23rd September 2023 – (Hong Kong) The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has announced that it will make special arrangements and extend opening hours at selected venues for the public to enjoy the Mid-Autumn Festival. Here are the details:
29th and 30th September (Mid-Autumn Festival and the day following Mid-Autumn Festival)
Jordan Valley Park (Kwun Tong District)
29th September: Open from 5am until 1am the following day (extended by two hours)
30th September: Open from 5am until 11.30pm (extended by half an hour)
Central Lawn of Victoria Park (Wan Chai District)
Temporarily closed from 2am to 5am for cleaning operations
29th September (Mid-Autumn Festival)
Aldrich Bay Park (Eastern District)
- Water Feature and Fisherman Hut Pavilion
Open from 6.30am until 11pm (extended by half an hour)
Ngau Chi Wan Park (Wong Tai Sin District)
Open from 6.30am until midnight (extended by one hour)
The LCSD is urging the public to maintain cleanliness and avoid certain activities during the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations. Burning wax or flying sky lanterns should be avoided.
“To provide a better environment for members of the public to enjoy the festive occasion, we appeal to them not to burn or melt wax. They should not sprinkle or pour liquids onto hot wax. Metal cans or non-flammable containers should be used to collect melted wax for easy disposal into litter bins after the containers cool down,” said an LCSD spokesman.
The spokesman also emphasized that throwing glow sticks or other objects onto trees can cause damage and affect the cleanliness of the venues. Additionally, flying sky lanterns should be avoided to prevent injuries or damage to property and facilities.
The LCSD will increase patrols at its venues, including parks, public beaches, and barbecue sites, on 29th and 30th September. Staff members will take enforcement action against littering, wax burning, throwing objects onto trees, and flying sky lanterns during these two nights.
If any cases of wax burning or flying sky lanterns, or other irregularities, are observed at LCSD venues, the public is encouraged to report them by calling the LCSD’s hotline at 2414 5555.
According to the Pleasure Grounds Regulation and Bathing Beaches Regulation, various activities such as burning wax, damaging trees, and flying sky lanterns are prohibited. Offenders may face a maximum fine of $2,000 and 14 days’ imprisonment. Littering offenders will be issued a fixed penalty notice with a fine of $1,500, while those engaging in wax burning, throwing objects onto trees, or flying sky lanterns may face prosecution.