THE Christmas Eve celebration at the Sea World plaza in Shekou was a success.

The fireworks display and wonderful performances by bands and the children's choir of Yucai No. 2 Middle School had ushered the plaza into a new period of development, some expatriates who watched the shows said.

The celebration reached a climax when a man won a car from the raffle, which was part of the event.

The celebration marked reopening of business in the plaza. Considered an extension of the ship, the plaza shares the ship's name Sea World. With the first phase of a renovation project completed, a large bar street is taking shape with the ship and the plaza at the center.

Among the business establishments that opened Wednesday in the plaza is the Mama Gelato eatery, whose owners, an Italian and an Australian, vowed to provide the city with authentic Italian ice cream.

Other well-known Western eateries, bars and cafes are located in the new bar street, forming a recreation center tailored to exotic tastes. Here one can easily find Kosmo Coffee, SPR Coffee, Nutaste Coffee, Chinabeach Bar, Mccawleys Irish Bar, Sun Bar, Amigos Restaurant and TCBY.

More bars, restaurants and shops will be built in the second phase of the renovation project. These are expected to open in the middle of next year when the interior renovation of the Minghua will also be completed.

Relative Specials: Season of Festivals

Editor: Wings