There’s no better Hong Kong pairing than Victoria Harbour and a fireworks display. Some of the most iconic images of the city feature fiery showers of colour against towering waterfront skyscrapers. If you’re looking to snap a photo of your own, we’ve found some of the best places in Hong Kong to see fireworks.
While fireworks have typically been reserved for public holidays like Chinese New Year and New Year’s Eve, it was recently announced that the government will be ramping up displays, alongside drone shows and the daily lightshow. Head to the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s website for a full rundown of when shows will be held.
From hidden rooftop bars to buzzy boardwalks, here’s where to see the Hong Kong fireworks.
Credit: Manfred Gottschalk/Getty Images
Credit: Creative Family/Getty Images
The most popular spot to see the fireworks is the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, a roughly two-kilometre-long walkway from the ferry pier along Victoria Harbour. With unobstructed views of Hong Kong Island’s cityscape, it’s a front-row seat to the action. If you don’t mind big crowds, arrive early to grab a prime spot on the Avenue of Stars.
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The West Kowloon Art Park may be better known as the home of museums M+ and Palace Museum, but it also boasts incredible views of the Hong Kong skyline. With sprawling grass lawns, dining destinations and a winding boardwalk, it’s an ideal spot to watch the fireworks burst overhead with friends and family.
If you’ve driven alongside the Wan Chai waterfront in the past couple of years, you’ll have noticed construction work blocking much of your view. Finally, the white walls have lifted to unveil the completed Harbourfront Event Space . Amid open green space, benches and animal sculptures, you’ll be able to enjoy views of the fireworks over the Kowloon side.
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Situated right in front of the government headquarters in Admiralty, this sloping lawn fills up around firework season. People spread out on picnic blankets to enjoy the spectacle. Thanks to the nature of the slope, it’s easier to get a view of the scene without hundreds of heads blocking your way.
Credit: Lewis Tse Pui Lung/Getty Images
Credit: John H/Getty Images
Want to see the display unfold from water level? There’s been a boom of companies offering firework cruises, from the traditional red sail junk Aqualuna to luxury yacht companies like Hong Kong Yachting . Many of them also offer food and drinks packages as you cruise around Victoria Harbour ahead of the show, making it a night to remember.
Credit: Alto
Credit: Alto
You might know Alto for its cobalt and golden Tom Dixon interiors, but if you venture upstairs, you’ll find one of Hong Kong’s hidden gems: a rooftop lounge nestled amid skyscrapers. Thankfully, it’s high up so you can enjoy some of the city's best views of the Kowloon side. The generous wine and cocktail list certainly adds to the experience, too.
31/F, V Point, 18 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay, +852 2603 7181
Credit: Cardinal Point
Credit: Cardinal Point
Tucked away at the top of The Landmark’s Forty-Five dining complex, this sky-high bar is a relatively new addition to Hong Kong’s bar scene and a date night winner. On fireworks nights, it’s also a perfect location to catch the show over a couple of cocktails, way off the ground.
Forty-Five, Gloucester Tower Landmark, Central, +852 3501 8560
Credit: East Hotel
Credit: East Hotel
Credit: East Hotel
Located in EAST Hotel, this low-key rooftop bar is a popular spot among residents seeking panoramic views of Victoria Harbour. It offers great cocktails and an unbeatable vantage point. You’ll want to get in early as, fireworks or not, the couches on the terrace fill up quickly.
32/F, East, 29 Taikoo Shing Road, Taikoo Shing, +852 3968 3738
Credit: Aqua Spirit
Credit: Aqua Spirit
Prefer to escape the heat? Head indoors to Aqua Spirit , a harbourfront restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui best known for its sweeping windows looking onto the Hong Kong skyline. On special occasions like New Year’s Eve, people pack in to party through the night and watch the displays unfold away from the crowds – and more importantly, in air-conditioned comfort.
17/F, H Zentre, 15 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, +852 3427 2288
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our guide to Hong Kong’s best rooftop bars.