Celebrations are under way for the Chinese Autumn Lunar festival in Hong Kong.

Specially designed lanterns, delicious moon cakes and good cheer are all in abundance as people from all over the world celebrate this much-loved Chinese tradition.

Elsewhere in China, people are celebrating the season in a similar way.

In Beijing hundreds of people have flocked to the city's Houhai Lake for a boat trip under the silvery light.

Zhang Shijun said: "We feel so happy together boating on the lake - appreciating beautiful music while watching the bright moon. I think it's really wonderful."

At this time of year light from the celestial body is said to be at its brightest, according to traditional Chinese scholars.

Historians say the Lunar Festival has been celebrated in China for two thousand years.

And in 2008 it has added significance: the Chinese government has declared it a national public holiday.

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