国内英语新闻:Hong Kong embraces New Year with fireworks, countdown celebrations

HONG KONG, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- "Five, four, three, two, one! Happy new year!" When the bell tolled midnight Monday, fireworks bloomed in various patterns and lit up the sky above the Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong to welcome the year of 2019.

Mr. Lin, a fan of fireworks show on the new year's eve, usually watched TV to enjoy the beauty of fireworks above the Victoria Harbor.

This year, he came to witness the grand celebration with his family for the first time. "I really want my daughter to have a close look at those marvelous fireworks," he said.

Starting from 11 p.m., pyrotechnic "shooting stars" were emitted every 15 minutes from three buildings on Hong Kong Island, namely Harbor Center, Harcourt House and Cheung Kong Center. Visitors and citizens made wishes upon the shooting stars which came in four colors -- red, green, gold and silver, symbolizing love, happiness, wealth and good health respectively.

When the bell tolled midnight, 10-minute pyromusical started above Victoria Harbor to attract the attention of spectators. Celestial Kaleidoscope, the award-winning fireworks by an Italian maker, highlighted the whole pyromusical. Fireworks sparkled in the night sky, with patterns changing from diamond to circle to half-moon, like an ever-changing kaleidoscope.

During the grand finale, 45 various patterns of fireworks within one minute illuminated the Victoria Harbor. Peony, cherry blossom and violet turned the night sky into a mesmerizing ocean of flowers. Other patterns including candy, smiley face and heart also crackled, featured to bring hope and prosperity for Hong Kong.

"Definitely we'll come back next year! It's amazing!" said Lin, cuddling with his family.