National Day in Hong Kong SAR China

Meaning and local significance

National Day commemorates the proclamation of the People’s Republic of China on 1 October 1949. For Hong Kong, the date is observed as an occasion to mark that anniversary; the Hong Kong SAR Government says it celebrates the day with the public and promotes patriotism and national pride through activities and publicity programmes.[3]

The local programme can include events in different districts as well as territory-wide ceremonies. The Government has described district celebrations as having local characteristics, so the activities are not limited to one central venue.[3]

Ceremonies and public events

A prominent ceremony takes place at Golden Bauhinia Square beside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. The square holds daily flag-raising ceremonies, and its National Day ceremony includes the Police Band playing the national anthem, disciplined-services honour guards, a sea parade and a fly-past.[4]

The Government has also identified a National Day reception, flag-raising ceremony, variety show and fireworks display among its annual large-scale celebrations. District offices and councils may organise their own events, and the exact programme can vary.[3]

Fireworks have been staged over Victoria Harbour, with viewing locations on both sides of the harbour. When a display is scheduled, officials announce event arrangements and crowd-management measures; consult current government notices before making plans.[5]

Holiday status and substitute days

Under the General Holidays Ordinance, general holidays are days on which banks, educational establishments, public offices and government departments need not open. National Day is fixed on 1 October; if that date falls on a Sunday, the following day is observed as the general holiday.[1] A Saturday does not by itself create an additional general holiday.[1]

National Day is also a statutory holiday under the Employment Ordinance. All employees are entitled to statutory holidays, regardless of length of service. An employer may require an employee to work on a statutory holiday with at least 48 hours’ notice, but must arrange an alternative holiday; statutory holiday pay is due to qualifying employees employed under a continuous contract for at least three months.[2]

The employee rule is separate from the general-holiday calendar. If a statutory holiday falls on an employee’s rest day, the employer must grant a holiday on the next day that is not itself a statutory holiday, alternative holiday, substituted holiday or rest day.[2]

What to expect around town

Government offices, banks and educational establishments generally observe the general holiday, although the law permits government departments to open when public service or convenience requires it.[1] The statutory holiday gives employees a day off entitlement, but some may be rostered to work under the alternative-holiday rules.[2]

The general-holiday definition does not require every shop, restaurant or private business to close. Opening hours are set by individual businesses, so check directly if you have a particular place in mind.[1]

Crowds and traffic restrictions can affect areas around large public celebrations. For a past National Day fireworks display, police announced phased road closures and diversions on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon until crowds dispersed.[5] Check official transport and event notices for the day’s arrangements rather than assuming usual routes or schedules.[5]