We've received a press release from HighLife Asia, which operates a luxury concierge service out of Shanghai for those that need private jets, VIP luxury shopping and so on. The firm is branching out and has started Highlife Asia Weddings.
"With China becoming the world's next superpower and the increasing household wealth of more families, couples from across the country have the disposable income and thirst to purchase flamboyant wedding props," we're told. Highlife's founder and chief executive Mark Byrne says that the wedding industry in China is changing "with brides wanting more than just a regular banquet and carbon copy decorations that have been seen at multiple weddings." He says that his firm can provide a "rich and valued experience to create a wedding that will be memorable for years to come and earn valuable face for families."
We don't think that rich mainland Chinese have had any difficulty in creating memorable weddings. Take the case of Xing Libin, a coal mine boss from Shanxi province, who a few years ago lashed out 70 million yuan (HK$87.8 million) for his daughter's wedding at Sanya, Hainan Island. To cater for the guests, he booked out the Ritz-Carlton, Marriott and Hilton Hotel, according to the website China Whisper. Three planes were leased to fly in the guests and the numerous stars who performed.
Following our reports of illegal parking chaos in Mui Wo, we hear from readers that it is rampant in Tung Chung. A reader writes with what is now an all too familiar refrain: "The issue of cars illegally parked in the Tung Chung area is reaching epidemic proportion and the police are either oblivious to the problem or incapable of tackling the problem."
The area attracts a number of cyclists, particularly on the roads near and around Disneyland. Illegal parking has contributed to several accidents involving cyclists. Police are reluctant to intervene and don't seem to regard ticketing illegally parked vehicles as part of their job.