The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government will create and attract “a continuing flow of new and inviting experiences” in the city — from regional and international trade fairs and exhibitions to world-class arts, culture, and sports competitions and shows, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Wednesday. 

He made the statement at the launch ceremony of the Chubby Hearts Hong Kong exhibition, a massive inflatable red heart, on Valentine’s Day at Statue Square in Central. 

The project is part of the SAR government’s efforts to stage mega events in the city. Created by British designer Anya Hindmarch, the floating red heart, which has a diameter of 12 meters, will fly for 11 days in the lead up to the Lantern Festival, known by many as Chinese Valentine’s Day. 

Smaller red hearts with a diameter of 3 meters will appear on a daily basis at renowned locations such as the Flower Market in Mong Kok, Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree, and Ap Lei Chau Waterfront Promenade. Chubby Hearts Hong Kong is one of the many mega events the city will host this year, Lee said at the ceremony. 

“These will spotlight our advantages as an events city center, promote our economy, and reinforce Hong Kong’s status as a must-visit global city — for business and investment, and for tourism and nonstop entertainment,” he said. 

Wishing everyone a happy Valentine’s Day, Lee said: “I trust your hearts are all as ‘chubby’ as mine is, on this splendid day, where romance is in the air — or soon will be.” 

He thanked Hindmarch for coming all the way from the United Kingdom so that “her joyful, adorable hearts” embrace the skies of Asia for the first time. 

“Apart from showcasing Hong Kong’s innovative heart and dynamism, Chubby Hearts has inspired a variety of creative exchanges, between global designers such as Ms Hindmarch and Hong Kong’s own high-flying talent,” said Lee. 

“It will be a heartfelt and lovely day to celebrate Hong Kong’s Eastmeets-West culture,” he added.

Chubby Hearts Hong Kong designer Anya Hindmarch and Hong Kong Design Centre Chairman Eric Yim were among the distinguished guests of the ceremony.

Contact the writer at shamim@chinadailyhk.com