Fireworks, beefed up security and violence mark the end of a difficult year as the world welcomes 2017
While Hong Kong celebrated in the usual fashion, the night passed quietly on the mainland
Revellers around the world celebrated the start of 2017 yesterday, a welcome respite after a year of economic and political turmoil, terrorist violence and social upheaval.
Hong Kong was in full holiday mode, with no shortage of events after the previous night’s traditional fireworks display and partying to mark the end of 2016.
By contrast, across the border on the mainland, New Year’s Eve passed relatively quietly amid a security clampdown in Beijing and Shanghai.
The Bund waterfront in Shanghai saw no celebrations, and fireworks were banned in the city centre. The precautions were taken in the wake of the waterfront stampede the previous year that left 30 people dead as 300,000 gathered to watch a planned light show.