Hong Kong was once again captivated by the whimsical charm of a pair of colossal rubber ducks that graced the picturesque Victoria Harbor last Friday (June 9). This public art display, designed to infuse the city with more joy, stirred up fond memories among locals and tourists alike.

A decade after the monumental success of Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman's original yellow rubber duck installation, which drew crowds of spectators to Victoria Harbor, the iconic duck has returned, accompanied by a new feathered friend.

Hofman expressed his excitement, stating, "'Double duck is double luck.' This display isn't about dwelling on the past but embracing the present together and cherishing joyful moments."

Towering at an impressive 18 metres in height, the dynamic duo is set to officially open to the public last Saturday (June 10), embarking on a captivating two-week voyage around the harbour.

As dawn broke on Friday, eager locals and tourists flocked to the waterfront, hoping to glimpse the beloved rubber ducks that held a special place in their hearts.

Coinciding with this year's Father's Day on June 18, one of the rubber ducks will embark on a journey to Tsim Sha Tsui, passing by numerous iconic landmarks along the Kowloon shoreline, delighting fans before reuniting with its partner in Central.

However, a turn of events took place last Saturday as organisers made the difficult decision to deflate one of the giant rubber ducks due to the scorching temperatures. Swift action was taken to protect the inflatable structure, as an inspection revealed that the hot weather had caused its surface to stretch.

The deflated duck will be promptly sent for repairs, while its resilient companion will continue to grace Victoria Harbor, playing its part in the captivating pop-art installation aptly named "Double Duck."

STORY: Hong Kong welcomes back its favorite giant rubber ducks after 10 years
DATELINE: June 10, 2023
LENGTH: 00:02:18
LOCATION: HONG KONG, China
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the rubber ducks
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): FLORENTIJN HOFMAN, Dutch artist
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): WU, Hong Kong resident
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): FENG, Hong Kong resident

STORYLINE:

A pair of giant rubber ducks captured the attention of Hongkongers on Friday as they floated in Victoria Harbor as part of a public art exhibition that aims to bring more joy to the city.
   
The iconic yellow rubber duck made its first appearance in Hong Kong 10 years ago when the installation by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman attracted enormous crowds at Victoria Harbor. As the duck comes back, it is bringing a friend this time.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): FLORENTIJN HOFMAN, Dutch artist
"The rubber duck originated in 2007. It has been over the world on, I think, more than 50 places and visited more than 40 million people, part of that was a success in Hong Kong in 2013."
   
The duo, 18 meters high, will sail on the harbor for about two weeks.
   
On early Friday morning, local residents and tourists flocked to the waterfront to catch a glimpse of the ducks, which to many carried joyful memories.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): WU, Hong Kong resident
"I'm very happy and touched, as I meet the giant rubber duck 10 years after I first saw it. Ten years ago, I was a student. Now I'm earning myself a living. I feel very happy."

SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): FENG, Hong Kong resident
"Ten years ago, I was young and very excited. I used a photo of the duck as my WeChat profile. This time, the duck came back with another duck. We're also very excited, so we must come and see."

On the upcoming Father's Day this year which falls on June 18, one of the ducks will make a trip to Tsim Sha Tsui, passing numerous landmarks to greet fans on the Kowloon shoreline before rejoining its partner in Central.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Hong Kong, China.
(XHTV)