HK to stage first Mid-Autumn-themed drone show

Hong Kong will stage its first-ever Mid-Autumn themed drone show, featuring thousands of drones weaving together to convey festive blessings.  

On 17 September, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will present its first Mid Autumn-themed drone show at the Wan Chai waterfront. 

As part of the show, a charming Jade Rabbit will grace the sky above Victoria Harbour, inviting the audience to partake in traditional Mid-Autumn Festival activities, including admiring the moon and sipping tea while enjoying the breathtaking skyline.  

The event will also feature lantern displays and fire dragon performances in the sky, complementing the classic fire dragon scene in Tai Hang and sending warm wishes for the Mid-Autumn Festival.  

Spectators should also pay special attention, as the Jade Rabbit will introduce a surprise guest to celebrate the festival with both visitors and locals. 

As part of the campaign, a promotional video has also been launched, which revolves around the Fire Dragon Dance in Hong Kong-comic style to tell the authentic making-of story of the Fire Dragon.  

From planning the event, building the fire dragon and spinning the dragon’s pearl, to distributing incense sticks and the tea-serving ritual, the video recreates this intangible cultural heritage of the Tai Hang community. 

Some of the scenes also feature the Lin Fa Temple, where the fire dragon comes to life with its eyes dotted, and Wun Sha Street, where the Dance takes place, telling the compelling cultural story of this unique Hong Kong tradition. 

Seen as an annual tradition, the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, fully supported by the HKTB, will extend its performing route this year from Wun Sha Street to Tung Lo Wan Road.  

Designated performance zones have also been added to accommodate a larger on-site audience, allowing them to experience the vibrant charm of the classic Fire Dragon Dance in person.  

This year’s extravaganza showcases a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition. Approximately 100 children will showcase their dedication by waving a fire dragon illuminated by around 10,000 LED lights, reinterpreting the traditional festive culture in a contemporary form. 

This dazzling little fire dragon will appear alongside the century-old classic fire dragon, symbolising the passing on of cultural heritage to the next generation.  

For the first time, the event will feature a variety of action-packed performances, including rope skipping and a fluorescent nunchaku show, injecting youthful vitality into the traditional festive celebration.  

To engage a wider audience, there will also be a live broadcast of the Fire Dragon Dance in Victoria Park for three consecutive nights from 16 to 18 September, bringing festive vibrancy to the audience in real time. 

Visitors can also explore the nearby Moreton Terrace Temporary Playground to capture photos with a four-metre-wide illuminated installation of a full moon. 

During the festival, the HKTB will also arrange various photo-worthy festive installations in Tai Hang, such as the head of the fire dragon, the dragon’s pearl and an LED-lit fa pai for the public to enjoy festive photo shoots.  

In addition, two illuminating “bright ring trams” will be adorned with vibrant fire dragons as they travel across Hong Kong Island. Tourist hotspots, such as the Central-Mid-Levels escalators, MTR digital displays, and HKTB’s visitor centres at the airport and Kowloon, will also be decorated with fire dragon elements.  

Various locations in the city, such as Victoria Park, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsing Yi Park, Jao Tsung-I Academy in Mei Foo, the Wong Tai Sin Temple and Lee Tung Avenue in Wan Chai will also stage various lantern carnivals.

Related articles:

'HK to roll out various strategies in response to changing travellers' behaviour,' says HKTB's chief
HKTB invites Weasley twins to explore HK and promote HK Sevens