A Symphony of Lights in Hong Kong
A Symphony of Lights is a daily light and sound show in Hong Kong. It is the world's largest permanent light and sound show according to Guinness World Records. As of 2017, there are 42 participating buildings in the show. It has become a symbol of Hong Kong, showing the vitality and charming night view of the city.
English Name: A Symphony of Lights
Chinese Name: 幻彩咏香江
Attraction Type: Light and Music Show, Hong Kong Night Life
Best Time to Visit: whole year except several day
Recommended Visiting Time: about 14 minutes
Admission Fee: Free
Address in English: Buildings that lie on the sides of the Victoria Harbour.
Address in Chinese: 维多利亚港两岸的建筑
Why is A Symphony of Lights so Special?
A Symphony of Lights is a daily light and sound show in Hong Kong. It is the world’s largest permanent light and sound show according to Guinness World Records. As of 2017, there are 42 participating buildings in the show. It has become a symbol of Hong Kong, showing the vitality and charming night view of the city.
Where is A Symphony of Lights?
Buildings that lie on the sides of the Victoria Harbour. The show is organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board and is displayed every night with good weather at 8 pm Hong Kong Time (UTC+8).
How to Get There?
- Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and the Avenue of Stars: MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Station, Exit L6. Follow the signs and walk for around five minutes.
- Golden Bauhinia Square: MTR Wan Chai Station, Exit A5. Follow the signs, take the skybridge to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, and head for the Golden Bauhinia Square.
- A favourite vantage point for viewing the show is from a boat on the harbour. Check out these harbour cruises for ideas.
Themes of A Symphony of Lights
Special pyrotechnic fireworks will be added to the show on the rooftop of participating buildings on both sides of the harbour or stages off at the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. They are used on special events or holidays, like Chinese New Year and Christmas.
The First Scene
“Awakening” begins with flashes of laser lights that give life to a nucleus of light-energy which gradually illuminates participating buildings using an array of dancing lights and rainbow colour. This scene symbolises the genesis and powerful growth of Hong Kong.
The Second Scene
“Energy” is represented by the display of rising colour patterns and the sweeping of the lasers and searchlights energetically across the night sky, signifying the vibrant energy of Hong Kong.
The Third Scene
“Heritage“, traditional lucky red and gold colours are displayed across buildings on both sides of the Harbour, complemented by the introduction of music using Chinese musical instruments, symbolising Hong Kong’s colourful heritage and rich cultural traditions.
The Fourth Scene
“Partnership” features a display of laser beams and sweeping searchlights scanning across the Harbour, representing an illuminated connection with the opposite side. Beams reach out to symbolically connect the two sides of the Harbour into one greater and unified partnership.
The Finale Scene
“Celebration” brings out a powerful rhythmic display of swirling, kaleidoscopic patterns of lights and beams dancing lively across the Harbour. The exciting final scene signifies the celebration of the close partnership between the two sides of the Harbour and represents an even brighter future for Asia’s world city – Hong Kong.
Best Vantage Points
The best vantage points include the “Avenue of Stars” on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, on the waterfront promenade outside the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai and on sightseeing ferries (i.e. Star Ferry) running across the Victoria Harbour.
Suspension of Performance
- Tropical cyclone warning signal No. 3 or above, red or black rainstorm warning issued by the Hong Kong Observatory at or after 3 p.m.
- Mourning Day:
- May 19-21 for Wenchuan earthquake (May 19-21, 2008);
April 21 for Yushu earthquake (April 21, 2010)
August 15 for Zhouqu debris flow (August 15, 2010)
August 24-26 for Hostage incident in Manila (August 24-26, 2010)
October 4-6 for Lamma Island collision (October 4-6, 2012)
February 13 for Rollover of double decker bus on Tai Po Road (February 13, 2018)
