“A Symphony of Lights”, also referring as the laser show, is a nightly multimedia spectacle with light, laser and sound taking place along Victoria Harbour. It is one of Hong Kong top sightseeing attractions since its launch in 2004.
To enjoy this Guinness World record laser show, the best way is to watch on board of Victoria Harbour Cruise with the skyline overview of both sides of the harbour. There are many harbour tour options varying from vessel style, tour duration, with/without dinner on board. If you are not sick of boat ride, it is definitely a must-try.
Alternatively, watching along the waterfront of Victoria Harbour is also a good option. There are many locations where you can watch the laser show in the close vicinity with BGM.
A Symphony of Lights show along Victoria Harbour
Where to watch the Symphony of Lights?
- What and when is A Symphony of Lights
- Where are best locations to enjoy “A Symphony of Lights”?
- Watch with Harbour Tours on Victoria Harbour (view of both sides)
- Watch along Victoria Harbour with music (view of one side)
- Watch from the Peak, rooftop bars as well as hotel rooms (overview)
- The changes of new A Symphony of Lights
- How to get to watch A Symphony of Lights?
- More insider tips that you shouldn’t miss
- General Info (contact info, official link)
- Worthwhile:
- Location:
- Highlights: 10-minute laser show with amazing skyline as background; Laser beams and lights on Central Plaza, IFC Tower 1 & 2 and ICC
Plan to Stay: 10 – 30 minutes
What and when is A Symphony of Lights?
Organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, “A Symphony of Lights” was awarded in 2005 as the largest permanent light and sound show by the Guinness World Records. Although the record has now been broken by the light and sound show in Jiangxi Nanchang in 2015 with 293 buildings involved, it should still be standing on top on your to-do-list in Hong Kong.
Every evening 8:00pm, about 40 key buildings and skyscrapers on both sides of Victoria Harbour (Kowloon side and Hong Kong Island side) will start to dance with lights on and off, along with exclusively composed music. The 10-minute interactive light show paired with musical effects bans thousands of visitors every single night in Hong Kong.
Laser Beams of A Symphony of Lights from IFC Tower
All major buildings will shut down or dim their lights and illuminations several minutes prior to the light show to get ready. At exactly 8:00pm the show starts after 10-second counting down on the X-Wall of HSBC building. In the past, there was a narration in the beginning to introduce the involved buildings from east to west. However, from December 2017 the new version of “A Symphony of Lights” doesn’t include the part of narration any longer.
Free of Admission:
This laser show is for free to watch every night. Visitors can enjoy the stunning night view along with the music and light beams.
Where are best locations to enjoy A Symphony of Lights Show?
The laser show takes place on both sides of the Victoria Harbour. If you don’t want to miss either side of the show, the best way is to enjoy the light show from a harbour tour and enjoying the views of both sides at the same time. Harbour Tour is also one of best way and the must-do to enjoy the amazing skyline and harbour view.
Alternatively, you can stay along and close to the Victoria Harbour at TST Waterfront and Wanchai to Central Waterfront Promenade. The laser and light beams are also visible from the Peak, some harbour-view rooms as well as rooftop bars. However, since the laser show is synchronized with special composed music, you will need to download the app to enjoy the sound part.
1. Watch on the Symphony of Lights Harbour Tours
Watching from sightseeing ferries or typical Chinese junk boats is unbeatable way to enjoy A Symphony of Lights Show. Watching on board gives you a chance to enjoy the show from both sides of Victoria Harbour.
Besides, the tour will take 45 minutes up to 2 hours. You will have great chances to admire the world-class night view of Hong Kong.
Dukling Symphony of Lights Harbour Tour
Advantage:
1. With views of both sides of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon;
2. Less crowded;
Disadvantage:
1. Difficult to take clear night photos due to waves;
2. Not for free;
For the moment, there are several tour operators offer the night harbour tour during A Symphony of Lights.
Taking Aqua Luna to sail on Victoria Harbour is a unique experience. This junk boat is operated by the Aqua Restaurant Group, the company who also runs the famous luxury restaurants and rooftop bars such as Aqua Spirit Bar (18/F) and Vista Bar (30/F). There are two junk boats with orange sail and red sail.
Red-sail and orange-sail Aqua Luna junk boats
The Chinese name of Aqua Luna is “Cheung Po Tsai”, a famous local pirate in Qing Dynasty with many legends. It has double decks with 140 square meters, accommodating around 80 passengers. You can enjoy the impressive and stunning skyline in a sophisticated way with cocktails and nestle down in some stylish lounge beds.
Aqua Luna offers many different sails from Day Cruise to Evening Cruise. If you don’t have time for the Symphony of Lights Cruise, you can also check out their other options.
Aqua Luna Symphony of Lights Cruise Tour
(most popular)
Program: 45-min night tour with one complimentary drink
Highlight: Watch laser show on board; Sail circuit via TST, Central, Wanchai and Hung Hom;
Location: Embark at 19:30 from TST Pier No.1 or embark at 19:45 from Central No.9
Price: Ticket for adult is HK$ 330. The price for Child (4-11) is HK$ 230.
Check link to know more about all the tours offered by Aqua Luna and where to get tickets.
Dukling was once served as fishing boat in Hong Kong and it was restored to her original glory and re-sails on Victoria Harbour since 2005. It is considered as an icon of Hong Kong and “the only inheritant sailing junk in Hong Kong”. It represents Hong Kong’s glorious history as well as the impression of Hong Kong while Hong Kong was a fishing village.
Taking the Dukling Chinese Junk Boat is not only a rare opportunity to ride aboard on the last authentic Chinese sailing junk in Hong Kong, but probably the most authentic and memorable way to enjoy Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong skyline. besides day harbour tour, Dukling also offers Symphony of Lights Harbour Tour.
Dukling Harbour Tour
Dukling A Symphony of Lights Boat Trip
(most popular)
Program: 60-min boat tour on Victoria Harbour
Highlight: Watch laser show on board; Enjoy the views of Tsim Sha Tsui, Central and Wanchai
Location: Embark at 19:30 from TST Pier No.3
Fare: Adult ticket price is HK$ 260 and child (4-11) is HK$ 200
Check link to know more about all the tours offered by Dukling and where to get tickets.
Operated by the Hong Kong Ferry Group, the Harbour Cruise – Bauhinia is a tour operator offering boat trips on Victoria Harbour. Currently, the company has four vessels with each one accommodating over 400 passengers.
If you would like to sail on Victoria Harbour while having dinner with the stunning Hong Kong skyline, it is your right option.
Like other harbour tour operators, they offers more other tours than Symphony of Lights Dinner Cruise.
Bauhinia Harbour Cruise - Night Tour
Bauhinia Harbour Cruise “A Symphony of Lights” Dinner Cruise
Program: 2 hour and 40 min night tour with dinner buffet and live performance
Highlight: Watch laser show on board; Enjoy the skyline along harbour; dinner buffet with over 50 options
Location: Embark at 19:20 daily from North Point (East) Passenger Ferry Pier and finish around 22:00
Price: Boat tour fare is HK$ 490 for adult. The ticket for Child (2-10) costs HK$ 320. Both are subject to 10% service charge.
Check link to know more about all the tours offered by Harbour Cruise – Bauhina and where to get tickets.
Watertours Hong Kong Ltd. is a subsidiary of Wing On Travel, one of the most reputable travel agencies in town. The company has been established in the late 1950s and offer a wide variety of harbour tours.
Today, the Watertours Harbour Tours use a double-deck boat which is quite unique and easy recognizable. You easily can spot and identify it by its yellow color and illumination at night when it crosses Victoria Harbour.
Watertours Night Cruise on Victoria Harbour
Watertours Symphony of Lights Boat Trip
(most popular)
Program: 75-min night trip with unlimited drinks included (whisky, beer, soft drinks, cocktail)
Highlight: Enjoy laser show and skyline along the harbour from Central, Wanchai
Location: Embark at 19:00 from TST Public Pier No.3 or at 19:15 from Central Pier No.9
Fare: It costs HK$ 290 for adult and HK$ 220 for child (2-12).
Check link to know more about all the tours offered by Watertours and where to get tickets.
Taking the iconic Star Ferry is actually a no-brainer. It’s the most convenient and cheapest Harbour Tour available in Hong Kong. I highly recommend taking Star Ferry at least once to cross Victoria Harbour during your stay in Hong Kong.
Besides the daily transportation task, Star Ferry also offers different harbour tours, day and night, as well as Symphony of Lights Harbour Cruise.
Star Ferry Harbour Tour - Night Tour
Star Ferry A Symphony of Lights Harbour Cruise (Route Map)
Program: 45-min night trip with A Symphony of Lights
Highlight: Watch laser show and ICC Light and Music Show; Relax trip along Central, Wanchai and Tsim Sha Tsui after dark
Sail time: 19:45 – 20:30 (daily)
Ticket: Adult fare is HK$ 280. Child (3-12) and senior (65+) tickets cost HK$ 200.
Check link to know more about all the tours offered by Star Ferry Harbour Tour and where to get tickets.
Besides the above options on the traditional junk boats, historical Star Ferry or buffet-included large cruise, you can also rent a yacht and enjoy a luxury tour on Victoria Harbour. The yacht can take up to 25 passengers, thus it’s a great option also for special occasions.
Night Harbour Tour on Yacht
Watching A Symphony of Lights on Yacht
The yacht boat tours have many time options, including evening tour/night tour and A Symphony of Lights yacht tour.
“A Symphony of Lights” Cruise on Yacht
Program: 45-min boat tour with refreshments
Highlight: Enjoy laser show and the skyline along TST, Central and Wanchai
Sail time: 19:30/19:35 – 20:20/20:35
Price: HK$ 258-318 (adult); HK$ 198-228 for child (3-12) & senior (65+)
Discount → HK$ 248-267 (adult)/HK$ 139-191 (child)
Oriental Pearl is a new luxury harbour cruise offering Victoria Harbour tour. It is also a cruise with marine restaurant license that can provide meal on board. It is a large cruise that the vessel can take over 480 guests.
Oriental Pearl Harbour Cruise Day Tour
It is another local company that owns cruise vessels with marine restaurant license, liquor license and entertainment license. You can enjoy a nice dinner buffet while enjoying the amazing view of Victoria Harbour and city skyline.
“A Symphony of Lights” Harbour Cruise (with/without dinner)
Program: 1 hour and 30 min night tour with/without dinner buffet
Highlight: Watch laser show on board; Enjoy the skyline along harbour;
Location: Embark at 19:00/19:30 from Hung Hom (South)/Central Ferry Pier and finish around 20:30/21:00
Price: Adult fare is from HK$ 300 (snack & drink) to HK$ 780 (dinner buffet). The ticket for Child (2-10) costs HK$ 210 – HK$ 680. Both are subject to 10% service charge.
For more details, you can also check Oriental Pearl harbour cruise website (https://www.harbourcruise.com.hk/en).
More to Know
Sail on Victoria Harbour and How to Save on Harbour Tours
There are more options and different discounts of harbour tours. Refer to the article about Harbour Tours for more information about these options.
2. Watch from waterfronts along Victoria Harbour with music
For those who have seasick, you can also watch A Symphony of Lights on land near the harbour. As both sides of Victoria Harbour have landmark buildings involved in the laser show, it can be watched on the waterfronts of both Hong Kong Island and Tsim Sha Tsui. Be aware that there are only few locations having speakers installed where you can enjoy the laser show along with the background music.
– In Tsim Sha Tsui (recommended): the best location is at Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, between Hong Kong Art Museum, Clock Tower and Avenue of Stars
– On Hong Kong Island: the best location is at Golden Bauhinia Square
Advantage:
1. Free of charge;
2. Get to close proximity to the harbour view;
Disadvantage:
1. Always get crowded and need to get there ahead of time;
2. Can only see one side each time;
Close-up of A Symphony of Lights from TST
Close-up of A Symphony of Lights from Wan Chai
Hong Kong’s most condensed skyscrapers are on Hong Kong Island. Thus, comparing these two waterfronts, I would recommend to watch along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, from where you can have a fabulous view to the Hong Kong Island side.
Furthermore, the TST waterfront promenade is quite long and there is enough space for everyone to enjoy the “A Symphony of Lights” Show. Between the Hong Kong Art Museum and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre are several options to enjoy this nightly spectacle.
Observation Platform next Clock Tower in TST
Try your luck and grab one of the seats on viewing platform which is located just right next the Clock Tower and adjacent to the TST Star Ferry Terminal. Make sure to come ahead of time. Usually, seats are occupied within half an hour prior to show begin.
Crowds waiting for A Symphony of Lights on the observation platform
In addition, there are additional pyrotechnic displays along the Symphony of Lights Show on special occasions (e.g. New Year Celebrations).
3. Watch from the Peak, rooftop bars as well as hotel rooms
Alternatively, you can enjoy the Symphony of Lights Show from e.g. the Peak, stunning rooftop bars, even your hotel rooms. But you cannot enjoy it with the synchronized music from these locations since there are no speakers. It is turned to boring lights on and off without the exclusive music. The show, feeling and experience is simply incomplete.
Advantage:
1. Different views;
2. Form hotel room will not be crowded;
Disadvantage:
1. Cannot hear the music;
2. Affected by the distance and weather;
You can try to download the mobil app of Symphony of Lights from Apple or Google App stores. It has the “Live Sync” function that you can hear the music from your phone. Just simply input “A Symphony of Lights” to search.
– From The Peak:
The Peak is another popular location for viewing the laser show. You can overview Victoria Harbour as well as Hong Kong city from top. However, you should be aware that you are not the only one with that idea. At night the Peak is usually quite crowded. In addition, there is usually some haze at Hong Kong’s sky at night which can influence the visibility.
– From Rooftop Bars and Hotel Rooms:
Same issue like from the Peak, from rooftop bars or hotels cannot hear the music from the speakers which is an important part of this sound and light show.
No matter from the Peak or other higher location or far distance, the light effects such as the laser beams are not strong enough to pass long distance. Thus they cannot be clearly seen from the Peak or other higher observation spots.
View of A Symphony of Lights from Aqua Bar
Changes of New Version of A Symphony of Lights
From the 1st of December 2017, a completely new theme of “A Symphony of Lights” was launched with new music and light illumination. Besides some new buildings’ joining and some buildings’ quitting, the music and light arrangements are also different compared with the old show.
Different Music
The old version of A Symphony of Lights music consisted of five major themes or scenes which showcased and highlights Hong Kong’s diversity and glamorous night views of Victoria Harbour. The five themes were “Awakening”, “Energy”, “Heritage”, “Partnership” and “Celebration”. Each theme took the spectator on a unique journey and emphasizes on Hong Kong’s vibrant energy, history, spirit, diversity and power.
The new edition of music is recored and played by Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. The music is mixed with Chinese traditional elements and contemporary flavor, a best way to present Hong Kong’s EAST MEET WEST.
More LED Screens Installed
Besides the laser beams and searchlights, new show includes more bright LED screens on the skyscrapers.
How to get to watch A Symphony of Lights ?
If you decide to watch along Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, the best way to get there is by either MTR or Star Ferry. Take MTR to East Tsim Sha Tsui or Tsim Sha Tsui station and look for exit to “Star Ferry Pier” or “Cultural Center”. If you come from Nathan Road, you can easily hop on bus 1, 1A, 2, 6, 7 and 9 towards Star Ferry Pier.
If you decide to watch at the Golden Bauhinia Square, you can also take MTR or Star Ferry. Take MTR to Wanchai station and walk along the signs of “Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center”. If you come from Tsim Sha Tsui, you can take Star Ferry to Wanchai Star Ferry Pier. Be aware that there will about 10-15 minutes walking distance after getting of the transport.
Special arrangements for A Symphony of Lights
The Symphony of Lights Show is suspended if the red/black rainstorm warning is issued on or after 3:00pm. In addition, on Earth Hour Night, the laser show is also suspended (please refer to our related article to know more about Earth Hour and Hong Kong’s participation).
Did You Know
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If you decide to watch along the waterfronts, especially in Tsim Sha Tsui, get there at least 30 minutes ahead of time if you would like to have a nice spot on the viewing platform.
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The performance of Symphony of Lights is synchronized with the composed music. Do watch the show with music.
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If you watch from Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, DO NOT stand close the public piers where passengers hop on and off during the show. It will disturb your viewing experience.
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The visibility in Hong Kong will always change. Please be aware that when the visibility is very low, you can hardly see the lights or the laser beams. If you have a choice, do come to watch Symphony of Lights in a clear weather.
General Info and Details
Location: Along Victoria Harbour (both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon)
Show Time: 8:00pm and last 10 minutes (Daily)
Ticket Fare: Free Admission
Official Site: http://www.tourism.gov.hk/symphony/eindex.html
How to get to watch A Symphony of Lights ?
Attractions Nearby Victoria Harbour
