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.

The National Day holiday is a favourite of Chinese, when they enjoy a "Golden Week" of days off. Needless to say, if you plan on being here during this period, you need to make as many arrangements in advance as most hotels, and transport venues will be running at full capacity.

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.

2018 National Day Fireworks

This year's National Day fireworks programme will last approximately 23 minutes and will be launched from the barges set up in Victoria Harbour.

The 2018 National Day fireworks display will consist of eight scenes under the theme of "Unity and Harmony". Highlights include the fourth scene "Magnificence", featuring a colourful flower bouquet, butterfly and bee patterns to symbolise Hong Kong's beautiful scenery.

In the fifth scene, "Light of Dreams", the elements of smiley faces and heart patterns hidden in the firing shells will appear immediately after colourful fireworks.

The fireworks display will reach its climax in the last scene "Achieving Greater Success", with fast and rhythmic fireworks resembling golden crowns at different levels, and wishing the motherland a prosperous future.

When?: Monday October 1, 2018, at 9:00 pm
Where?: Victoria Harbour
How Much?: FREE!
More Info: Hong Kong Tourism Board

Where to enjoy the National Day Fireworks?

These are some of the favourite places to watch the display, but be mindful that any of the public viewing areas will be extremely crowded, getting there early is definitely a must. Some people arrive as early as noon to stake out a great vantage point and come equipped with picnics, music, drinks, etc.

Viewers are invited to tune to Radio Television Hong Kong Radio 4 (FM 97.6 to 98.9) for synchronised music.

• All along the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade and Avenue of the Stars, from the Star Ferry pier to the New World Centre
• The Hung Hom Bypass which is closed to traffic from 6:00 p.m. between Salisbury Road and Hung Hom Road
• Along the Central Waterfront Promenade that extends from the Central Star Ferry Pier and Admiralty
• In Wanchai around the Hong Kong Convention Centre and Bauhinia Square
• Check out our guide and map for the best free vantage points and tips for enjoying the fireworks!

2018 National Day Fireworks Cruises

National Day Fireworks Cruise With Hotel Transfer

• Pick-up from designated hotels between 6:30 - 7:15 pm
• Transfer to Sai Wan Ho Public Pier for boarding
• Free drinks included
• Enjoy the fabulous fireworks display
• Return to Sai Wan Ho Pier and transfer to designated hotel
• This cruise is Wheelchair accesible

How Much?: US$ 143

›› More Info and Booking: 2018 National Day Fireworks Cruise

National Day Fireworks Cruise Aboard DukLing

Enjoy the extravagant fireworks display to celebrate the National Day aboard DUKLING, the remaining traditional fishing junk in Hong Kong

• Embarking points:
  Mau Tau Kok Public Pier (To Kwa Wan) 7:15 pm
  Tong Shui Road Pier (North Point) 7:35 pm
• Returns after the fireworks display around 9:45 pm
• Free flow soft drinks and beer, 2 glasses of red/white wine, snacks included

How Much?: Adult HK$728, Child (4-11) and Senior (60+) HK$588

›› More Info and Booking: Dukling 2018 National Day Fireworks Cruise

Cruise Only: National Day Fireworks Cruise SOLD OUT

This is the no-frills option and a great offer, no dinner, no bufett, only a fantastic experience as you sail out under the bright lights of the city under the Victoria Harbour skies for a fireworks spectacular to remember.

• Departs from Kowloon City Pier
• Assemble at pier at 6:30 pm
• Enjoy a Harbour Cruise in Victoria Harbour
• Fireworks
• Return to pier shortly after fireworks display
• Dismissal at Pier

How Much?: Groupon Offer HK$179 (Approx. US$ 24)

›› More Info and Booking at Groupon: 2018 National Day Fireworks Cruise

Hotels Celebrating 2018 National Day Fireworks

National Day Celebrations at the Ritz Carlton

The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong unveils a sensational dining programme for guests to celebrate this momentous occasion and enjoy the spectacular fireworks display over Victoria Harbour.

Several fantastic options:

• Fireworks and champagne at the Ozone Bar - HK$380 (two glasses Veuve Clicquot) - HK$980 (2-hour free flow Veuve Clicquot Champagne)
• Fireworks and Dinner Menu at Tosca - HK$1,680+
• Tin Lung Heen National Day Eight-course Set Dinner - HK$2,128
• Standing only, fireworks viewing and glass of champagne from Level 9 Porte-Cochère at the main entrance of The Ritz-Carlton - HK$320
• Fireworks, Buffet Menu and Free-Flowing Champagne at The Lounge Bar - Adults HK$1,095, Children HK$605 (free-flowing OJ and soft drinks)
• Fireworks, Buffet Menu and wine, soft drinks at Cafe 103 - Adults HK$748, Children HK$552 (OJ and soft drinks) free flow option available

All prices plus 10% service.

›› More Info Ritz-Carlton National Day Delights
›› Stay at the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, find best rates

Special National Day Menus at the Upper House

The Upper House will celebrate National Day at Café Gray Deluxe with a delectable specially designed 5-course menu to take in the fantatic fireworks views.

This year's menu includes a calamansi marinated tuna and halibut and crisped scallops starter, lobster chowder, Tasmanian salmon with salted duck egg hollandaise, Tournedos Rossini in truffle-port wine sauce served with cremed artichokes and spinach, and to finish it up, Chocolate Délice, espresso and amaretto.

Vegetarian options available.

Priced at HK$1,188 per person.
All prices subject to 10% service charge.

›› More Info and Reservations www.upperhouse.com/nationalday
›› Stay at The Upper House, find best rates

Special National Day Menus at the Peninsula

All of The Peninsula's restaurants will be celebrating National Day with special menus. That evening, The Peninsula Hong Kong extends a warm invitation to all restaurant patrons to gather on the Sun Terrace for complimentary Champagne. Sip and settle in to behold the city's ever-imaginative harbour-side fireworks display.

• Gaddi's - Five-course set dinner HK$ 2,188 (or à la carte)
• The Verandah - Dinner buffet HK$ 1,488 adult, HK$ 828 child (3-11)
• Chesa - Four-course set dinner HK$ 888
• Felix - Five-course set dinner HK$ 2,088
• Spring Moon - Six-course set dinner HK$ 1,588 (or à la carte)
• The Lobby - Four-course set dinner HK$ 888, Kid's bento set dinner HK$ 488
• Imasa - Dinner buffet HK$ 1,488 adult, HK$ 828 child (3-11)

All prices subject to 10% service charge. Advance reservation is required.

›› More Info and Reservations diningphk@peninsula.com
›› Stay at the Pen, reserve a harbourview room or suite!

Front Row Dining for the Fireworks Display at the Intercontinental

InterContinental Hong Kong, with its dramatic Kowloon waterfront location, always provides a spectacular setting for the National Day Fireworks Display. This year, the hotel's celebrated restaurants are presenting special set dinners, showcasing exceptional cuisine, with stunning panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline as the dramatic backdrop for the 9:00pm Fireworks Display.

Guests dining at Harbourside, THE STEAK HOUSE winebar + grill and Yan Toh Heen can view the Fireworks Display from the private promenade in front of the restaurants.

• Harbourside Restaurant, perched at the edge of Victoria Harbour, is acclaimed for its elaborate international buffets. On October 1st, Harbourside Chef Nicholas Chan and his team are preparing a special dinner buffet with a tempting array of cold fresh seafood, action stations featuring fresh sushi and sashimi, plus a carving station. - 1st Seating (6:30pm – 9:00pm) HK$1,338 per adult, HK$938 per child (ages 3-11) 2nd Seating (9:30pm – 11:30pm) HK$838 per adult, HK$588 per child (ages 3-11)
• THE STEAK HOUSE winebar + grill for beef lovers. Chef Chiu Ming Chan is preparing a 3-course menu which includes the Festive Salad Bar with French Duck Foie Gras Terrine, Parma Ham, Smoked Scottish Salmon and Salami - HK$1,338 per adult, HK$1,138 per child (3-11)
• Yan Toh Heen - 8-course Cantonese dinner by Executive Chef Lau Yiu Fai - HK$1,888
• Rech by Alain Ducasse - 6-course dinner by Executive Chef Stéphane Gortina HK$1,688 per person, with wine pairing an additional HK$588 per person
• NOBU - 8-course Omakase menu by Executive Chef Sean Mell & Executive Sushi Chef Kazunari Araki, HK$1,588 per person Lobby Lounge
• The Lobby Lounge provides stunning panoramic views of the Fireworks Display and you can enjoy signature cocktails and "tappetisers" or a light bite from the all-day menu. From 9:00pm onwards, listen to French multi-instrumentalist Antoine Richard with the Gypsy Jazz Trio. Cover Charge (6:00pm - 9:30pm) HK$650 per person (inclusive of two standard drinks)

In addition private harbourview guest rooms have been transformed into an exclusive and elegant private dining room for October 1st evening. You can enjoy a private Fireworks Dinner for up to 6 persons with a bird's eye view of the Fireworks Display and your choice of a 5-course menu showcasing dishes from our celebrity chef restaurants. Minimum spend: HK$15,000

All prices subject to 10% service charge. Advance reservation is required.

›› More Info and Reservations National Day Fireworks Dinner at the Intercontinental
›› Stay at the Intercontinental, reserve a harbourview room or suite!

National Day Celebration at the Marco Polo

Indulge in a sumptuous Alaskan King Crab and Duck Liver Dinner Buffet at Cafe Marco on National Day. Restaurant guests can also enjoy complimentary access to the Viewing Platform on Level 6 to witness the magnificent fireworks display over Victoria Harbour.

Hotel guests naturally also have access to the Terrace for a front-row experience of the spectacular fireworks display.

Cafe Marco Alaskan King Crab and Duck Liver Dinner Buffet - 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm. Adult HK$628, Senior HK$528, Child HK$378

All prices subject to 10% service charge. Advance reservation is required.

›› More Info and Reservations on the Marco Polo FB Page
›› Stay at the Marco Polo, find best rates now!

More 2018 National Day Fireworks Offers

National Day Fireworks at Sky100 SOLD OUT

Certainly an experience to remember!
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.
One free drink at Café 100 included with the National Day Fireworks package (choose from Soft Drink or Orange Juice or Beer or Red Wine or White Wine)
Quick and easy entrance with e-ticket admission
Session time: 7:30pm-10:00pm

How Much?: HK$ 269 (US$34)

›› More Info and Booking Fireworks at Sky100 + 1 Free Drink (Select the National Day Firework Package (FW1001)

Fireworks and Champagne at aqua spirit

Boasting the best seats in town and with the most spectacular views of Hong Kong's stunning skyline, aqua spirit at the penthouse of One Peking provides the ultimate backdrop to the fireworks.

• Two drinks, select from Veuve Clicquot Champagne, house spirits, house white and red wine, beer and soft drinks
• Optional: 6-course menu of contemporary Italian and Japanese cuisines.
• VIP Tables available

Where?: 29F - 30F One Peking, Tsim Sha Tsui
How Much?: HK$420, VIP HK$1,200 for two, dinner from HK$1,288 - all prices plus 10% Service Charge

›› More Info www.aqua.com.hk - Reservations and Tickets

Fireworks and Dinner at Hutong

Hutong offers a unique and stunning setting for the celebration with 360 degree views that wrap around the venue, offering full views of the iconic Hong Kong skyline, Victoria Harbour and the fireworks. It beautifully combines antique interiors inspired by the hutongs - or alleyways - of China of Old, antique metal-studded wooden doors, billowing silk curtains, red lanterns and carved wooden screens...

Hutong is offering once again an elaborate National Day menu to celebrate the ocassion.

Where?: 28F One Peking, Tsim Sha Tsui
How Much?: HK$1,288 +

›› Reservations www.hutong.com.hk

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 parades and drill performances.

National Day Flag Raising Ceremony 2018

When?: October 1st 2018, 8:00 a.m.
Where?: Golden Bauhinia Square outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

National Day Race Day (Horse Racing) - October 1, 2018

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.

When?: October 1, 2018 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)

›› Book the Come Horseracing Tour including tranfers from designated hotels US$ 202

Head to Macau: The 2018 International Fireworks Contest Final Night

Held over 5 weekends, the best of the best in the pyrotechnic industry battle it out in Macau with the final contest night held this October 1st.

When?: October 1, 2018
Times?: 9:00 pm and 9:40 pm
Where?: Sea area in front of the Macau Tower. Where to watch? Just about anywhere in Macau, preferably where the Macau Tower is in full view
How Much?: FREE!

›› More on This Year's Macau International Fireworks Contest and where to watch the fireworks
›› Getting to Macau: See our Macau Day Trip Page

Remember you can get Turbojet and CotaiJet Macau Ferry Discount Tickets from Klook.com:

TurboJet Macau Ferry Discount Tickets are as follows:

• Single Trip from Hong Kong Island: HK200 HK139 US$ 17
• Single Trip from Kowloon: HK211 HK151 US$ 19
• Round Trip (weekday, slightly more on weekends): HK366 HK285 US$ 36

More information and Booking Macau TurboJet Ferry Tickets ››

CotaiJet Macau Ferry Discount Tickets are as follows:

• Single Trip: HK186 HK145 US$ 19
• Round Trip (weekday, slightly more on weekends): HK310 HK285 US$ 36

More information and Booking Macau CotaiJet Ferry Tickets ››

Where to stay in Macau? Check out the latest deals:

Watch The Fireworks Aboard a Harbour Cruise

Restaurants and Rooftop Bars with a View

Hotels with Best Views of the Fireworks

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