China National day: Movies half price, transport and F&B discounts, Hong Kong’s John Lee says
Hong Kong Free Press
Movie tickets will be half-price this National Day, with MTR fares for most routes at 25 per cent off, Chief Executive John Lee has said, two weeks ahead of the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.
To mark the anniversary, posters and banners have been put up, creating a “warm atmosphere” for the upcoming festivities, Lee said at a Tuesday press conference.
The regular press conference, usually held on Tuesdays before Lee’s meeting with the Executive Council, resumed after the summer break.
Lee said that the Arts Development Council will cover half of the movie ticket sales on October 1, meaning people will be able to buy tickets for half price.
The city will also see a slew of public transport discounts, including free tram rides if people pay by Octopus card, and 25 per cent discounts on most MTR routes. Children will have free rides on designated bus routes and ferries.
Lee also announced special deals at 3,000 eateries and at the West Kowloon Cultural District, Ocean Park, the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, and the Peak Tram.
The government earlier announced that all museums under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will open to the public free of charge on October 1 as part of the celebrations. Government leisure facilities, including badminton courts, golf facilities, and public swimming pools will also free to the public, subject to ballot applications that opened last Saturday.
75th anniversary
This October 1 will mark the first National Day since Hong Kong passed the homegrown Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, otherwise known as Article 23, Lee said on Tuesday.
Separate to the Beijing-imposed national security law, Article 23 targets treason, insurrection, sabotage, external interference, sedition, theft of state secrets and espionage. Lee on Tuesday said the passing of the law had allowed the city to “improve district governance.” The first conviction under the new law occurred on Monday, when a man pleaded guilty to wearing a “seditious” t-shirt.
District Offices will work with the District Councils and other district-based organisations to put together celebrations including drone shows, parades, bazaars, and lantern festivals, Lee said.
The day will begin with a flag-raising ceremony and a banquet, with a fireworks display in the evening. A total of 75 civil service and disciplined services teams — a nod to the 75th anniversary — will distribute goodie bags to the elderly.
Lee said in July that Hong Kong is expected to receive a pair of giant pandas from the central government on National Day.
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