City-Wide National Day Celebrations Unfurl Hong Kong Tourism Board presents “Galloping Horses in the Sky” Drone Show featuring Masterpieces by Xu Beihong to Light Up Victoria Harbour for Golden Week

Post Date: 23 Sep 2024
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To welcome the National Day Golden Week in October, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will introduce and support various events and spending offers which commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the People's Republic of China. These include the “Galloping Horses in the Sky” drone show, the “A Symphony of Lights - Special Edition for celebration of 75A National Day,” special discounts at the Temple Street night market, free tram rides, and many more. The HKTB is also fully supporting the “Celebration of National Day - The Next Generation Chorus Performance” organised by the Tourism Commission, Cultural, Sports and Tourism Bureau. By and large, highlighting the unique charm and diversity of Hong Kong and providing visitors with a rich and unforgettable experience.

 

The celebrations begin with a spectacular “Galloping Horses in the Sky” drone show on 28 September (Saturday) at 8pm on the Wan Chai waterfront. Hosted by the HKTB with the full support of Peon Art Museum and HON-YO CULTURE, the show will see 1,500 drones light up the night sky. The show will showcase four masterpieces by celebrated Chinese artist Xu Beihong. His iconic works, including images of galloping horses, roaring lion and blooming Chinese redbuds will fill the Victoria Harbour skyline, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China.

 

Master Artist Xu Beihong’s Galloping Horses Race Across the Victoria Harbour Skyline for the First Time to Wish Hong Kong a Prosperous Future

The 15-minute “Galloping Horses in the Sky” drone show also features four majestic scenes inspired by classic paintings by Xu Beihong created between 1934 and 1942, expressing wishes for the prosperous development of the nation and Hong Kong. The energetic steeds from 

Xu’s “Six Galloping Horses” (1942) and “Galloping Horse” (1942) will race across the sky over Victoria Harbour for the first time, symbolising the dynamic and unstoppable rise of Hong Kong and the nation. Two more masterpieces by Xu –“Vigorous with New Life” (1934), which depicts an energetic lion, and “Chinese Redbud” (1940) have also been used as inspirations for elements of the drone display. The former pays tribute to the famous Lion Rock Spirit of Hong Kong people with their resilience, diligence, pioneering agility and self-reliance, while the latter reflects Hong Kong’s diverse culture and vibrancy.

  

Scene: Galloping Wonder

Scene: Majestic Horse

 

 

 

  

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This scene showcases one of Xu's most renowned works, “Galloping Horses”. It shows six horses charging ahead in unison, unstoppable in their momentum. As the drone lights move, they outline the majestic power of the steeds, allowing the audience to feel the strength of the galloping horses and the joy of the National Day celebrations.

This galloping horse over Victoria Harbour is inspired by Xu’s 1942 masterpiece “Galloping Horse”. The steed’s vigour and strength give a message for the city to move confidently forward towards a prosperous future.

Scene: Lion Rock Spirit

Scene: Chinese Redbuds

 

 

 

  

 

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This scene is based on Xu’s work “Vigorous with New Life” created in 1934. The drone display depicts a leaping lion in homage to Hong Kong’s famous Lion Rock Spirit and the diligent, industrious, enterprising, agile and resilient character of its residents.

Inspired by Xu’s “Chinese Redbud”, the blooming of the Chinese redbuds in the show signifies Hong Kong's vibrant and colourful nature. The flower blossom conveys heartfelt wishes for the city's prosperity, stability, and harmony. Inspired by Xu’s “Chinese Redbud”, the blooming of the Chinese redbuds in the show signifies Hong Kong's vibrant and colourful nature. The flower blossom conveys heartfelt wishes for the city's prosperity, stability, and harmony.

Scenes with Distinctive Local Characteristics Depicting the City’s Century-Long Transformation While Vividly Narrating Its Past and Present

This spectacular drone show also tells the story of Hong Kong’s transformation from a small fishing village into an international metropolis, with numerous scenes depicting the city’s past and present, including the fishing villages, Kowloon Walled City, Lion Rock, Star Ferry and the tram. Both locals and visitors can enjoy the breathtaking display side by side on the shores of the Victoria Harbour.

 

Scene: Fishing Village

Scene: Kowloon Walled City

 

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The century-long evolution of Hong Kong from a fishing village to a vibrant metropolis is illustrated in the sky over Victoria Harbour.

 Scene of residents of the Kowloon Walled City watching planes swooping low over rooftops evokes fond memories of the city

In addition to the “Galloping Horses in the Sky” drone show, the National Day Golden Week also features a wide array of events. The HKTB has set up a dedicated page on its Discover Hong Kong one-stop platform, listing out various activities and offers available in town during the period with constant updates for convenience in planning itineraries.

 

 

 

“Galloping Horses in the Sky” Drone Show Details: Appendix