The Upper House
Hong Kong, China[0.6 miles]
A sleek, high-end design hotel on Hong Kong Island, with superlative Victoria Harbour views and one of the city’s best cocktail bars.
Official star rating:
Bucket list experience:
Symphony of Lights
Hong Kong, China
Last updated: 06 November, 2022
Every night at 8pm – on the dot – the Hong Kong cityscape lights up in a blaze of colour. The multi-media extravaganza, first begun in 2004, encompasses 39 buildings along both sides of the harbour, using gigantic LED screens, laser beams and flashing lights.
The show is choreographed with a classical music soundtrack, which can be downloaded from the free Symphony of Lights app.
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Destination Guide >Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
Frequency: daily
When: 8pm daily
Duration: 10 minutes
Getting there & doing it
There are a number of fantastic vantage points to enjoy the show from the street, including the Bauhania Square waterfront promenade in Admiralty and the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront in Kowloon, outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and along the Avenue of Stars.
Or you can opt to watch over drinks at one of Hong Kong’s many rooftop bars. Try Sevva – this swish rooftop bar in Central has IMAX views of the HSBC bank building, which puts on a stunning multi-coloured display during the show.
Other, more imaginative locations to watch include taking a night cruise on the Star Ferry, the traditional Aqua Luna junk or from the viewpoint at the top of Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island.
When to do it
The show performs nightly at 8pm, come rain or shine – it even looks good in the rain.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
Hong Kong, China[1 miles]
A regular on list of the world’s best hotels, the Mandarin Oriental sits at the heart of Hong Kong, both socially and geographically, and is the place to come for everything from afternoon tea to pre-dinner cocktails.
Official star rating:
The Murray
Hong Kong, China[1 miles]
A fabulous five-star hotel with spacious outdoor terraces – a rarity in Hong Kong – and perfectly placed for hitting the city’s top attractions. The Peak Tram is literally on the doorstep.
Official star rating:
Four Seasons Hong Kong
Hong Kong, China[1.3 miles]
Experience the harbour high life at Hong Kong’s swankiest five-star favourite with exceptional dining and a spectacular infinity pool that appears to flow directly into the harbour.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Hong Kong
China
One of the world’s most extraordinary cities, where rippling mountains, a kaleidoscopic waterfront and futuristic architecture merge with fabulous food, sizzling nightlife and top shopping.
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Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Boat tours of Victoria Harbour
Hong Kong, China[0 miles]
Cruise across Hong Kong’s famous harbour, ringed by skyscrapers, for a stunning perspective on the city. Opt for the iconic Star Ferry, a traditional red-sail junk or a luxury dinner cruise.
Best for ages: 4+ | £3 | 1+ hours
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Overview >
Aqua Luna
Hong Kong, China[1.2 miles]
This cinematic junk boat, complete with stiff fan sails, is the most stylish way to cruise Hong Kong’s mesmerising harbour.
Best for ages: 12+ | £23 | 45+ mins
Horse racing at Happy Valley
Hong Kong , China[1.7 miles]
Millions of dollars, thousands of spectators and thrilling entertainment – Hong Kong’s legendary racecourse is a cultural experience like no other.
Best for ages: 18+ | £1 | 2-3 hours
Chinese Opera
Hong Kong, China[2.2 miles]
Head to the landmark Xiqu Theatre to experience this uniquely Chinese performing art – either a full four-hour extravaganza or a shortened 90-minute version with dim sum.
Best for ages: 18+ | £25 | 1 or 4 hours
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Hong Kong Museum of Art
Hong Kong, China[1.3 miles]
Hong Kong’s premier art museum houses an outstanding collection of traditional and modern Chinese art, set against the spectacular backdrop of Victoria Harbour.
Best for ages: 18+ | £1
Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage & Arts
Hong Kong, China[1.5 miles]
A beautifully restored, British-era police station which is now a vibrant arts and heritage hub, packed with fascinating exhibitions and great places to eat and drink.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Experience
Man Mo Temple
Hong Kong, China[1.9 miles]
Hong Kong’s oldest temple is also its most atmospheric, with lavish interiors hung strung about with gigantic coils of beehive incense. A unique glimpse of the traditional side of the city.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
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Overview >
Experience
Antique and souvenir shopping on Cat Street
Hong Kong, China[2 miles]
Formally known as Upper Lascar Road, Cat Street is the place to buy genuine antiques, as well as pretty souvenirs and artsy trinkets.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
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Overview >