A Symphony of Lights, Hong Kong
One of the most iconic parts of Hong Kong is the Symphony of Lights. Through its five Themes (Awakening, Energy, Heritage, Partnership, and Celebration), it walks spectators through the territory’s history, cultural diversity, and vibrant energy as well as the richness of its heritage and the unified partnership of both sides of the harbor. It’s a must-see when you visit Hong Kong and, thankfully, catching the show isn’t difficult so you can easily include it in your itinerary.
When and Where Does It Take Place?
The Symphony of Lights takes place in Victoria Harbor and involves more than 40 buildings on both sides of the harbor. You can see it from almost every part of the city, although there are several places that offer the best possible view.
One of these vantage points is the Avenue of Stars, which is located on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. Sightseeing ferries that cross Victoria Harbor also offer excellent views of the spectacle, so it would be advantageous if you could grab a ride on one.
The Symphony of Lights happens every day at 8:00 P.M. (UTC+8). The event is canceled only when the Hong Kong Observatory declares a Red or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal Number 3 (or above) at 3:00 P.M. onwards. National emergencies can also cause the suspension of the event.
What Should You Expect?
Regular firework shows pale in comparison to the Symphony of Lights. Tagged as the largest permanent light and sound show in the world by the Guinness World Records, the Symphony combines laser lights, pyrotechnics, and music — all rolled into one fantastic and breathtaking spectacle that lasts for 13 minutes. The show is even more impressive during Christmas, Chinese New Year, and other holidays since special fireworks are added to the list.
The eye-catching lights and pyrotechnics will surely grab your attention, and just watching them is more than enough to blow your mind. But, if you want, you can also listen to the live narration that accompanies the spectacle at the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront or at the outdoor area near the Golden Bauhinia Square.
The narration is available in English on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, while it’s spoken in Mandarin on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Sundays are reserved for Cantonese narration. If you get a local mobile phone during your stay in Hong Kong, you can dial 35-665-665 to listen to the English narration or 35-665-668 for the Mandarin narration (mobile service charges will apply).
The spectacle usually attracts large crowds, so you’ll want to arrive a few minutes early to grab a great vantage point. Take note that the Symphony of Lights is completely free to the public, and you don’t need to buy an admission ticket to enjoy it. Be wary of people who approach you and ask if you’d like a Symphony of Lights ticket!
Include the Symphony of Lights in Your Itinerary
If you’re booking a Hong Kong holiday package, you won’t need to make special preparations to enjoy the Symphony of Lights during your stay. Just find a great vantage point that lets you clearly see the lights and fireworks and listen to the narration, and you can easily enjoy the spectacular 13-minute show that will make your Hong Kong trip more memorable.