As Hong Kong welcomes 1.5 million Chinese mainland visitors this National Day Golden Week, the city’s transformation into a cultural and tourism powerhouse takes on profound significance. This week’s celebrations represent more than patriotic fervor — they embody Hong Kong’s renewed confidence and strategic positioning within the nation’s development blueprint. The comprehensive offerings, from free tram rides to museum exhibitions, reflect a city that understands its dual role — as a proud component of China’s national story, and as an international gateway that enhances the country’s global standing.
The anticipated 10 percent surge in National Day visitors over the golden week, matching 2018’s peak of 1.52 million, signals something deeper than economic recovery. It demonstrates the enduring bond between Hong Kong and the mainland, a relationship strengthened rather than weakened by recent challenges. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s fourth Policy Address, strategically timed before the celebrations, outlines how Hong Kong will leverage this unique position to become the “East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange” — a vision that serves both national interests and global engagement.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government’s collaboration with over 1,000 businesses to offer National Day promotions reveals sophisticated coordination rarely seen elsewhere. Singapore’s National Day celebrations, while impressive, lack the scale of private-sector participation Hong Kong achieves. The MTR’s distribution of 76,000 free rides specifically on Oct 1 — symbolically matching the 76th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China — demonstrated attention to meaningful detail that resonates with patriotic sentiment while delivering tangible benefits.
This National Day’s significance extends beyond symbolism when viewed against Hong Kong’s ambitious cultural and tourism agenda. The timing of major infrastructure announcements, including 600 additional yacht berths and the Kai Tak Sports Park’s positioning for mega-events, sends a clear message: Hong Kong’s future prosperity is intricately linked with national development. The November hosting of the 15th National Games, immediately following the October celebrations, creates momentum that transforms patriotic enthusiasm into sustained economic activity.
The focus on Muslim tourism, with halal-certified restaurants nearly doubling ahead of National Day, exemplifies strategic thinking. As China deepens ties with Middle Eastern nations through the Belt and Road Initiative, Hong Kong positions itself as the ideal entry point for Muslim travelers exploring the mainland. The Mastercard-CrescentRating report projects that the Muslim travel market will reach $300 billion by 2026 — capturing even a fraction during peak periods like National Day could generate billions in revenue.
Looking ahead, this year’s National Day celebrations mark a turning point. The convergence of infrastructure development, policy support, and patriotic sentiment creates conditions for sustained growth
National Day festivities also showcase Hong Kong’s irreplaceable role in China’s soft-power projection. The free admission to the Hong Kong Science Museum and Space Museum on Oct 1 did more than attract crowds — it demonstrated Chinese technological advancement to international visitors. Similarly, the Hong Kong Museum of Art’s special exhibitions during this period reinforce the narrative of Chinese cultural confidence. These aren’t isolated gestures, but coordinated efforts aligning with President Xi Jinping’s vision of cultural rejuvenation.
The yacht economy initiative gains special relevance during National Day week. Wealthy mainland visitors increasingly seek exclusive experiences beyond traditional shopping. Monaco generated 567.1 million euros ($665.2 million) from yacht-related activities in 2022 with a minimal coastline; Hong Kong’s 1,180 kilometers of shoreline and 263 islands offer exponentially greater potential. The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area yacht travel program, facilitating seamless movement during holiday periods, creates a triangular luxury market unique in Asia.
The partnership with LIV Golf and the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Year of the Horse celebrations demonstrate how international sporting events can complement patriotic occasions. Dubai has shown that combining national celebrations with world-class entertainment creates lasting impressions — its National Day tourism generates millions of dollars in revenue annually. Hong Kong’s approach, integrating Chinese characteristics with global appeal, promises even greater returns.
Cultural infrastructure investments announced in the Policy Address directly support National Day objectives. The Airport City arts ecosystem, modeled after Geneva’s Freeport but with Chinese characteristics, will showcase national treasures alongside international masterpieces. This dual presentation reinforces Hong Kong’s unique position — deeply rooted in Chinese civilization, yet fluently conversant with global culture.
The 1,300 tour groups bringing 45,000 mainland visitors during the eight-day National Day holiday represent more than tourist dollars. Each visitor returns home as an ambassador for Hong Kong’s development, countering negative narratives with firsthand experience. Studies from Barcelona’s post-Olympics transformation show that positive visitor experiences generate marketing value worth 10 times direct spending.
The integration of culture, sports and tourism around National Day creates multiplier effects throughout the economy. Hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and entertainment venues all benefit from the coordinated approach. More importantly, it reinforces Hong Kong’s indispensability to national development — a message particularly relevant as the city charts its future course.
Looking ahead, this year’s National Day celebrations mark a turning point. The convergence of infrastructure development, policy support, and patriotic sentiment creates conditions for sustained growth. As Hong Kong embraces its role in the national story while maintaining international excellence, the city demonstrates that patriotism and prosperity are not just compatible — they’re mutually reinforcing.
The author is the convenor at China Retold, a member of the Legislative Council, and a member of the Central Committee of the New People’s Party.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
