75 of everything, from tours to manholes to 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 events aimed to create a “lively atmosphere” for 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 sector” or from donations.

“If some departments or bureaus need funds, this would be absorbed in their own expenses,” he said.

The chief secretary added that the cost for putting up citywide decorations, producing events and offering discounts was “worth it”.

Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk Wing-hing said the government had, for the first time, installed tilted flagpoles to display national and regional flags at 75 public properties, such as sports centres and police stations, with the goal that these sites would be “photogenic spots”.