Hong Kong celebrates National Day every year on October 1st. It marks the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st, 1949 and is celebrated throughout Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.
In Hong Kong, celebrations have been held since 1997, the year of the handover of the territory from British hands to China.
To commemorate the occassion, a series of events are planned every year including flag raising ceremonies, parades and the National Day horse races but the main showstealer is without a doubt the magnificent fireworks display in Victoria Harbour.
The National Day holiday is a favourite of Chinese, when they enjoy a "Golden Week" of days off and a vast array of celebratory events take place.
National Day Celebrations
National Day Fireworks
Fireworks displays in Hong Kong are legendary, breathtaking shows of pyrotechnics that lit up the Hong Kong skyline over beautiful Victoria Harbour.
The National Day Fireworks are no exception and every year, on October 1st, thousands will gather along the waterfront to witness this stunning spectacle.
The show is over 20 minutes long and is set off from several barges positioned in the middle of Victoria Harbour.
The sparkling show can be enjoyed from anywhere there is a view of the sky above the Harbour, either from the Kowloon or the Island side.
The programme consists of several acts with different themes featuring distinct elements of Chinese culture, Chinese characters, brilliant and colorful designs, etc. and of course the grand finale towards the last minute when the sky is filled with lights and the shimmering sparks in all colours, reds, blues, greens, magentas, golds...
Click on the arrow to watch one of the previous displays viewed from the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade side:
There is synchronised music that is piped in through the speakers along the waterfront. You can also enjoy the musical program by tuning to Radio FM 97.6 - 98.9.
National Day Fireworks
This is a magical production featuring some nine launch points in Victoria Harbour. Besides the usual barges, there are also an additional six pontoons shooting the massive show in spectacular fashion. The three barges in the harbour can shoot fireworks up as high as 250 metres, the six pontoons can shoot up to 100 metres.
The fireworks display last for approximately 20 minutes.
When?: October 1st at 9:00 pm
Where?: Victoria Harbour
How Much?: FREE!
Where are the best spots to watch?
You can watch all along the waterfront or from anywhere in sight of the Victoria Harbour skies.
Which side of the harbour? As a general rule, you should watch from whatever side you are staying and plan on walking.
Trying to catch a taxi or the packed MTR on the way home when every one else is also trying to do the same is quite challenging to say the least.
One of our favourite free spots to watch is from the Tsim Sha Tsui side with Victoria Peak and the Central Skyline in the background, you can watch all along the Promenade and the Avenue of the Stars from the Star Ferry Terminal to Tsim Sha Tsui East.
Another popular vantage point for fireworks is the Hung Hom Bypass which is closed to traffic between Salisbury Road and Hung Hom Road.
If staying in the Hong Kong Island side, consider the area around the Convention Centre and Bauhinia Square or anywhere along the Central Waterfront Promenade that extends from the Central Star Ferry Pier to Tamar Park and has elevated walkways for great views.
You can also watch from the mid-levels and Victoria Peak. Here's a guide and map for the best free vantage points and tips for enjoying the fireworks!
Keep in mind that all of the public spaces will be extremely crowded!
By far one of our favourite places to enjoy any of Hong Kong's legendary fireworks displays is in the middle of Victoria Harbour aboard a Harbour Cruise. You get not only fantastic unobstructed "front seat" views, you avoid the crowds while enjoying drinks and cocktails aboard without having to worry where the next restroom is...
And there are of course plenty of fantastic venues throughout the city with that million-dollar view for a truly unforgettable experience.
Flag Raising Ceremonies
Marching bands, drill team activities, drums and parades...
Flag Raising ceremonies are events full of pageantry and part of each National Day celebration.
As part of the ceremony, the National Anthem is performed, followed by a fly-past, sea parades and drill performances.
National Day Flag Raising Ceremony
When?: October 1st at 8:00 a.m.
Where?: Golden Bauhinia Square outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
National Day Race Day (Horse Racing)
This is not only an exciting day at the horse races for the National Day Cup event and a chance to celebrate the founding of the Republic, but also an opportunity to enjoy a full programme of cultural and entertainment performances.
The day's festivities begin at noon in the Parade Ring and the feature race is the G3 National Day Cup, the first 1000m Group race of the season with prize money of HK$4.2 million.
When?: October 1st from Noon - 6pm
(Gates open at 11am)
Where?: Sha Tin Race Course
How Much?: Varies, from HK10 (HK20 with beer) at the Roof Deck standing or non-reserved seating, or HK50 for table for 2. There are many venues and restaurants from which to enjoy the races, from casual to gourmet dining options and betting areas.
More Info: Hong Kong Jockey Club - National Day Races
National Day Drone Show Spectacular
During all major festivals and holidays, thousands of drones light up the harbour in an array of colour and precision. The drones are usually launched from the Wan Chai harbourfront area, making this the optimal vantage point to enjoy the shows, from WanChai HarbourChill and Water Sports and Recreation Precinct in particular. The show may not be visible from the Kowloon side.
Displays last about 15 minutes.
When?: During the National Day Golden Week
Where?: Best vantage point will be from the Wanchai Harbourfront
How Much?: Free
As part of the festivities, the government normally announces for October 1st:
- Free rides on trams, light rail trains, MTR-run buses
- Free entry to facilities operated by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, i.e. sports centres and swimming pools
- Half-price tickets at all commercial cinemas in the city
- Free Star Ferry rides between Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai
- Free MTR rides for children
- Free admission to Wetland Park in Yuen Long, the Science Museum and Space Museum
National Day Fireworks Cruises and Offers
A Victoria Harbour cruise provides one of the best vantage points for viewing Hong Kong's legendary fireworks displays. You will be surrounded by a glitter of lights and an explosion of fireworks as the stunning celebration envelops the city for this joyous occasion.
Here are some offers for you to consider, they do sell out quickly so try to make your bookings as soon as you firm up your plans!
National Day Fireworks Cruise with Dinner and Unlimited Drinks
- Watch the magnificent National Day Fireworks display aboard your choice of Chinese-style yacht or luxury Western Yacht
- Unlimited beer, light snacks and soft drinks
- Dinner
- Departs from Central Pier No. 10
When?: October 1st
How Much?: Chinese Yacht HK$988, Luxury Western Yacht HK$1,288
›› More Info and Booking: Hong Kong National Day Fireworks Chinese Yacht Experience
National Day Fireworks Cruise with Open Bar Excellent Deal
- Open Bar - Unlimited drinks (spirits, wines, beer, and soft drinks)
- Enjoy the fabulous fireworks display
- Departs from Sai Wan Ho Pier
When?: October 1
How Much?: HK$ 270 US$35
›› More Info and Booking: Hong Kong National Day Fireworks Cruise
National Day Fireworks at Sky100
Certainly an experience to remember! Likely to sell out quick!
Ride up the double decker elevators at Hong Kong's tallest building straight to Sky100 Observation Deck where you enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the Hong Kong skyline, famous Victoria Harbour and the stunning fireworks.
Quick and easy entrance with e-ticket admission
When?: October 1
How Much?: HK$ 328
›› More Info and Booking: National Day at Sky100
National Day Fireworks From Harbour City Ocean Terminal Rooftop Car Park
The Ocean Terminal Rooftop Car Park of Harbour City is open to the public to enjoy the fireworks. You can purchase charity tickets that benefit Make A Wish Hong Kong for HK150 advance online purchase or HK300 at the door.
Quota applies to charity admission tickets on a first-come-first-served basis so HURRY!
When?: October 1
How Much?: HK$300, advance purchase via Klook HK$150
›› More Info and Booking: National Day Fireworks Charity Admission Tickets at Klook
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