Chinese New Year is fast approaching and since fireworks are banned in most places in Mainland China, Hong Kong is where people go to catch splendid firework displays. Usually, there’s a display on New Year’s Eve and also Chinese New Year. This year, the Chinese New Year show is going to be on January 29 at 8:00 PM.
You can catch the views from either side of the Victoria Harbor. The problem is… there’s usually a crush of people waiting to see the show as well. If you want a good spot along the waterfront, you have to stand there for hours before the show to reserve your place. In some extreme cases, people reserve their places as early as in the morning.
If you want to avoid the crush and enjoy the fireworks while celebrating with your friends, there are several ways to do it. I’ve researched some options last year when I was planning to catch the show so I’d like to share them with you.
OPTION 1: SPLURGE
If you have lots of cash to burn, then you can book a room or dine at one of the luxury hotels and restaurants by the harbor. For instance, Intercontinental Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui usually has some special offers during Chinese New Year. Moreover, it boasts an incredible view of the harbor. This way, you can comfortably watch the fireworks while enjoying a delicious meal, relaxing at the comforts of your own room, or drinking at one of Hong Kong’s best rooftop bars.
Budget for two people: Around HKD2,500
OPTION 2: COMFORT ON A BUDGET
For something a bit more affordable, you can book a Chinese New Year cruise with your friends. I haven’t tried this yet, but I think this could be interesting. Since you will be in the water, you will have an unmatched view of the fireworks since no buildings will be blocking your view. Based on some reviews, though, it seems that the food on these cruises is not so good so better just get the cheapest one and dine somewhere else.
Budget for one person: HKD145-500 (depending on the package you choose)
OPTION 3: SUPER SAVER (My choice)
Find a friend who lives in an apartment building with a rooftop view of the harbor. This way, you can all just go to the rooftop, have your own little private party, and enjoy the view FOR FREE! Fortunately for me, I had a friend staying in an apartment in Hung Hom with an accessible rooftop that was rarely used. The best (or scary) part is that there’s a billboard attached to the side where you can climb to get a better view of the harbor.
Budget: It depends! Bring booze and food to share! 😀
And so, I spent last year’s Chinese New Year watching the fireworks whilst drinking wine and standing against a giant billboard on the rooftop of a multi-story apart building. I actually have a slight fear of heights so my adrenaline was on overdrive the whole time. It was exhilarating and the view was gorgeous. Although some buildings were blocking our view, it lent a more interesting look to our photos because you can also see the skyline.
Do you have other tips about the best places to watch the firework displays in Hong Kong? Let me know in the comments section!
Wow you had a really nice view, it looks gorgeous with the city lights !
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Yes, it was a great spot and we only had to spend to buy a bottle of wine! 😉
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Now that is what I called perfect view. A view like that and some drink oh yeah perfect New Year. The city light are so gorgeous as well.
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That’s right! A view like this deserves a bottle of wine. 🙂
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It sure does.
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Wow, the fireworks in Hong Kong look really amazing at night. I think splurging once in a while will be all worth it especially when in the company of your loved ones.
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Yes, it’s also nice to splurge on special occasions 🙂
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These are all gorgeous suggestions! I immediately thought of Victoria Peak when I saw this post. So cool! 😀
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That would also be a nice vantage point, but you’ll need super zoom lenses to take better photos 😉
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Be careful when climbing those billboards! Is it safe? Anyway, looking forward to see your fireworks photos.
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Yep, it’s more or less safe coz they intentionally added that area for maintenance people. 😄
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I think I’d just opt for a private rooftop. It’ll be more fun with friends. I wonder if going into the higher peaks of Hong Kong could also give you a good view. I remember I had a good view of HK along their trails.
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Maybe from Victoria Peak, but it will be a bit far I think so you can barely see.
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Sounds like great options. Even in London, when the New Year fireworks happen at London Eye, all the buildings and hotels all around it are just filled or have a sky-rocketing price tag on them and usually they’re completely booked!
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Wow! Fireworks are banned in my city so witnessing this kind of show is really wonderful for me. The rooftop is a great idea. It’s free and you don’t need to worry about your length of stay.
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Singapore has firework every year during Chinese New Year and it is beautiful too. Until now havent got the chance to visit Hong Kong during CNY but it is looking worth visiting.
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I have been in Hongkong on a Chinese New Year in my childhood. For me, I remember the very cold weather more than the fireworks. I am sure the fireworks looks so different and more fancy nowadays.
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Hong Kong is one of my must to go places, well… China in general, especially during the Chinese New Year, I know that it is an extraordinary event.
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CNY must be a very big festival in HK. I didn’t know about the fireworks for CNY. In Singapore too we have loads of celebrations going on for the chinese New Year.
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Reblogged this on Smile Circulation and commented:
Beautiful post
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:O Ohh this is so cool!!
I hope to pass the Chinese New Year there someday too!! I wrote about the Chinese New Year today in my blog, because seems like we have the hugest party out of China around here in São Paulo/Brazil. ❤ ❤
I've been to China in 2011, really liked Hong Kong but didn't had much time to know the city since I was going to Beijing.
really liked it!! 🙂
https://thefacelessbook.wordpress.com/2017/01/27/the-biggest-celebration-of-chinese-new-year-out-of-china-is-here-in-my-city-sao-paulo/
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Wow, I like your suggestions~ During CNY, I will go to Malaysia and do my own lighting up of fireworks too… haha, it beats any amount of official fireworks because the thrill is different!
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