Hong Kong’s Golden Week – what you need to know

With an anticipated influx of over 800,000 mainland tourists and approximately 5.9 million people crossing the border checkpoints during the Golden Week, Hong Kong has taken measures to ensure a seamless experience for all visitors. Here’s all you need to know about what Hong Kong has in its itinerary and what it has done to prepare for this Golden Week.

The Hong Kong Fireworks and Light Show is still tentative

Hong Kong plans to present a fireworks show on Victoria Harbour on Labor Day. The fireworks and the pyrotechnic display will come alive at the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade at 8 p.m. on May 1. The show should last for around 10 minutes, filling the air with bursts of vibrant colors and dazzling lights. As for the light show, keep your eyes peeled for the iconic initials “HK,” illuminating the Victoria Harbour, and a smiley face that graces the evening sky. 

John Lee visits districts to mark the holiday 

The Federation of Trade Unions has decided to forego its traditional Labor Day march and instead focus on meaningful visits and events. So to connect with frontline workers and better understand their needs, the Federation is arranging district visits for the city's chief executive, John Lee, so that he can engage directly with workers on the ground. The aim is to foster a deeper appreciation for the value and dignity of labor.

In line with their commitment to representing the interests of their around 400,000 members, the Federation also filed a petition reflecting their demands at the Central Government offices on Saturday. In addition, the Federation and Kowloon Labour Unions have taken the initiative to organize a forum centered around occupational safety, replacing the traditional march. By hosting this forum, they seek to raise awareness and promote a culture of safety in the workplace.

More quotas on cross-boundary coach operators 

There has been an additional 40% quota for cross-border bus operators. For May 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8, the frequency of the Lok Ma Chau - Huanggang shuttle bus (Yellow Bus) and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) shuttle bus (Gold Bus) will be increased. Additionally, the short-haul cross-boundary coach service operating between Wan Chai and Huanggang Port will introduce a temporary pick-up point at Connaught Road Central, near World Wide House.

Extention of transportation services 

There are new transportation arrangements to look out for this Golden Week: 

• MTR
  • Train services will be enhanced on May 1, 4 and 5. 
  • To facilitate the increase in tourists attending the concerts at Central Harbourfront Eventspace, there will be 540 extra train trips. 
  • From May 1 - 5, train services will be enhanced for the Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Kwun Tong Line, South Island Line, Tung Chung Line, Disney Resort Line and Tuen Ma. 
  • There is also an extension of the departure time of the last train from Admiralty to Lo Wu station. The last train time will depart at 11:32 p.m.
  • However, the departure times for trains from Lo Wu to Admiralty and to or from Lok Ma Chau will remain unchanged. 
• Citybus 
  • If you’re a bus chaser, there are special routes (18R, 976R and A11R) that will operate on May 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8. 
  • Here are some facts about each route 
    • 18R
      • Destination: Heng Fa Chuen 
      • Boarding: Man Kwong Street near Central Ferry Pier No.8 or Lung Wo Road, opposite Central Barracks
      • Stops: North Point, Tai Koo, Sai Wan Ho, Chai Wan, Siu Sai Wan 
      • Price: HK$20.10
    • 976R 
      • Destination: Lok Ma Chau (San Tin Public Transport Interchange)
      • Boarding: Man Kwong Street near Central Ferry Pier No.6 or Lung Wo Road, opposite Central Barracks
      • Stops: Western Harbour Crossing BusBus Interchange, Tai Lam Tunnel Toll Plaza, Ko Po, Riva, Park Yoho
      • Price: HK$47.20
    • A11R
      • Destination: Airport (via Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge) 
      • Boarding: Man Kwong Street near Central Ferry Pier No.6 or Lung Wo Road, opposite Central Barracks
      • Stops: Lantau Link Bus-Bus Interchange, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, Hong Kong Port
      • Price: HK$47.10
• Kowloon Motor Bus
  • The special routes that will run on May 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 are 160R, 168R and 178R
  • All these routes will board either from Central Ferry Piers Bus Terminus or Lung Wu Road, opposite Central Barracks
  • Here are the destination points for each of these routes:
    • 160R
      • Destination: Hung Shui (via Tuen Mun) 
    • 168R
      • Destination: Yuen Long (West) 
    • 178R 
      • Destination: Luen Wo Hui, Fanling (via Sheung Shui)