Hong Kong will celebrate the arrival of 2021 very differently this New Year’s Eve.
There will be no big crowds thronging the waterfront to witness the pyrotechnics.
Instead the city will host a virtual celebration via the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s website, Facebook and YouTube pages.
It kicks off with a virtual live countdown starting at 11 p.m. local time, and as it ushers in the New Year, there will be a two-minute video featuring Hong Kong landmarks, including iconic Victoria Harbour.
"Everyone around the world can join in the celebration wherever they are located using their mobile phones or via computers," HKTB said in a statement.
"HKTB invites the global media to simulcast the ‘Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations’ and spread hopes and joy throughout the world."
Hong Kong also cancelled the annual Lunar New Year parade in February.
Hong Kong isn’t the only major city going virtual for its New Year countdown.
New York’s Times Square Ball Drop will take place but only a few ‘socially distanced ‘honourees’ will witness it in person.
Fireworks displays in Singapore will be live streamed o Facebook, while Edinburgh’s famous Hogmanay event is hosted online.
Written by Ray Montgomery, Asia Editor
