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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Check out our guide and map for the best free vantage points and tips for enjoying the fireworks!
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.
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.
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.
Priced at HK$1,188 per person.
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.
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.
›› Stay at the Intercontinental, reserve a harbourview room or suite!
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.
Certainly an experience to remember!
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.
Optional: 6-course menu of contemporary Italian and Japanese cuisines.
Hutong is offering once again an elaborate National Day menu to celebrate the ocassion.
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.
When?: October 1st 2018, 8:00 a.m.
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.
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.