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 4 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.
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.
- 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 for the best free vantage points and tips for enjoying the fireworks!
- And of course... Aboard a Harbour Cruise, but booking early is a must!
2018 National Day Fireworks Cruises and Dining Offers
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
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
National Day Fireworks at Sky100
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)
Following To Be Confirmed:
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 a glass of champagne at the Ozone Bar - HK$280, VIP area HK480
- Fireworks and Dinner Menu at Tosca and Tin Lung Heen Restaurants - from HK$1,980
- Standing only, fireworks viewing and glass of champagne from Level 9 Porte-Cochère at the main entrance of The Ritz-Carlton - HK$300
- Fireworks, Buffet Menu and Free-Flowing Champagne at The Lounge Bar - Adults HK$998, Children HK$552 (free-flowing OJ and soft drinks)
- Fireworks, Buffet Menu and Free-Flowing Cava, wine, soft drinks at Cafe 103 - Adults HK$978, Children HK$552 (free-flowing OJ and soft drinks)
All prices plus 10% service.
›› More Info Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong
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$1,288 +
›› Reservations www.hutong.com.hk
Flag Raising Ceremonies
Marching bands, drill team activities, drums and parades...
Flag Raising ceremonies are events full of pageantry and part of each National Day celebration.
As part of the ceremony, the National Anthem is performed, followed by parades and drill performances.
The Flag Raising Ceremony is jointly presented by the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence, the Hong Kong Sea Cadet Corps, the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps and the Hong Kong Adventure Corps.
National Day Flag Raising Ceremony 2018
When?: October 1st 2018, 7:30 a.m.
Where?: The Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence
More info: National Day Flag Raising Ceremony 2018
National Day Race Day (Horse Racing) - October 1, 2018
This is not only an exciting day at the horse races for the National Day Cup event and a chance to celebrate the founding of the Republic, but also an opportunity to enjoy a full programme of cultural and entertainment performances.
When?: October 1, 2018 from Noon - 6pm
(Gates open at 11am)
Where?: Sha Tin Race Course
How Much?: General Admission at Public Enclosure HK10, free for tourists just bring your passport, or Members' Enclosure with Tourist Badge HK130 (must also bring passport)
Book the Come Horseracing Tour including tranfers from designated hotels US$ 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!
Remember you can get Turbojet and CotaiJet Macau Ferry Discount Tickets from Klook.com:
TurboJet Macau Ferry Discount Tickets are as follows:
- Round Trip Weekday Daytime:
HK317HK308 US$ 40 - Round Trip Weekend Daytime:
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More information and Booking Macau TurboJet Ferry Tickets ››
CotaiJet Macau Ferry Discount Tickets are as follows:
- Round Trip Daytime Weekday ticket:
HK319HK304 US$ 40 - Round Trip Weekend Ticket:
HK344HK321 US$ 42 - One-Way Weekday, One-Way Weekend Day or Night:
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HK201HK170 US$ 22 - One-Way Weekend:
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More information and Booking Macau TurboJet Ferry Tickets ››
Where to stay in Macau? Check out the latest deals:
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