Published: 20:21, October 1, 2026 | Updated: 21:55, October 1, 2026
Red and golden blessings for the nation
By Wang Zhan in Hong Kong
The National Day fireworks display lights up the night sky over Victoria Harbour in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Oct 1, 2026. (EDMOND TANG/CHINA DAILY)

Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Harbour transformed into a canvas of lights on Thursday evening as a dazzling fireworks display celebrated the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Themed "Eternal Radiance Fireworks in Bloom, Illuminating our Country", the 23-minute spectacle kicked off at 8 pm, launching over 30,000 fireworks into the night sky above Hong Kong.

The pyrotechnics were divided into eight distinct scenes, showcasing patterns inspired by the nation’s vast landscape, an interstellar panorama and golden-and-red ringed sunflowers. The grand finale culminated in a spectacular burst of red and gold fireworks like the rising sun, symbolizing blessings for the country's continued prosperity and an even brighter future for Hong Kong.

Anticipation had been building for hours along the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, where thousands of locals and visitors secured prime viewing spots to catch the show.

China Daily photographers Edmond Tang and Robert Hope-Jones captured the festive highlights.

Dancers take the stage for the "Hong Kong Ballet Spectacular by the Harbour" performance at Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade in Hong Kong on Oct 1, 2026, performing alongside the National Day fireworks display. (ROBERT HOPE-JONES/CHINA DAILY)
Dancers take the stage for the "Hong Kong Ballet Spectacular by the Harbour" performance at Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade in Hong Kong on Oct 1, 2026, performing alongside the National Day fireworks display. (ROBERT HOPE-JONES/CHINA DAILY)