Hometown Market Carnival draws crowds despite scorching heat

The Hometown Market Carnival made a comeback at the Victoria Park this year.

This fourth edition not just features food products from different Chinese regions, but also interactive booths to entertain visitors.

Undeterred by the sweltering weather, visitors file into the Victoria Park for the Hometown Market Carnival.

This year's jamboree has brought together 30 provincial-level hometown associations, offering more than 370 specialty booths and a record-breaking 1.1 million products from across China -- the largest scale since the event's inception.

Some exhibitors have blended Shanxi flavours with Hong Kong favourites, presenting these red date egg waffles and Shanxi vinegar-infused fizzy drinks.

Vendor CHRIS: "Very good infusion, collaboration between Shanxi products and Hong Kong local food culture."

Among the most popular stalls, this booth is selling eggs sourced from Hubei at just 1 dollar each -- around a quarter cheaper than market prices.

Vendors say sales are expected to increase by at least 20 percent compared with last year.

Vendor SYLVIA: "People like Dragon Boat Festival and can eat it and wrap it in rice dumplings."

Some patrons are planning to spend 800 to 1,000 dollars at the market.

Visitor VICTORIA: "It's pretty hot today but it's pretty crowded today but the atmosphere is pretty good. Everyone seems to enjoy it. There's a 20 percent discount in general for every product here. The discounts are obviously an encouragement."

This visitor makes a special trip to buy products linked to Guangxi's intangible cultural heritage.

Beyond food, the carnival also features a tech zone -- where visitors can interact with even a robot panda.

Also available are AI-fuelled health booths and virtual reality gaming.

In addition to the AI-powered virtual fitting room behind me, visitors can also try on traditional costumes from different parts of Fujian and experience wearing the region's iconic floral headpiece.

This year's carnival will wrap up on Sunday.

Tickets are priced at 5 dollars for adults. Free entry for children and seniors.