Hong Kong will celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China on October 1 with various activities and offerings for both locals and visitors.
The National Day “golden week” holiday in mainland China, which lasts from October 1 to 7, is expected to attract approximately 1.29 million visitors from across the border. However, residents of Hong Kong will have only one public holiday during this period, which falls on Thursday.
The South China Morning Post lists the discounts and perks available during the celebration.
1. What major activities are being held?
First, a flag-raising ceremony will be held at 8am at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, attended by officials and community leaders and followed by a fly-past and a sea parade by the disciplined services. No public viewing area will be set up.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club will then host a themed race at the Sha Tin Racecourse, with free admission for the public from 11.45am.
Hong Kong will stage a 23-minute fireworks display over Victoria Harbour at 8pm.
The HK$18 million (US$2.3 million) extravaganza will launch 31,888 pyrotechnic shells from nine firing points on three barges and six floating pontoons. Visitors can view the spectacle from several vantage points along the Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai waterfronts.
2. What transport offers are available?
The MTR Corporation will give away 77,000 electronic single-journey rides through a lucky draw on October 1. The public can also enjoy free rides on all passenger tram routes and several ferry routes of the Star Ferry and Fortune Ferry on that day.
Children using designated payment methods can ride most daytime franchised bus routes of KMB, Long Win Bus, Citybus and New Lantao Bus for free.
Greater Bay Airlines will offer a 23 per cent discount on original fares for all non-charter routes during the promotion period.
The Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Hong Kong Space Museum will also close early at 5pm on October 1 ahead of the fireworks display.
3. Are there deals for entertainment?
All commercial cinemas will sell tickets at half-price on October 1. Free admission will also be offered on the same day at several facilities and exhibitions in museums run by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, and the Hong Kong Wetland Park.
The Police Souvenir Gallery, Hong Kong International Airport, Science Park, the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, the West Kowloon Cultural District, the HKTDC Design Gallery, and various shopping centres and department stores will also roll out offers on dining, consumption, parking and other perks.
MTR shopping centres will give away 77,000 gifts and e-coupons to celebrate National Day.
The Ngong Ping 360 cable car attraction and Ocean Park will offer ticket discounts, while The Peak Tram and Madame Tussauds Hong Kong will give out souvenirs to ticket holders.
4. What’s in store for foodies?
More than 3,800 restaurants and catering businesses will provide dining promotions to celebrate the anniversary.
Offers include meal sets at 30 per cent off, fresh food items such as vegetable packs for HK$7 at food market stalls, crispy chicken for HK$10 a piece, buy-one-get-one-free bun deals and 30 per cent discounts at several hotels.
Multiple brands under the Tai Hing Group – including Tai Hing, Men Wah Bing Teng and Asam Chicken Rice – will offer a 30 per cent discount on all dine-in bills throughout the day.
Other fast food chains such as Cafe de Coral, Maxim’s restaurants and Spaghetti House have also offered different combinations of deals.
Several hotels – including Harbour Grand Hong Kong in North Point, the Ocean Park Fullerton hotel in Aberdeen, the Regal Hotel Group, Shangri-La Hotel Group and Nina hotels – are offering discounts for dine-in customers at their lounges, cafes and restaurants.
