75 tours, art installations, manhole covers and trees: Hong Kong goes big to mark National Day

Hong Kong authorities have launched their largest street decoration campaign to celebrate National Day on October 1, erecting more than 185,000 flags, banners and commemorative items at more than 5,000 locations across the city.

The administration on Tuesday also announced a series of events featuring the number “75” to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, such as planting 75 trees and organising 75 city tours.

Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki said the decorations and the series of events aimed to create a “lively atmosphere” for the National Day, foster patriotism in the community, and deepen young people’s understanding of the country’s development and achievement.

But officials refused to disclose the cost incurred by the government, with Chan saying some major events were “sponsored by the commercial sectors” or from donations.

“It is not government money,” he said. “If some departments or bureaus need funds, this would be absorbed in their own expenses.”