Here is a paper effigy boat laden which will be burnt during the ritual ceremony tonight. The ceremony signifies the cleansing of bad omens from the human world while the ship is believed to ferry the spirits back to the Underworld.
These paper effigy ships will be laden with 'gold', 'silver' and other treasures (made from paper). 
Other paper effigies which will also be burnt together with the ships.
大士爷 the King of Hades. During the 7th month of the Lunar Year, the gates of hell are opened to allow ghosts to wander in the human world. The King of Hades controls them to prevent them from causing trouble for the living. He is usually depicted with blue skin, hence the blue hands. The covered face will be revealed during the ceremony.
At the end of the ceremonies this paper effigy of 大士爷 will be burnt as part of a send off for him.
The Hungry Ghost Festival (中元节) is a traditional Chinese festival. The Buddhists and Taoists would hold ceremonies to relieve ghosts from suffering, many of them holding ceremonies in the afternoon or at night (as it is believed that the ghosts are released from hell when the sun sets). Altars are built for the deceased and priests and monks alike perform rituals for the benefit of ghosts. Monks and priests often throw rice or other small foods into the air in all directions to distribute them to the ghosts
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