 people to gather along both sides of Victoria Harbour to watch the Lunar New Year fireworks display Friday night.

The sponsors of the fireworks display, the Mission Hills Group, Mission Hills Golf Club and Hsin Chong Construction Group, said the purpose of sponsoring the fireworks display is to express Hong Kongers' expectations to the Beijing Olympic Games, and to celebrate the joyfulness for the economic prosperity.