Hong Kong Unveils National Day Perks, Expects 1.29 Million Mainland Visitors

Hong Kong will mark October 1 with official ceremonies and a package of visitor and local perks as the city prepares for the National Day “golden week” travel period from mainland China.

What is being celebrated

The city will celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China on October 1.

The offerings are aimed at both locals and visitors, with the city rolling out an array of deals during the celebration period.

These include half-price movie tickets and discounts for attractions, while the headline offerings also refer to fireworks, free rides and dining deals.

Mainland visitor rush expected

The National Day “golden week” holiday in mainland China runs from October 1 to 7.

About 1.29 million visitors from across the border are expected to come to Hong Kong during the period.

Hongkongers, however, will have only one public holiday during that stretch, on Thursday.

That contrast matters because the city is preparing for a longer mainland holiday window while local residents get a single public holiday within the same period.

Flag-raising, fly-past and sea parade

A flag-raising ceremony will be held at 8am at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai.

Officials and community leaders will attend the ceremony.

It will be followed by a fly-past and a sea parade by the disciplined services.

No public viewing area will be set up for the ceremony.

Source: South China Morning Post