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. This year of course will be different as we are still following tight Covid-19 measures. THE 2020 FIREWORKS DISPLAYS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED

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.

2020 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?: Thursday October 1, 2020, at 9:00 pm 2020 FIREWORKS CANCELLED
Where?: Victoria Harbour, for best free vantage points see below
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 2020

When?: October 1st 2020, 8:00 a.m.
Where?: Golden Bauhinia Square outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

THIS YEAR THERE WILL BE NO PUBLIC VIEWING AREA.

National Day Race Day (Horse Racing) - October 1, 2020

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

When?: October 1, 2020 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$ 204

Hong Kong Attractions, Tours, Activities that have reopened this National Day 2020

Many attractions remain closed but several 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. You can book with confidence as there is a free cancellation policy for most of the activities listed here, if your plans change and you cancel up to 24 hours in advance you will receive a full refund.

• The Peak Tram, Peak Tower, Sky Terrace and Peak Galleria are OPEN
• The Hong Kong Observation Wheel - is OPEN
• Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car - is OPEN, purchase tickets online
• 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
• All 3 routes of Big Bus Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours are operating on weekends
• Sky100 Observation Deck - is OPEN
• Harbour Cruises have restarted, the following have resumed sailings:
  • Aqua Luna cruises on weekends:
    • Day Hop-on Hop-off (Fridays only)
    • Evening Cruises (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays)
    • Symphony of Lights Cruises (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays)
    • Stanley Cruises (Saturdays and Sundays)
• 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, except for the Mudflat Hide which will reopen on November 4, 2020
  • 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
  • Lantau Mountain Biking Adventure - 6 hours, meets at the Central Ferry Pier
  • 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

Head to Macau: The 2020 Full Moon National Day Fireworks

Traditionally part of the annual Macao International Fireworks Display Contest which this year had to be cancelled due to travel restrictions to curb the COVID-19 spread, the National Day fireworks display WILL go ahead in 2020, the Macao Government Tourism Office has announced.

To enhance spectator's experience with a more fascinating light and sound spectacular, 4 sets of sound systems will be placed on the Macao Peninsula and Taipa in streaming synchronized background music. In addition, TDM Radio Macau Chinese Channel (FM100.7) will also live broadcast the soundtrack.

When?: October 1st, 2020
Times?: 9:00 pm and will last approximately 20 minutes
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 Info: ›› Follow the Macau Tourism Office FB Page for latest news
›› See Current entry requirements/restrictions for Macau
›› 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:

Hong Kong Island to/from Macau Harbour:

• Single Trip (weekday, slightly more on weekends): HK200 HK168 US$ 21.50
• Round Trip (weekday, slightly more on weekends): HK400 HK335 US$ 42.89

More information and Booking Macau TurboJet Ferry Tickets ››

CotaiJet Macau Ferry Discount Tickets are as follows:

• Single Trip (weekday, slightly more on weekends): HK186 HK143 US$ 18
• Round Trip (weekday, slightly more on weekends): HK310 HK285 US$ 36

More information and Booking Macau CotaiJet Ferry Tickets ››

TurboJet Macau Ferry Discount Tickets also available to/from Hong Kong Airport

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

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