Party path: The Chinese New Year Night Parade will follow a new route along the Wan Chai waterfront.

The International Chinese New Year Night Parade will usher in the Year of the Dog at 8pm January 29 at the Tamar site.

Tourism Board Executive Director Clara Chong said the parade is the first in the board's expanded mega event programme for the 2006 Discover Hong Kong Year.

"These events have a proven track record of stimulating visitor arrivals and spending. We have just concluded our Hong Kong WinterFest programme with very encouraging results. We welcomed close to 2.8 million visitors between November 25 and January 2, bringing our 2005 yearly arrivals beyond 23 million," she said.

"This achievement means we have not only met our target, but also set a new record for Hong Kong's tourism arrivals."

The parade has five segments - Discover the Magic, Discover the Excitement, Discover the Heritage, Discover the Serenity and Discover the Sensations - to highlight Hong Kong's unique strengths and diverse appeal.

40 groups to participate

Forty groups will participate in the parade, including nine international and local floats, and 15 overseas and 16 local performing groups. Of these, 11 - the largest number ever - are making their first appearance in Hong Kong. Details of the performing groups and floats are available here.

Another highlight will be the board's float, which is based on the winning entry of a design competition. It will showcase local designers' creative talent and highlight Hong Kong's attractions.

The Tamar site will feature a new spectator-stand layout for better views and multimedia technology perfected during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. In each segment, floats and performers will stream into the performance ground, while a 60-metre backdrop - the longest ever - will display colourful images and video.

Lighting effects will be enhanced and sound systems  installed along the entire parade route for the first time.

Live webcast

The parade will follow a new route and make its way along the Wan Chai waterfront, ending at Expo Drive. It will be webcast at www.DiscoverHongKong.com and televised live on TVB Jade from 8pm to 9.30pm.

To enable visitors and locals to take a closer look at the floats, they will remain on display January 30 and 31 at Tamar.

The international performing groups will also stage their shows at Tamar again on both days. Admission is free.