Enjoy fireworks over the harbour this National Day
Hong Kongers can look forward to a day off this week as the territory celebrates National Day on October 1.
National Day is celebrated throughout Hong Kong, mainland China and Macau each October 1 to commemorate the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. This year it's an extra-special date as the PRC hits its 75th anniversary.
Along with a public holiday, National Day is celebrated with a number of events, including a public fireworks display, parades, cultural performances and special discounts and free entry on shopping, hospitality, museums and attractions across Hong Kong.
Fireworks Display
The piece de resistance of National Day in Hong Kong will be the evening fireworks and drone show over Victoria Harbour.
This year's event will feature dazzling fireworks with a panda theme to celebrate the gifting of two panda cubs by Beijing to Hong Kong. And for the first time, the evening will kick-off with a drone display.
The HK$18 million extravaganza will last for approximately 30 minutes, burning through around 32,000 fireworks which will be lit from three barges and six pontoons outside Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Meanwhile, the inaugural drone show will use around 600 drones.
According to event organisers, the best vantage points will include areas such as Tsim Sha Tsui, Mid-Levels, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and Hung Hom Bypass. To take advantage of these vantage spots, head to Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, Avenue of Stars, West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade & Art Park, Central Ferry Piers, Golden Bauhinia Square, Tamar Park, ifc rooftop and Wan Chai Waterfront Promenade.
The firework show starts at 9pm and will run for approximately half an hour. It is weather dependent and in the event of inclement weather, the organisers will make a decision by midday as to whether the event will go ahead or not.
Discounts and promotions
There will also be a number of discounts and promotions running across the city on October 1. These include:
Half-price cinema tickets and vouchers for popcorn and drinks at participating theatres.
Free admission to permanent exhibitions at Hong Kong Science Museum and Hong Kong Space Museum and the special exhibition at Hong Kong Museum of Art.
Free access to sports facilities at centres managed by the government’s Leisure & Cultural Services Department.
Free entry to Hong Kong Wetland Park.
A 25% discount on train fares on the MTR network for Octopus card users.
Free bus rides for under 12s on selected bus routes.
Free rides on Star Ferry between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central, and Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai.
Dining discounts at more than 3,000 participating restaurants.
Discounts at wet markets and cooked food centres.
A 25% discount on panda-themed merchandise at Ocean Park.
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