Hong Kong – Hundreds of thousands of revellers in Hong Kong began the new year with the thunderous roar of HK$14 million (US$1.8 million) worth of fireworks going off above Victoria Harbour at the stroke of midnight.

At least 340,000 people gathered on either side of the famed harbour to watch a 10-minute synchronised “pyromusical” of fireworks, pyrotechnics, lights and music, while countdown celebrations were held on the streets and in malls across commercial and tourist haunts such as Causeway Bay, Lan Kwai Fong and Tsim Sha Tsui.

In packed Lan Kwai Fong, pubs and clubs were filled with party-goers from across the world, with loud music, laughter and the sound of snapping of camera shutters floating in the air.

As early as Monday afternoon, tourists and locals alike had started to gather in the popular nightlife spot. By 7pm, thousands filled the streets with 400 police officers on duty in the area to keep order. (SCMP)