What to expect
One of Hong Kong’s three biggest fireworks displays—the others being New Year’s Eve in the Western calendar and Chinese New Year in the lunar calendar—the National Day celebrations are a huge event, taking place over Victoria Harbour.
Back after a five-year hiatus, the 2023 edition will last 23 minutes, and will start at 9 PM.
Tips
A word of warning: if you’re planning to visit Hong Kong during China’s infamously busy ‘Golden Week’ of holidays leading up to National Day, we hope you’ve booked your hotel way, way in advance!
If you’re staying in Wan Chai and are an early riser, head out to see the pomp and circumstance of the National Day Flag Raising Ceremony, at 8 am, at Golden Bauhinia Square outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
National Day horse races are also a big event at the Sha Tin Racecourse, with lots of entertainment and cultural performances at the racetrack.
But the star of the show is the evening fireworks display at Victoria Harbour. You can expect huge crowds and lots of pushing, but it’s worth it to see the stunning pyrotechnics.
Here’s a quick list of some of the best viewing points (but also the most crowded)
- The Central Harbourfront area, which stretches from Central east to Tamar Park in Admiralty
- Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai
- Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park in Sheung Wan (one stop from Central)
- The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and the Avenue of Stars
Alternatively, you could post up at a rooftop. For example, Aqua, one of Kowloon’s best rooftop bars, will offer some stunning views.
History
National Day is held every year on October 1, marking the formation of the People’s Republic of China, back in 1949. This holiday has been celebrated in Hong Kong since the 1997 handover of Hong Kong from British rule, and also in neighbouring territory Macau.
