Hong Kong, or the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, celebrates its National Day consistent with the date of activities in China. Since 1949, China designated the 1st of October as the date of its National Day. Just recently, Hong Kong joined China in acknowledging October 1st as its National Day. Hong Kong was under British rule from 1841 to 1997. It was then given back to China after an agreement had been signed.

Today, everyone across the People’s Republic of China joins in the National Day celebrations on the 1st of October every year. Mainland China celebrates it for three days. Macau holds celebrations for two days, while Hong Kong has one day to mark the event.

Here is everything you need to know about National Day in Hong Kong.

Table of Contents

• Is National Day in Hong Kong a public holiday?
• History of National Day in Hong Kong
• Hong Kong National Day Activities and Celebrations
• Past and Future Observances of National Day in Hong Kong

Is National Day in Hong Kong a public holiday?

The National Day in Hong Kong, in accordance with the National Day of the People’s Republic of China, is a public holiday. Government offices, schools, and most businesses are closed on the 1st of October.

History of National Day in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China. For this reason, it shares history with the mainland region. The People’s Republic of China was founded on October 1, 1949 at Tiananmen Square. Led by the Central People’s Government, the People’s Republic of China officially declared October 1 as its National Day.

Hong Kong was placed under British rule from 1841 to 1997. For 156 years, it had been ruled by Britain before being returned back to China. As Hong Kong made its own path after many years of dependence on the British, it embraced the start of the Golden Week in the People’s Republic of China.

Hong Kong National Day Activities and Celebrations

The National Day celebrations in Hong Kong take place on the first day (October 1) of the Golden Weeks in China. The government and its citizens organize various activities, such as concerts, fireworks displays, and cultural shows.

In Hong Kong, the highlight of the celebrations are the fireworks displays at Victoria Harbour. At 9:00 p.m. on October 1st, the skies  light up in a grand fireworks spectacle. Families and tourists wait on the shores of Victoria Harbour for this lovely pyro show.

Aside from the fireworks, the National Day Cup is another highlight of the Hong Kong festivities. Held at Sha Tin Racecourse, the National Day Cup is attended by around 40,000 visitors and contributes significant revenue to the economy.

Past and Future Observances of National Day in Hong Kong

Below are the past and future observances of the National Day in Hong Kong: