Thousands of people went to Wong Tai Sin Temple, which is located in Kowloon, to pray for prosperous economy, health and peace Wednesday.

On the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year, thousands of Hong Kong people went to the temple to offer the first cense and pray for their needs, a traditional custom of some of residents inthe city.

It was the eighth year that Ms. Hung went to the temple to make the offerings. She wished her family health and her children to have improvements in their school work.

In addition to going to the temple, the flower market is another attraction to residents.

After midnight, even under light shower, people continuously streamed to Hong Kong's largest flower market at Victoria Park. Many of the stall-keepers in the market said the rain did not affect much on their business and they were happy that people were willing to pay for New Year goods.

According to the Hong Kong police, more than 50,000 people gathered together at Victoria's flower market during the peak time.
 
(Xinhua News Agency February 10, 2005)