Taipei - Selected areas of Taipei, along with neighbourhoods in Beijing and dozens of cities elsewhere in Asia, are planning to turn off their lights for one hour later Saturday to promote energy conservation and reduce light pollution.

More than two dozen cities in Taiwan, China, Japan and South Korea have agreed to join the Lights-Out-Night event from 8 to 9 pm (1200-1300 GMT) Saturday, Taiwan's Society of Wilderness, one of the sponsors, said on its website.

Major buildings and scenic spots in the participating cities will turn off lights for one hour. Residents in these cities are to participate in activities organized by local environmental protection groups.

Lights will go out at the Taipei 101, Tokyo Tower, Seoul Tower and Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor, the society said.

In Taiwan, tens of thousands of residents are expected sit down under the starlight in parks for a "no-electricity" concert.

The Taipei 101, the world's tallest finished building, has promised to turn off its lights one hour earlier every day. (dpa)