Hong Kong man seeks to Reunite with Child Actors from Iconic 1996 Chinese New Year Advertisement
A Hong Kong man recently took to social media to share a heartfelt quest: he hopes to find the child actors who starred in a classic Chinese New Year advertisement from 1996. The ad, titled “New Year’s Hope, blessing hong Kong,” was produced by Hang Seng Bank and has become a nostalgic staple for many during the Spring Festival season.
The advertisement, which aired in 1996, featured children from various districts across Hong Kong delivering heartfelt wishes for the New Year. The theme, “New year’s Hope, Blessing Hong Kong,” resonated deeply with viewers, making it a cherished memory for many. The man’s post on Threads expressed his desire to reconnect with these now-grown children, saying, “I have to watch it once a year before I feel on the New Year.”
The ad’s charm lies in its authenticity. The children, all non-professional actors, represented different neighborhoods and delivered unique wishes. As a notable example, children from North Point’s ”Jiankang” village wished for “health,” while those from Mong Kok hoped for “prosperity.” The ad also featured children from Tai Po’s “Ping An” village wishing for “peace” and a group from Kwun Tong’s Shunshun Village who became the ad’s most memorable faces.
The man’s post quickly gained traction, with netizens sharing their own memories of the advertisement. One user commented, “Hiiiii, two of the children in Shunshun Village are my brother.” Another added, “You succeeded, Shunshun Village Children +1.” Even one of the children from Xiying Pan’s West Border Street chimed in, saying, “Hey, my back.”
The advertisement’s impact has endured over the years. One netizen shared, “I remember when my mother took me to the park one day, then I didn’t know why, seeing the advertisement appeared on the TV, and played my entire elementary school career.” Another remarked, “This New Year advertisement is really deep and will mention it once a year.”
The man’s search has sparked a wave of nostalgia, with many praising the ad’s ability to capture the essence of Chinese New year celebrations. “The algorithm is very strong!” one user exclaimed, highlighting the power of social media in reconnecting people with cherished memories.
Key Details of the 1996 Hang Seng Bank Advertisement
| Aspect | details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Theme | “New Year’s Hope, Blessing Hong Kong” |
| Year Aired | 1996 |
| Featured Children | Non-professional actors from various Hong Kong districts |
| Memorable Wishes | Health (North Point), Prosperity (Mong Kok), Peace (Tai Po) |
| Most Iconic Scene | Group of children from Kwun Tong’s Shunshun Village |
The man’s quest is a testament to the enduring power of nostalgia and the shared cultural moments that define Chinese New Year celebrations. As he continues his search, he hopes the algorithm will bring his message to the creators and the now-grown child actors, rekindling a connection that has lasted nearly three decades.
For more on the traditions of Chinese New Year in Hong Kong, explore this guide.
