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With October 1 marking National Day and the 77th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong is rolling out a raft of discounts, free transport options, and celebratory activities across the city. Whether you intend to brave the harbourfront for the dazzling fireworks or simply want to catch a film on the cheap, here’s a guide to all the special offers you can take advantage of on the day.
Flag raising and fireworks
Early risers can head down to Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai for the official flag-raising ceremony at 8am, or save the celebration for later in the evening with the annual National Day fireworks display kicking off at 8pm. Featuring more than 30,000 firing shells, the show runs for 23 minutes and can be viewed free of charge from both sides of the harbour, including Tsim Sha Tsui, Mid-Levels, Central, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, and Hung Hom.
Getting around town
Those who are going to be out and about will get to enjoy a handful of transportation perks:
- Free rides on all trams across Hong Kong Island throughout the day
- MTR is giving away 77,000 free single-journey passes via a digital lucky draw between 9am and 6pm on its mobile app
- Free rides on selected Star Ferry and Fortune Ferry routes
- Children using designated payment methods can board most daytime franchised bus routes on KMB, Long Win Bus, Citybus, and New Lantao Bus free of charge
- Up to 23 per cent discount on Greater Bay Airlines flights to selected destinations from now to October 11, 2026
Cinema discounts
If you prefer to spend the day indoors, all commercial cinemas in Hong Kong are cutting ticket prices by 50 percent on October 1.
Cultural venues and tourist spots
While ballot deadlines for booking Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) sports facilities have already passed, all public swimming pools are free to enter on the day with no prior application needed (subject to capacity). A number of exhibitions at LCSD museums, as well as the Hong Kong Wetland Park, are also opening up for free.
Outside government venues, both Sha Tin Racecourse and Happy Valley Racecourse are opening their public enclosures for free, while Ngong Ping 360 and Ocean Park Hong Kong are both offering ticket discounts.
Dining deals
Over 3,800 dining venues, hotel restaurants, and casual eateries are knocking up to 30 percent off selected menus and set meals, including major restaurant chains like Tai Hing, Café de Coral, and Spaghetti House. Hotel dining rooms at properties such as Harbour Grand Hong Kong, The Fullerton Ocean Park, Kowloon Shangri-La, and Regal Hotel Group are also running slashed rates and promotional packages across the holiday.
For info on things happening around Hong Kong throughout the National Day Golden Week, head to discoverhongkong.com for more.
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