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Fireworks light up the Victoria Harbor during the New Year celebrations in Hong Kong, south China, Jan. 1, 2013. (Xinhua/Ju Mengjun).
A splendid firework show and countdown celebration was held in Hong Kong on the eve of 2013 new year.
The eight-minute show, the largest ever in the event's history, was launched from both land and sea surrounding the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center (HKCEC).
Highlighting Hong Kong's night vistas, the show was dubbed as the first of the world's top 10 destinations for new year countdown celebrations.
An estimated 400,000 Hong Kong residents and tourists watched the show on both sides of the Victoria Harbor, despite it was the coldest new year eve in 29 years.
Starting from 11 p.m. on the new year eve, fireworks were launched from the rooftops of participating buildings in Wan Chai every 15 minutes, lighting up the sky with "shooting stars" in four different colors to symbolise good wishes in career, health, fortune and love.
In the final 10 seconds of 2012, fireworks in the shape of the numbers 10 to one shot from five buildings in Wan Chai.
As the clock strikes midnight, fireworks were fired in three layers first from Victoria Harbor, then from the rooftop of HKCEC, and finally from five other buildings in Wan Chai.
The fireworks were accompanied by special firecrackers and whistle-like sound effects. Search lights and lasers were also beamed from both sides of Victoria Harbor.
"The combination of lights and firework was awesome. It's good. I wish happiness and health in the forthcoming year," said Robert, a tourist from Germany.
Countdown celebrations were also held at Times Square in Causeway Bay and Lan Kwai Fong, a popular late night entertainment destination in Hong Kong.
