Hong Kong crowds brave the heat to secure spots for National Day fireworks

Thousands of Hongkongers and tourists braved the intense heat on Thursday to secure prime spots along Victoria Harbour for the National Day fireworks display. The 23-minute extravaganza, themed "Eternal Radiance," was expected to draw 260,000 spectators. Amid scorching temperatures of over 33 degrees Celsius, individuals like Vina Ke, a Taiwanese tourist, arrived early to stake their claim, settling on picnic mats with snacks, drinks, and umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun.

Ke and her companions had come on a week-long trip to Hong Kong and Macau during mainland China's National Day "golden week" holiday, feeling the impact of high hotel prices. Victoria Yao and Betty Xu, two graduate students from inland provinces, similarly arrived early in Wan Chai to claim front-row seats for the fireworks. Despite the heat, the students expressed excitement about the display, confident in its spectacular designs.

The elaborate fireworks show, sponsored by insurance provider Sun Life Hong Kong, featured 31,888 pyrotechnic shells launched from nine firing points on three barges and six floating pontoons. Authorities had already begun closing parts of Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, and Wan Chai by 5pm to manage the anticipated large crowds heading towards the harbour.