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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 06 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Lee Cobaj

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.

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

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:

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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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

Website >
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

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

Interior of the temple, filled with lanterns, incense spirals, and bamboo beams
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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Row of souvenir shops with red lanterns
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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