Hong Kong Celebrates National Day

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.

The festivities include a host of activities such as Flag Raising Ceremonies and Parades, but the main showstealer is without a doubt the magnificent fireworks display in Victoria Harbour which sadly this year have been cancelled due to the pandemic.

The National Day holiday is a favourite of Chinese, when they enjoy a "Golden Week" of days off. This year we may see a different array of celebratory events as we are still following some form of Covid-19 measures.

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, golds...

Click on the arrow to watch one of the previous displays viewed from the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade side:

There is (sort of) 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.

2022 National Day Fireworks

The National Day fireworks programme typically lasts over 20 minutes and is launched from the barges set up in Victoria Harbour.

When?: October 1 at 9:00 pm - 2022 CANCELLED
Where?: Victoria Harbour
How Much?: FREE!

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 2022

When?: October 1st 2022, 8:00 a.m.
Where?: Golden Bauhinia Square outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

National Day Race Day (Horse Racing) - October 1, 2022

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. Check the latest HKJC update on live attendance at the races.

When?: October 1, 2022 from Noon - 6pm (Gates open at 11am)
Where?: Sha Tin Race Course
How Much?: General Admission at Public Enclosure HK10, free for tourists just bring your passport, or Members' Enclosure with Tourist Badge HK130 (must also bring passport)

Hong Kong Attractions, Tours, Activities that have reopened this National Day 2022

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

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