Hong Kong to Host Expanded Mid-Autumn Lantern Show with Global and Local Heritage

Hong Kong’s Mid-Autumn Lantern Show Expands with Global and Local Heritage

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will stage its first-ever International Lantern Spectacular at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay from September 17 to 27, marking an expansion of the city’s Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations. The event is centered on the theme of “Reunion,” according to the tourism board, and aims to bring together lantern artistry from around the world alongside local traditions.

A key feature of the show is the World Lantern Boulevard, which will display more than 3,000 lanterns from 20 countries and regions, including South Korea and Brazil, as reported by the South China Morning Post. The event will also include four tailor-made giant Qinhuai lanterns created by artisans from Nanjing, whose craftsmanship is recognized on China’s national intangible cultural heritage list.

The Manila Times reports that the spectacular will feature lanterns from 20 countries and regions, including Nanjing Qinhuai lanterns, described as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage with over 1,700 years of history. The same source notes that over 400 classic Hong Kong handcrafted lanterns will be on display at the Hill Knoll Pavilion.

Among the installations, visitors will encounter “Shadowlight,” an eight-metre-tall lantern inspired by Hong Kong’s iconic banyan trees, created by master artisans from Nanjing, according to the South China Morning Post. Another highlight is “Lotus Fish,” featuring rows of giant lotus leaves and brightly coloured carp that stand out against the urban backdrop.

The Manila Times also details a 7-metre-tall moon lantern called “Moonlit Lotus” displayed above the lotus pond at the Model Boat Pool.

Cultural and Community Offerings

Beyond the lantern displays, the festival includes the historic Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, now in its 147th edition, scheduled for September 24 to 26. The dance will feature a 67-metre dragon illuminated by 12,000 incense sticks, as reported by The Manila Times. The dance is inscribed on China’s National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Regional mooncake stalls will be set up from September 17 to 20 at the South Pavilion Plaza, with proceeds donated to Po Leung Kuk, according to The Manila Times.

The HKTB’s International Lantern Spectacular will be held alongside the Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival, also at Victoria Park, offering a combined celebration for both visitors and locals.