The annual Chinese New Year Fireworks are a huge event, with thousands of people lining Victoria Harbour to watch the incredible spectacle.
In order to let both sides of the harbourfront get a good view, a fleet of barges park in the middle of Victoria Harbour, between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central, to release the fireworks. All harbour traffic comes to a halt during this time. The city’s most prominent towers on both sides of the harbour also take part in this amazing synchronised event.
Because the fireworks are so popular, you’ll want to get there early and get a good spot. The fireworks start at 8pm, and there is no admission fee to any of the public viewing areas.
Traffic is very intense during this time, so it is strongly recommended to take the MTR and other modes of public transportation to get to Victoria Harbour, and to avoid trying to cross the harbour at this time.
If you want to ring in the lunar new year with a big bang, here are some of the best vantage points to watch the incredible fireworks. Note that these will also, of course, be the most crowded!
Hong Kong Island Side
The view from Hong Kong Island side as fireworks explode over Tsim Sha Tsui | Photo by iStock.com/geargodz
Central Ferry Piers – including the viewing deck of Pier #7 (Star Ferry Pier), the rooftop bar of Pier #3 (Discovery Bay ferry pier – admission usually required), and the open areas of Pier #9 and #10
Central Harbourfront – the lovely waterfront promenade which stretches along the harbour towards Admiralty has ample open space and unobstructed views
IFC Mall – the mall has a beautiful rooftop area and an outdoor deck facing the harbour, but space will be tight in this popular location
Tamar Park – attached to the Central and Western District Promenade, this open space in Admiralty is a stone’s throw from the water
Golden Bauhinia Square – this landmark in front of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre connects to a long promenade at the waterfront of Wan Chai
Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park – a bit to the west, but still a good vantage point right on the waterfront of Sheung Wan
Kowloon Side
The view from Tsim Sha Tsui, looking towards Central | Photo by iStock.com/YiuCheung
Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade – one of the most popular (and crowded) spots for watching fireworks, stretching all the way from the Star Ferry Terminal to the Avenue of Stars and beyond
Harbour City Ocean Terminal Deck – this open access rooftop deck on top of Harbour City mall offers beautiful views
West Kowloon Cultural District – with lots of open space in front of the International Commerce Centre, this is a great place to watch the fireworks
Hong Kong West Kowloon Station Green Plaza – recently built in front of the new Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, which houses the high speed train into Mainland China, the green plaza has a ‘Sky Corridor’ sightseeing deck facing the harbour
Hung Hom Promenade – a bit to the east of Tsim Sha Tsui, but still a prime viewing location and a great option if you’re staying near to Hung Hom
Other Options
Many restaurants and bars in Hong Kong’s multitude of skyscrapers also sell tickets to private events where you can watch the fireworks. The tickets won’t come cheap, but typically do feature an elaborate meal and fancy drinks like champagne. You will need to make a reservation in advance as tickets sell out quickly.
If you can afford to splurge, some restaurants in Tsim Sha Tsui that are especially famous for their Chinese New Year dinner-plus-fireworks are Hutong, Aqua, Felix, and the Intercontinental Hotel.
The gorgeous view from Hutong | Photo by Aqua Luna/GHC Asia
Another popular option is a harbour boat cruise to watch the show from the water. Websites like Viator list a number of boat cruises, and more are typically added closer to the date.
If you truly can’t handle the crowds, then head up to Victoria Peak for an amazing view from the top of Hong Kong Island. While you can get a great view from the Peak Tower, you can also get the view for free from nearby viewing points, such as the Lion’s Pavilion, and the Lugard Road Lookout.
