Hong Kong’s New Year’s Eve fireworks break records with “Magic Stardust” to ring in the new year

Simulated illustration of the 2018 high-altitude New Year’s Eve fireworks over Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong. (Image / Hong Kong Tourism Board)

Simulated illustration of the 2018 high-altitude New Year’s Eve fireworks over Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong. (Image / Hong Kong Tourism Board)

Simulated illustration of the 2018 high-altitude New Year’s Eve fireworks over Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong. (Image / Hong Kong Tourism Board)

The annual New Year’s Eve fireworks show is also a moment when countries compete to capture international attention. The high-altitude New Year’s Eve fireworks over Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour are among the most eye-catching countdown parties in Asia. With a flight time of less than two hours from Taiwan, celebrating New Year’s in Hong Kong is also on the list of many people's plans to welcome 2018.

This year’s Victoria Harbour fireworks have set several impressive records. The pyrotechnic display, combining music with light and sound effects, is expected to last around 10 minutes, with the overall visual span increased by more than 35% compared to last year—making it the largest-scale event in the event’s history. Fireworks will be launched from the waters of Victoria Harbour and the rooftops of multiple skyscrapers, with layers of bursts at varying heights creating a dazzling and vibrant spectacle. The exterior wall of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, one of the city’s iconic landmarks, will also display the giant numerals “2018,” blending the stunning night view with the brilliant fireworks to ensure everyone enjoys a great start to 2018.

This year marks the first time that award-winning European fireworks have been introduced for Victoria Harbour’s New Year’s Eve show. Designed with the concept of fairies scattering sparkling stardust across the night sky of Hong Kong Harbour, the display presents a “Magic Stardust” performance to deliver New Year’s blessings—another first in the event’s history. Due to the vast area covered by the fireworks, visitors won’t have to worry about finding the perfect spot to enjoy the show. Prime viewing locations in Hong Kong Island and Kowloon for the evening include: Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, the coastal area near the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, Central Promenade, the area around piers 9 and 10 in Central, and Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai—all offering excellent vantage points.