Tens of thousands of spectators cried out in amazement and excitement as Hong Kong’s lunar fireworks display lit up the night sky above Victoria Harbour with the shapes of horseshoes and gold ingots to mark the Year of the Horse.

The 23-minute event to usher in the Year of the Horse, sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, involved 31,888 pyrotechnic shells and cost HK$19 million (US$2.4 million).

But some visitors from mainland China said they planned to leave Hong Kong after the display ended on Wednesday evening, despite government efforts to boost spending.

Addressing the crowds, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the display would demonstrate the spirit of “thousands of horses galloping forward”.

“Tonight, as that spirit of galloping forward fills the sky, we see why Hong Kong is where the East meets the West, where Asian traditions and modern celebrations light up the sky together,” he said.

“In the new year, let’s march forward bravely and confidently together, running at a higher speed and making new achievements.”

Lee also vowed to carry out reforms with full speed and proactively align the city’s development with the country’s 15th five-year plan.