New World Harbour Race 2024 Hong Kong – date, race, schedule, highlights and insider tips

The annual New World Harbour Race is one of the city’s most anticipated annual events. The event takes place on November 10, 2024. Local and international participants have been eagerly looking forward to this unique sporting event. This spectacle is truly unique. It is not only known for its stunning views and competitive spirit, but it also brings the busy Victoria Harbour for a few hours to pause. Approx. 4000 swimming racers will be crossing Hong Kong’s famous and iconic Victoria Harbour. This year’s starting point is from the Golden Bauhinia Square Public Pier in Wan Chai. The race ends at the famous Avenue of Stars attraction in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Below are all the details and info you need to know about the popular sporting event, including e.g. venues, race starting time and schedule, how long the cross harbour swim distance are, where to watch, how to get to the New World Harbour Race, and if it’s worthwhile to visit.

What is the New World Harbour Race?

The New World Harbour Race event is one of Hong Kong’s most unique and iconic sporting events of the year. Approx. 4,000 swimmers will cross Victoria Harbour, one of the busiest harbours in the world. This sporting event offers a unique experience that combines sportsmanship with the breathtaking backdrop of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline. The unique spectacle has a long history and tradition.

Rich History of the Cross-Harbour Race

The cross-harbour can look back to a long and rich history. It is hard to believe, but the event has over 100 years of history. The legendary Cross Harbour Race was first held in 1906 under British Colonial Rule. One of the main ideas behind the spectacle was to promote water sports in Hong Kong. Over the years, the race evolved into a prestigious event. It was one Hong Kong’s most celebrated events for over 70 years. Hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators had been attracted by this unique race across Victoria Harbour. Among swimmers the event had an iconic and legendary status. Where else could you enjoy swimming with such a magnificent backdrop of Hong Kong’s skyline and mountains?

Unfortunately, the race was halted due to pollution concerns of the water (raw sewage, detritus, rubbish as well as an increase of the maritime sea traffic) in the late 1970s. So, from 1978 onwards, the popular annual tradition has been stopped for many years. After a 33-year absence, the Harbour Race had been revived in 2012.

The revival of the cross-harbour race

The revival harbour race attracted around 1,000 participants in its first year. The contestants swam 1.8km across Victoria Harbour from Sam Ka Tsuen Public Pier to Quarry Bay Park. Local and international swimmers have been participated in this special swim event. Needless to say that the event was an immediate huge success.

In the following years, record number of participating swimmers made this sporting event one of the most popular swim events in whole Asia. It attracted many international participants from around the world. The New World Harbour Race received the “M” Mark Events support (one of the sport highest honours in Hong Kong) for three consecutive years recognizing the significance of the special sporting event in Hong Kong. Without a doubt this swim event is one of the most iconic events in Hong Kong.

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When and where does the New World Harbour Race 2024 take place?

The New World Harbour Race 2024 takes place on November 10, 2024. Starting time for the races is 7:30am. The approx. 4,000 swimmers have to cross Victoria Harbour from Wan Chai Golden Bauhinia Square Public Pier (Hong Kong Island) to Tsim Sha Tsui Avenue of Stars (Kowloon).

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Hotels close to the New World Harbour Race
– where are the best places to stay

No matter if you are a first-time or repeating visitor to Hong Kong, it is recommended to plan your stay ahead. Choosing to either stay on the Kowloon or Hong Kong Island side is not the only thing to decide. Hotel rooms and accommodation fill up quickly and room rates skyrocket. Having said that try to book and secure your hotel room as early as possible!

Stay in Wan Chai District (close to the starting point of the harbour race)

The closest location to the New World Harbour Race is the Wan Chai District. The starting point of the sporting event is located just outside the famous Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). There are several hotels located within walking range to the sporting event. The area is very convenient and has several other top sightseeing attractions, restaurants and shopping options in close proximity.

1. Grand Hyatt Hong Kong Hotel
2. St. Regis Hong Kong Hotel
3. The Renaissance Harbour View Hong Kong Hotel

Additional hotels within walking distance to the convention centre and starting point of the Harbour Race

Besides the above mentioned hotels, there are plenty of options within walking distance of the convention centre. The options range from affordable accommodations to luxury 5-star hotels. So, below is a shortlist of the most popular hotels close to the event and the iconic convention centre.

Stay in Tsim Sha Tsui (close to the finish line of the New World Harbour Race)

Tsim Sha Tsui is the place if you want to stay close to the finish line of the race. The district is very popular among first-time as well as repeating visitors. There are plenty of must-see and must-do attractions in walking distance. Below is a short overview of the most popular hotels:

If you prefer to check out hotels in other locations, you can start with where are the best places to stay.

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Where is the New World Harbour Race?

The New World Harbour Race takes place from the Golden Bauhinia Square Public Pier in Wan Chai (Hong Kong Island) to the famous Avenue of Stars attractions in Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon side).

Where are the best places to watch the races?

So, where are the best spots to watch and enjoy this unique spectacle? There are 2 major spots to watch and enjoy the swim races. The first one is the starting point. The second one is along the finish line.

Golden Bauhinia Square Public Pier (Wan Chai)

The cross-harbour races start this year on Hong Kong Island. Starting point is the Golden Bauhinia Square Public Pier in Wan Chai.

Having said that if you like to see how the athletes prepare and get ready to jump into the water of Victoria Harbour you need to stay around the Golden Bauhinia Square Public Pier in Wan Chai. The Wan Chai Waterfront Promenade has plenty of vantage points to follow the races.

Since the races start early in the morning, make sure to be there way ahead of the official starting time of the races. Swimmers and athletes need to prepare and report to the organiser. You can see how they prepare and feel the adrenaline and excitement. Plus get your camera or cellphones ready. You don’t want to miss the moment when the races start and everyone jumps into Victoria Harbour.

Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront Promenade and Avenue of Stars (TST)

In case you would like to watch who will win this year’s cross-harbour swim race you have to stay in Tsim Sha Tsui. The Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront Promenade along the famous and popular Avenue of Stars attractions offers plenty of opportunities to watch the swim races.

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Race details, information and schedules

How long is the Cross-Harbour Swim Race?

There are two swim distances this year. Athletes participating in the International – Asian Open Water Swimming Championships 2024 need to swim a 5km course to cross Victoria Harbour. The Open Race and Leisure Groups have to conquer a 1km swim distance to cross the harbour.

Race details and information

This year’s cross-harbour swim event features 5 individual races and events. The races are categorised in the following racing and leisure groups:

• International – Asian Open Water Swimming Championships Men/Women (Racing Group)
• Open Group Race Men/Women (Racing Group)
• New World Springboard Swimming Academy students (Leisure Group)
• Leisure Group (Men)
• Leisure Group (Women)

Having said that, the highlight of the 2024 edition of the New World Harbour Race event will be the International – Asian Open Water Swimming Championships. After a 12-year hiatus, it’s been the first time that the championship races are held in Hong Kong again. Each Asian country or region is entitled to send up to three male and female athletes. The championship swim race distance is 5km.

The Open Group (Racing Group) as well as all of the Leisure Group Races have to finish a swim distance of 1km. No matter which race you prefer, prepare for some action-packed and fast races. The best of the best need less than 16 minutes to cross Victoria Harbour and finish the races.

How many athletes participate at the Cross-Harbour Swim Race?

The event organiser allowed a quota of approx. 4,000 athletes this year. Around 300 people will participate in the racing groups, while 3,700 will start in the Leisure Group races.

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Is it worthwhile to visit?

Victoria Harbour itself is already one of the main attractions in Hong Kong. The stunning views of the skyline should not be miss when visiting the city.

Victoria Harbour is also one of the most busiest harbours in the world. Where else can you see thousands of athletes jumping in the cold water and competing in fast and action-packed races?

It is also the only time of the year, when the busy Victoria Harbour takes a break. For a short period of time cruise ships and marine vessels need to halt and come to a stop.

Since the revival of the event in 2011, the New World Harbour Race has become an iconic event again. But truthfully speaking the Harbour Race is more than just a sporting event. Every year, this spectacle attracts swimmers, athletes and spectators from around the world. Spectators line up along the Waterfront Promenade and cheer for the athletes and enjoying the lively atmosphere. The long history and tradition of this event is one reason. Another one is the rare chance to swim and cross one of the busiest harbours of the world. Which other spectacle or sport event provides this kind of opportunity while also enjoying the amazing backdrop of Hong Kong’s magnificent skyline and beautiful mountains?

To sum it up: the Hong Kong Harbour Race is a thrilling celebration of sport and the breathtaking beauty of the city’s harbour. Whether you are a participant or a spectator, the Harbour Race offers an unforgettable experience. So, if you are in town, make your way to this event. This unique spectacle is fun to watch and is one of the major annual sporting events in town. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this exciting event!

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How to get to the New World Harbour Races 2024?

The most convenient way to get to the New World Harbour Races is to take Hong Kong’s MTR subway. If you want to see the athletes jumping in Victoria Harbour you need to go travel to the starting point in Wan Chai. Take the subway to the Exhibition Centre Station and take Exit B2 (this subway exit is closest to the event). Alternatively, you take the subway to the Wan Chai MTR Station and take Exit A5. If you want to see who wins the swimming competition you need to travel to Tsim Sha Tsui. Take the subway to the Tsim Sha Tsui (East) MTR Station. Exit J and L6 are the closest to the Avenue of Stars and Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront Promenade.

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Nearby attractions or what can you do after the races

The starting point and finish line of the Harbour Race are located in some of the city’s most popular hot spots. Both locations have plenty of attractions and sightseeing things you can do and explore after the races.

However, since the cross-harbour races are early in the morning, it is not a bad idea to recharge your energy with some food. In case you haven’t had breakfast yet, it’s not a bad idea to hit a close-by Cha Chaan Teng (Hong Kong style cafe and restaurant) or Dim Sum Place. Recharge your energy and plan which of the following attractions you will explore next:

Attractions and things to do in and around Wan Chai

• Flag Raising Ceremony: Since the swim races are early in the morning, you can experience the daily official Flag Raising Ceremony of the Hong Kong Police Force. The ceremony takes place everyday just next to the iconic Convention and Exhibition Centre and Golden Bauhinia Square;
• Golden Bauhinia Square: Landmark to commemorate the handover ceremony of June 30, 1997. The Golden Bauhinia Square is located just next to the iconic Convention and Exhibition Centre;
• Ding Ding Trams: The popular double-decker trams run on Hong Kong Island. Don’t miss the popular TramOramic Double-Decker Tram Tour to explore the city.

Attractions and things to do in Tsim Sha Tsui

Below are some of the key and must-do attractions in Tsim Sha Tsui:

• Victoria Harbour cruises: One of the most memorable ways to experience Victoria Harbour at day or night. Find out which are the best cruises along Victoria Harbour.;
• Helicopter Sightseeing Flight: Experience Victoria Harbour and view Hong Kong from above with a helicopter sightseeing trip;
• Avenue of Stars: Top sightseeing attraction. Asian counterpart of the Hollywood Walk of Fame with over 100 handprints of local actors, directors, singers and superstars (here you also can find statues of Bruce Lee, Anita Mui and local cartoon character McDull);
• A Symphony of Lights Show: Top sightseeing attraction. Nightly multimedia spectacle taking place along Victoria Harbour. Find out where the best places to enjoy the light and laser show are.;
• Star Ferry: Find out more about the iconic green and white Star Ferries and how to take them.;
• Hong Kong Museum of Art: Fine art museum right in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui. Find out more about the Hong Kong Museum of Art.;
• Hong Kong Space Museum: Science and space museum. Find out more about the Hong Kong Space Museum.;
• Hong Kong Museum of History: Learn more about the city’s history an culture. Find out more about the Hong Kong Museum of History.;
• Former Kowloon Railway Clock Tower: Popular landmark and meeting point located just opposite the Star Ferry TST Terminal. Find out more about the KCR Clock Tower.;
• Hong Kong Cultural Centre: Multipurpose facility hosting concerts, theatre and arts performances;
• LEGO Discovery Centre: Popular interactive indoor attractions. The Centre has a large collection of LEGO and also a LEGO shop. Secure and book discounted LEGO Discovery Centre tickets here.;
• Salisbury Garden: located between the Hong Kong Museum of Art and Space Museum and features an Art Square;
• Kowloon Park: tranquil retreat among the bustling streets of Kowloon. In the morning and weekends you watch and join locals practising Tai Chi or Kung-Fu;
• Hong Kong Avenue of Comic Stars: popular tourist attractions for he young and young at hearts. Located in the Kowloon Park are several statues of popular Hong Kong comics characters. It is the comic version of the popular Avenue of Stars.
• Aqua Luna: Popular traditional style junk boat crossing Victoria Harbour.;

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