Every year on the last days of the July lunar calendar Cho Lon Street alights with lanterns to welcome them.

With only two weeks left to prepare there is little time for these storeowners to spare in getting ready.

On the street there are nearly 100 stores selling all types of specialized lanterns. 

Pumpkin lanterns made of paper attract the attention of many.

This year there are fewer battery-powered lanterns with Chinese music than in previous years, as shoppers prefer those made in Vietnam out of bamboo.

Children prefer lanterns with animal collections.

Traditional colourful star-shaped lanterns are always popular.

There are lanterns everywhere.

Thousands of decorations to go along with the lanterns are also on sale.