Giant Rubber Ducks Make a Splash in Hong Kong, Spreading Double Luck

Created: JANUARY 24, 2025

A pair of colossal inflatable ducks graced Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor on Friday, reviving a popular art installation that captivated the city a decade ago. Created by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, these 18-meter-tall yellow ducks evoke a sense of nostalgia, resembling childhood bath toys. Shortly after their appearance, locals and tourists alike gathered along the Admiralty promenade, cameras in hand, to capture the spectacle.

Hofman expressed his hope that the exhibit would uplift the city and foster connection, allowing people to create shared memories. He emphasized the timing of the installation, stating, "In a world grappling with pandemics, wars, and political turmoil, I believe it's the perfect time to bring back double luck." The ducks are scheduled to remain in Hong Kong for approximately two weeks.

Giant inflatable ducks in Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor

Many Hong Kong residents reminisced about the joy the original duck brought to Tsim Sha Tsui in 2013. The appearance of two ducks this time around added to the excitement. Among the onlookers was artist Laurence Lai, who captured the scene in watercolors. Lai commented on the negativity that pervaded the city during the COVID-19 pandemic and expressed hope for a brighter future, saying, "As life returns to normal, the ducks can bring a sense of positivity." Visitor Eva Yang from Shenzhen, accompanied by her young daughters, shared her enthusiasm, stating that the ducks made their Hong Kong trip even more memorable.

Back in 2013, Hofman's single duck drew massive crowds to the Tsim Sha Tsui pier. The event took an unexpected political turn on social media, with the image of the duck being used in online protests, leading to censorship of the term "big yellow duck" on platforms like Weibo. Hofman's rubber ducks have been touring the world since 2007.

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