A Gorgeous Summer Night in Hong Kong
As Hong Kong gets back to normal, many of our favourite Summer events are back on their regular schedules: AniCom, the Book Fair and the Arts Carnival with a full in-person programme.
Expect a comeback of our usual water party events at Ocean Park and Disneyland as well as many new attractions launching this summer.
Temperatures are picking up, yes, we're approaching the wettest hottest weeks of the year... so don't forget to pack very light, cotton, breathable clothing, sandals, hat, etc. and also a light sweater for the air-conditioning which will be running full blast at shopping centres, restaurants and hotel lobbys.
Traveling with the kids? Amusement parks are fun rain or shine, you are even expected to get wet at some rides. On the other hand, if it is raining too hard, some of the rides might be closed.
We are also in the middle of Typhoon season... watch out for any alerts. Here's what you need to know about typhoons in Hong Kong.
All of our most popular attractions like the Ngong Ping Cable Car and the Big Buddha, harbour cruises, the Peak Tram, etc. are operating on normal schedules.
So let's get on with the fun part, here's what's going on in Hong Kong this July:
Highlight Celebrations and Events in July 2023
- 26th Anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong SAR - July 1st, 2023
- Stanley Dragon Boat Short-Course Races - July 1, 2023
- SummerFest Hong Kong - June 9 - July 23, 2023
- HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair 2023 - July 19 - 25, 2023
- International Arts Carnival - July 14 - August 13, 2023
- Ani-Com And Games Fair 2023 - July 28 - August 1, 2023
- Water Play Street Summer Party at Hong Kong Disney - Summer Months
- Ocean Park Summer Splash - TBA July / August
- Chinese Opera Festival - June 16 - October 8, 2023
And here's what's hot this summer with kids in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Attractions, Tours, Activities that have reopened This July 2023
Tours, attractions and activities that can be conducted safely while adhering to proper social distancing guidelines have reopened as have most outdoor activities.
It's time to get out! Here's a list of fun outdoor things to do that have restarted operations and can be booked now. When possible book tickets online and/or make a reservation as many of the activities are running on limited capacities.
- The Peak Tram, Peak Tower, Sky Terrace and Peak Galleria are OPEN
- The Hong Kong Observation Wheel - is OPEN
- Ocean Park - is OPEN, purchase tickets online, you also must make a reservation for the day of your visit
- Hong Kong Disneyland - is OPEN, purchase tickets online, you also must make a reservation for the day of your visit
- Sky100 Observation Deck - is OPEN
- Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car - is OPEN, purchase tickets online
- Harbour Cruises have restarted, the following have resumed sailings:
- Aqua Luna evening cruises
- Fantastic outdoor excursions: hiking, kayaking, swimming, mountain biking, paddleboarding...
- Lion Rock Sunset Hiking Adventure - Victoria Harbour's most dramatic summit - 4 hours, starts from Wong Tai Sin MTR station
- Victoria Peak Private Evening Hike - 2 hours, meets at Central MTR Station, Victoria Peak Tram tickets for return optional
- Geopark Kayaking Adventure - 7 hours, meets at Hang Hau MTR Station
- The Mai Po Nature Reserve is OPEN, the WWF offers eco-visits Thrusdays through Sundays, which is the easiest way to visit the reserve without having to get a government permit. You can book an eco-visit here
- Hong Kong Wetland park - is OPEN, the Mudflat Hide has also reopened
- Sai Kung Standup-Paddle Adventure - 5 hours, meets at Hang Hau MTR station
- Hike the legendary Ngong Ping 360 Rescue Trail to the Big Buddha - 4 hours, starts at Tung Chung MTR station
- Hike the Yellow Dragon Gorge Nature Trek in Lantau Island - 5 hours, meets at Tung Chung MTR station on Lantau Island
- Plover Cove Bicycling and Hiking Adventure - 4 hours, meets at Tai Po Market MTR station
- Tai Mo Shan Waterfall Hike the tallest waterfall in Hong Kong - 4 hours, meets at Tai Wo MTR station
- The Dragon's Back Hike and Tai Long Wan Beach - 5 hours, meets at Shau Kei Wan MTR station
- Ma On Shan Climbing Adventure - 6 hours, starts at Heng On MTR ends in Saikung town
- Tolo Harbour Cycling Adventure - 4 hours, meets at Tai Po Market MTR Station
Ongoing Events This July 2023
- Free cultural exhibitions: Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Feng Shui
- The Symphony of Lights, Hong Kong's light and sound show
- Last Chance for the Horse Races at Happy Valley, racing season will be ending this month!
26th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong SAR - July 1, 2023
This is a public holiday and the scope and extent of the celebrations have varied over the years including parades, flag-raising ceremonies, cultural performances, and in the case of special Anniversaries, 10th, 15th, 20th fantastic fireworks displays
Events commemorating this year's 26th Anniversary of Establishment of the HK SAR are already underway and include, as in recent years, a splendid variety of activities ranging from sports events to cultural and arts programmes, lion dances, flag-raising ceremonies, parades, etc. organised by state offices as well as many community groups.
Stanley Dragon Boat Short-Course Races - July 1, 2023
Celebrated a few weeks after the main races of the Tuen Ng festival, as the name suggests, the races are on a shorter course, only 200 meters.
When?:July 1, 2023 9:00 a.m. - approx. 4:00 p.m.
Where?: Stanley Main Beach.
How Much?: FREE
SummerFest Hong Kong - June 9 - July 23, 2023
After a three year hiatus, this beloved festival is finally back in the Central Harbourfront this summer! With fantastic exhibitions, activities, live performances and shows and parties, organisers have transformed the middle of the city into a 30,000 square metre playground for all to enjoy this summer.
What's in store? Exhibitions and activities include Ping Pong Fun, Hoops Wall, a Racing Track, iconic "One CityBus Exhibition", playgrounds, craft markets and fairs, game booths and even a sandy Beach!
Dance parties, yoga classes, Ukulele festivals, bike carnival, concerts and plenty of carnival food round up the entertainment.
When?: June 9 - July 23, 2023
Where?: Central Harbourfront Event Space
How Much?: FREE Admission
International Arts Carnival
A fascinating line up is put together every summer in all sorts of artistic fields: theatre, music, dance, film and magic! It's a great chance for family time, specially on those muggy hot days.
Besides stage programmes there are also Library, Film and Museum Programmes, workshops and exhibitions, online programmes and more.
When? July 14 - August 13, 2023
HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair 2023
Organised by the HK Trade Development Council, it's not only books, books and more books on this week-long affair, lately the emphasis has also been on multimedia, e-books and e-learning resources.
Besides the publishers' exhibits, there is a range of cultural events including seminars and forums featuring
English-language world-renowned writers.
If you are a book worm, don't miss this chance to snatch some bargains (specially on the very last day of the fair)!
When?: July 19 - 25, 2023
Where?: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
How Much?: General admission Adults HK25, children HK10, early morning admission (before noon) or evening (after 7pm) HK10, tourists HK10
Ani-Com and Games Hong Kong
If you have teenagers you will not want to miss this one! Ani-Com and Games is Hong Kong's hottest event in the digital entertainment, comics, animation, video games and toys and collectibles arena and the most popular summer carnival in Hong Kong.
Packed with the latest in big wave trend-setting entertainment, this is one of the most
prominent shows in Asia.
Don't miss the many events including stage forums and presentations, model kit competitions, comic Master's autograph sessions, etc.
When?: July 28 - August 1, 2023
Where?: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
How Much?: HK$25 Tickets available onsite and in advance at 7-11 and Circle K Convenience Stores
Water Play Street Summer Party a Water Extravaganza!
Every summer Hong Kong Disneyland creates a big splash of fun with a fun-filled water party. Themes have varied throughout the years, the 2023 summer edition programme is TBA.
Coming this summer is the highly anticipated Frozen-themed land, "World of Frozen" which is expected to open in the second half of 2023.
And also in 2023, the Walt Disney Company marks its 100th Anniversary! We can expect a series of exciting events including character appearances in their celebratory outfits, festive merchandise, foods and souvenirs.
When? June through August 2023
Where? Throughout Main Street USA at Hong Kong Disneyland
How Much? Disney Street Summer Party activities are free with Park Admission.
Remember you can buy discount tickets online at Klook.com:
HK Disneyland Discount Tickets Adult HK639 HKD570 US$73, Children HK475 HKD435 US$56
More Info and Booking at Klook.com
Ocean Park Summer Programme TBA
2023 Summer Splash activities are TBA. Last year's Summer Adventure included a series of exciting activities with varying levels of challenges, suitable for children of all age groups. By immersing themselves in nature and making up-close observation, children will get to know the habitats, behaviours, and body features of various animals.
The Adventures included a variety of activities, children can take on challenges through teamwork, including treasure hunting and group games, to sharpen their senses, and train their scientific thinking skills. Explorers can also get imaginative and expand their endless creativity by creating different artwork, including designing a home and "toys" for animals.
When?: 2023 TBA
Where?: Ocean Park Hong Kong
How Much? There is a programme fee and enrolment is mandatory
Remember you can buy discount tickets online at Klook.com:
Ocean Park Discount Tickets Adult HK528 HKD360 US$46, Children HK279 HKD216 US$28, further discounts for weekday tickets
Autumn Package HK320 US$40 adults, HK190 $24 child, and Halloween Combo Tickets also available.
Limited Early Bird Offer for Water World Ocean Park HK Ticket
More Info and Booking at Klook.com
Chinese Opera Festival - June 16 - October 8, 2023
"Chinese Opera encapsulates the long history and traditional culture of China. The immaculately crafted movements of the hands, the eyes, the body and the feet of the actors are unique to a whole system of Chinese performing arts."
This art form has been around for centuries and to foster a better understanding of this ancient art, the Hong Kong Leisure and Cultural Services Department brings the annual Chinese Opera Festival to the community.
If you have never experienced this unique kind of traditional art, this is your chance! The festival will offer stage performances by some of the leading Companies in the genre. Besides the stage performances, the festival also puts together an array of events from symposiums, Chinese Opera film screenings and exhibitions.
When?: June 16 - October 8, 2023. You can also check out these 7 places to discover Cantonese Opera in Hong Kong
Where?: Stage performances are held at a variety of venues, including the newly opened Grand Theatre at Xiqu Centre, in the West Kowloon Cultural District, in itself worth a visit. Also very convenient for visitors are the Grand Theatre at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre at the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade as well as the Hong Kong City Hall in Central.
How Much? Ticket prices vary depending on event.
- Tickets for a stage performance at the Xiqu Center for example range from HK180 - HK480, at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre from HK 100 - HK 350.
- Discounts are available to students and seniors.
Ongoing Hong Kong Events
These are some popular ongoing events that are worth checking out, specially since they are FREE or offered for a low fee!
These events feature some of the great and ancient traditions of the territory and are offered by experts in their corresponding fields:
The Symphony of Lights
The Symphony of Lights is Hong Kong's light and sound show, a tribute to the city and its people, their diversity, energy and vitality.
The stage is the entire city, which is what makes it so unique, you can watch the lights from just about anywhere in the waterfront.
This free show offered by the city, takes place every night at 8:00 pm and lasts about 12 minutes.
When?: Every Night
Where?: Can be seen from both sides of Victoria Harbour, specially stunning aboard a Harbour Cruise.
How Much? Free
- More on Hong Kong's Symphony of Lights, best spots to watch.
- Symphony of Lights Harbour Cruise with Aqualuna (NOW SAILING! Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays)
The Horse Races Are On! This is how you can attend
The horse races in Hong Kong whether or not you are a horse racing enthusiast is an experience not to be missed!
The beautiful horses, the skillful jockeys, the crowds going wild, they all add up to an exciting, fun-filled, thrilling atmosphere in two world-class venues, at the Sha Tin Racecourse and the iconic Happy Valley Racecourse.
The Happy Valley race course itself is a sight in itself, the city has built around it through the years and it is now practically surrounded by skyscrapers, an awesome experience specially at night when the city is illuminated.
At this time, COVID-19 pandemic control measures have been relaxed and races will be staged in accordance with prevailing restrictions which enable the HKJC to bring more racing fans back to enjoy the on-course entertainment in person. Walk-in admission has been resumed for both public and members enclosures. Customers are encouraged to make advance bookings to secure admission for indoor catering venues. Here are the latest arrangements.
When?: Happy Valley Night Races on Wednesday Nights. On race day, first race starts at 7:15 p.m. and the gates open at 5:15 p.m.
The races are done by 11:00 p.m.
Sha Tin Day Races are on Sundays. First race normally starts at 1:00 pm, earlier if there are more than 10 races. Gates open at 11:00 am.
All races will be streamed live at the HK Jockey Club Racing Channel.
How Much? There are many ways to experience the races, from General Stand to Private Boxes and
special packages including dinner and drinks. General Stand entrance starts at HK10. You can join this guided experience and learn all about horse racing and betting, Enjoy the HKJC horse races from the 2M roof deck.
Hong Kong Events By Month
Most Popular Excursions in Hong Kong
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