Best spots to watch the Hong Kong New Year's Eve fireworks extravaganza from
Bigger and better is the name of the name as the display area will be enlarged by 35 per cent
This year's fireworks show promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with music produced by local music director Chiu Tsang-hei and fireworks specially shipped in from Europe, said the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
The pyrotechnics will be displayed along a 1.1km area along Victoria Harbour and will last 10 minutes. To get your money’s worth, here are some of the best spots to view them from and how to get there.
Kowloon side
Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront
Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront by the Cultural Centre will be open to the public, but you'll have to fight for a spot.
East Tsim Sha Tsui station is the best stop to get there from. Get out at exit L6 or J, or you can head to Tsim Sha Tsui station and get out at exit E.
Hung Hom bypass
The Hung Hom Bypass between Salisbury Road and Hung Hom Road will be closed to vehicles on New Year's Eve, so if you want to see the fireworks but don't want to go to the most crowded spots, that's always an option. To get there, go to Hung Hom station, get out at exit D and the bypass is just a 15-minute walk away.
Harbour City carpark
The Harbour City Carpark at Ocean Terminal is another great place to get a clear view of the fireworks. Even though not everyone and their mother knows about this spot, it's still packed every year. Worth keeping in mind if you're going to claim a spot there for the show. Watch out for cars, though!
Fei Ngo Shan
If you're willing to work a little for amazing views and don't mind being further away, Fei Ngo Shan at Ma On Shan Country Park offers a worthy vantage point. Be warned though, unless you are prepared to hike up a mountain, this is not an easy one to get to. The start of the trail is by Diamond Hill MTR station exit C, but tread carefully during the 2.5 hour hike and remember to layer up and bring lots of snacks and water.
Hong Kong Island
Central harbourfront
The Central harbourfront can be accessed via either Hong Kong station exit A or Central Station exit A2 - simply follow the signs to the ferry pier. Unfortunately, the Observation Wheel will not be extending their opening hours past 11pm on New Year's Eve, so that's not an option, but the piers offer lots of space!
Golden Bauhinia Square
An alternative would be Golden Bauhinia Square near the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. However, it is a moderately long walk (20 minutes) from Wan Chai MTR station. If you don't mind the walk, head over from exit A5.
Tamar Park
Tamar Park near Admiralty Station Exit A offers open lawn areas for those who prefer watching the fireworks while laying on soft grass and relaxing. Bring a picnic.
IFC Mall
The IFC mall in Central is another "free" spot from which to watch the fireworks, but you risk getting shoo'ed.
The Peak
The Peak on Hong Kong Island is perhaps the highest spot from which to watch the fireworks. And, don't worry, the Peak Tram is running until 1am on January 1.
All MTR lines, including the light rail (with the exception of the Airport Express and the Disneyland Resort line) will run thoughout the early hours of the morning on Monday, January 1. So if you have any post-midnight gatherings, don’t worry about getting stranded.
Finally, if you’re not a fan of going out, the fireworks will also be broadcast live on TVB Jade.
Top tips
- Want the best spots? Get there early.
- Bring snacks and water if you plan on camping (or camping out) at a good vantage point.
- Be ready for crowds.
- Be flexible, some of the above routes might be closed last-minute or only restricted to one direction due to crowd management.
- Check the weather before you head out.
Edited by Jamie Lam