2023 National Day Fireworks display finally comes back and will light up the sky over Victoria Harbour again after 5-year suspension. If you love fireworks, then this event is for you. It is one of the highlight events in Hong Kong and everyone is looking forward to this special day.

2023 National Day Fireworks Display in Hong Kong

Fireworks over Victoria Harbour

FYI, Hong Kong has one of the best fireworks display in the world. Not only because it has Victoria Harbour’s stunning night view as backdrop, but also one can enjoy the fireworks in a very close vicinity and feel the fireworks bursting right over your head with a bang. If you have the chance, you definitely shouldn’t miss it. Find out where are the best locations for watching this massive fireworks show and secure a good spot.

Why is there the 2023 National Day Fireworks Display in Hong Kong?

The 1st of October is the day for Chinese to celebrate the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Since the handover in 1997, the 1st of October becomes a one-day public holiday in Hong Kong (Mainland China has 7-day golden week holiday).

Every year, Hong Kong celebrates this day with a wide variety of activities, such as fireworks display, special flag raising ceremony as well as a special horse-racing event. The China’s National Day fireworks display turns to be a Hong Kong tradition and naturally it is also the best of all celebrations.

This tradition so far canceled several times in recent years. One was in 2013 as a mark of respect for the victims of the tragic ferry crash (where 39 people lost their lives when two boats collided during fireworks show). Another cancelation was in 2014 due to “Occupancy Central” Protest. Due to the impact of pandemic, the National Day Fireworks show was suspended since 2019.

The 2023 National Day Fireworks show is to celebrate the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

2023 National Day Fireworks Display in Hong Kong

Fireworks Show in Hong Kong

2023 National Day Fireworks Display in Hong Kong

Watch fireworks display from Hong Kong Island

2023 National Day Fireworks Display in Hong Kong

Fireworks Show in Hong Kong

box-info2 Did You Know

  • If you happen to be in town during the time, you may also have chances to enjoy one of the most traditional Chinese festival – Mid-Autumn Festival this year. This year’s Mid-Autumn Day is on the 29th of September 2023, which is very close to the National Day. Some of the celebrations start from 15th of September and will last till October 8. Check out which event of Hong Kong Mid-Autumn Day celebrations match your time frame.

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When and where is 2023 National Day Fireworks Display in Hong Kong?

– 9:00pm, October 1st, Victoria Harbour

This year’s firework display will take place on October 1st, 2023 (Sunday). Sharp on 9:00pm, a total of 31,888 pyrotechnic shells will be discharged in the night sky from the 3 barges and 6 boats on Victoria Harbour. These barges are all floating in the middle of Victoria Harbour in front of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. The 9 shooting spots will generate 800-meter broad and 250-meter high fireworks show. So, basically you can enjoy the dazzling action from both sides of Victoria Harbour.

The complete firework show will last 23 minutes 28 seconds.

Fireworks shooting from barges on Victoria Harbour

Fireworks shooting from barges on Victoria Harbour

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What to expect from 2023 National Day fireworks display – scenes and special designs

Hong Kong Government spent 18 millions of dollars for this big event. The theme of this year’s National Day Fireworks Celebration is “Prosperity and Brighter Future” with eight scenes.

The fireworks display starts with red hearts, symbolizing happiness and unity. The 1st scene lasts 1 minute 16 seconds with the famous pop music “You are the best in the world” as background music.

2023 National Day Fireworks Display in Hong Kong

The 1st scene of fireworks with red heart shape
(Photo source: Hong Kong Information Services Department)

The 2nd scene is “Hello Hong Kong, Happy Hong Kong.” It lasts from 1’20” to 4’57”. The highlight is fireworks of smily faces and bauhinia flowers, representing city’s bright hopes for the future.

2023 National Day Fireworks Display in Hong Kong

The 2nd scene of fireworks with smily face and bauhinia
(Photo source: Hong Kong Information Services Department)

The 3rd scene lasts about three minutes from 5’00” to 8’20”. It is devoted to all the athletes in Hangzhou Asian Games. Three-color fireworks represent gold, silver and bronze medals.

2023 National Day Fireworks Display in Hong Kong

The 3rd scene of fireworks
(Photo source: Hong Kong Information Services Department)

The 4th scene is from 8’23” till 11’23”. With the background music “Imagine”, colorful circled fireworks will be shot up.

2023 National Day Fireworks Display in Hong Kong

The 4th scene of fireworks
(Photo source: Hong Kong Information Services Department)

Along with the music “Count on me”, the 5th scene starts around 11’26” and lasts till 14’40”. It is the first time that the hydrangea fireworks display in Hong Kong.

2023 National Day Fireworks Display in Hong Kong

The 5th scene of fireworks
(Photo source: Hong Kong Information Services Department)

The 6th scene’s highlight is the red stars (14’43” – 17’06”).

2023 National Day Fireworks Display in Hong Kong

The 6th scene of fireworks
(Photo source: Hong Kong Information Services Department)

The colorful fireworks in the 7th scene symbolize the changes in Hong Kong and unlimited potential (17’09” – 19’40”).

2023 National Day Fireworks Display in Hong Kong

The 7th scene of fireworks
(Photo source: Hong Kong Information Services Department)

The final scene is always the best and push the whole fireworks display to the climax. The last scene uses Yellow River Piano Concerto as background music. At the last 28 seconds, all the 3 barges and 6 boats will shoot the fireworks together. Golden crowns will appear in the sky as a good wish to the motherland.

2023 National Day Fireworks Display in Hong Kong

The 8th scene of fireworks
(Photo source: Hong Kong Information Services Department)

The fireworks show will be synchronized with special composed music. You can also tune to Radio Television Hong Kong Radio 4 (FM 97.6-98.9) to listen to the music while enjoying the fireworks.

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Where are the best vantage points to watch National Day Fireworks?

Where to go to watch fireworks in Hong Kong? Where is the best place to enjoy the stunning show? No matter you decide to join thousands of spectators along the waterfront of Victoria Harbour, hop on one of the many fireworks cruises, or simply enjoy dinner in one of the hottest restaurants or bars, you should secure a best place ASAP.

Check out the detailed review about the best options and ways for watching Hong Kong fireworks. You can find out the full compiled list from “Where are the best places to enjoy Hong Kong fireworks show”.

Along Victoria Harbour Harbourfront (close distance)

Since the fireworks will be launched from four barges on Victoria Harbour, the best vantage points to enjoy the fireworks Celebration are along Victoria Harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui (TST), Central, Wan Chai and of course on the water.

Best spots from Kowloon side

  1. Tsim Sha Tsui Harbour waterfront (top option)
  2. New Avenue of Stars (top option)
  3. Ocean Terminal Deck (top option)
  4. Waiting concourse of Star Ferry’s Harbour Tour (subject to charge)
  5. Green Plaza and Sky Corridor of Hong Kong West Kowloon Station
  6. Tsim Sha Tsui The Garden of Stars
  7. Hung Hom Bypass
  8. K11 Musea
  9. West Kowloon waterfront promenade

Best spots from Hong Kong Island side

  1. Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai (top option)
  2. Tamar Park in Admiralty (top option)
  3. Central Ferry Piers No.9 & No.10
  4. Central harbourfront
  5. IFC rooftop garden in Central
  6. Hong Kong Observation Wheel (subject to charge)
  7. Hong Kong Maritime Museum in Central (subject to charge)
  8. Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter
  9. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun

Other hot spots for viewing Hong Kong fireworks

  1. The Victoria Peak and Peak Tower
  2. sky100 Obseravtion Deck
  3. Rooftop bars
  4. Kowloon Peak

Check out how to get to each top spots of watching fireworks.

Hot spots like Golden Bauhinia Square, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, Star Ferry Piers, Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, Tamar Park, Central waterfront will be filled up very quickly and are always very crowded. Bars and restaurants with top views, such as Ozone Bar, Aqua Bar, Sevva Bar etc, will be booked out very fast.

2023 National Day fireworks harbour tours in Hong Kong

Looking to enjoy the Hong Kong fireworks in the most memorable way and without pressure of getting a good spot? How about celebrating this special anniversary aboard one of Hong Kong’s iconic traditional junk boats, a harbour cruise or a luxury yacht? Sailing to the middle of Victoria Harbour and feel the stunning scenery in the closest distance. Nothing beats these views and there is no better vantage point to enjoy the spectacular fireworks.

Fireworks Victoria Harbour Tour - Aqua Luna Tour

Fireworks Harbour Tour

This year, there are also several harbour tour operators offering the National Day Fireworks Cruises, such as Bauhinia National Day Fireworks Display 2023 – Dinner Cruise (with Dinner buffet), the 2023 Aqua Luna National Day Fireworks Tour, or the National Day Fireworks Luxury Yacht Ride. Check out the related article about the available offers for 2023 National Day fireworks harbour tours.

If you are looking for a standard harbour tour (Day Tour, Night Tour, A Symphony of Lights Tour), check out different Victoria Harbour Cruises and their possible discounts.

From harbour-view hotels rooms, bars and restaurants

In case you would like to enjoy the fireworks from the convenience of your hotel room or while enjoying dinner or glass of wine, beer or cocktail, then the hotels are very good alternatives. There are plenty of hotels along both sides of Victoria Harbour with great harbour views, from where you are able to enjoy the fireworks. Check out the best 19 hotels providing Victoria Harbour views (ranked according to distance from fireworks center).

Besides hotel rooms, don’t forget the bars and restaurants that also provide giant windows and clear vision of Victoria Harbour.

Available promotions for 2023 National Day Fireworks in hotels and restaurants

  1. The waterfront hotel Harbour Grand Hong Kong in North Point offers special accommodation + fireworks watching package for the 2023 National Fireworks Display.

    Offer in Harbour Grand Hong Kong hotel
    2023 National Day Fireworks accommodation and dinner buffet package

    Watching fireworks from Harbour Grand Hong Kong

    Bonus: Harbour view room + breakfast for 2 + dinner for 2
    Highlight: Watch National Day Fireworks from the outdoor observation deck on the 42nd floor
    Date: The 1st of October 2023
    Price: HK$ 5290 – 7030
    Discount: HK$ 3527 – 4687

  2. The Ink Seafood Bar is a waterfront restaurant located at the ground floor of Hong Kong Museum of Art. They are offering the Ink Fireworks Party on the 2023 National Day with front-seat for watching fireworks (in front of Avenue of Stars).

    Offer in INK Cafe Fireworks Party for 2023 National Day Fireworks in Private Area

      Highlight: Fireworks watch + 2 snacks + 2 drinks, Live music by DJ Beto
    Date: The 1st of October 2023
    Price: HK$ 680 + 10% service charge for one
    Booking: Get discount ticket from klook
    Booking: Get discount ticket from kkday

  3. The Spasso Italian Bar & Restaurant is inside Empire Center shopping arcade at waterfront East Tsim Sha Tsui. Book an Italian set dinner now and enjoy National Fireworks and harbour view in the close vicinity.

    Offer in Spasso Italian Restaurant on National Day 2023

      Highlight: Fireworks watch + 4-course set dinner with glasses of complimentary prosecco for two
    Date: The 1st of October 2023
    Price: HK$ 1712
    Booking: Get discount price from klook

Watch 2023 National Day Fireworks online

For the first time, the fireworks display will be broadcast using aerial photography and 5G technology to bring a novel viewing experience to the public. For those who cannot watch the fireworks in person, Hong Kong will share the moment of joy and celebration through livestream and TV.

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  • “Whatever you decide, keep in mind that it will be extremely crowded. That is not only due to Hong Kong’s public holiday, but also that Mainland China are enjoying their “Golden Week” holidays. Usually there will be thousands people watching fireworks in Tsim Sha Tsui area. Hence, it is wise to plan ahead. Make sure to arrive early. Some of people try to get their prime location already around noon time.”

  • “Maybe you would like to enjoy the fireworks from a restaurant, hotel or on a boat in the middle of Victoria Harbour. Then make sure and book your arrangements as early as possible.”

  • “If you watch the fireworks far away from Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront promenade, you still can enjoy the musical program by tuning in your radio or cellphone to FM 97.6 – 98.9.”

  • “Special traffic arrangements are in effect before and after the Hong Kong National Day Firework show. This includes closure (!) of roads and MTR Exits around 7:00pm – 8:00pm. Be prepared for a very large crowd. I highly recommend to plan your arrival way ahead of the schedule fireworks time.”

  • “You will find many photographers with tripods waiting along Victoria Harbour. If you want to find a spot for photo shooting along Victoria Harbour be sure to be there before 5:00pm.”

box-info2 General Info and Details

Date: October 1st, 2023
Time: 9:00pm (the firework show will last 23 minutes)
Location: Along Victoria Harbour
Ticket: Free Admission