Hong Kong’s National Day fireworks will begin over Victoria Harbour at 8pm on October 1, lasting about 23 minutes and comprising eight segments with 31,888 fireworks. Police expect about 260,000 people to watch from both sides of the harbour. Access controls will begin well before the first burst.

The earliest restriction will be on the water. The Marine Department will establish a prohibited area near the Convention and Exhibition Centre at about 2pm for the fireworks barges, with unauthorised vessels excluded until about 10pm. On land, Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai is due to close from 4pm.

In western Kowloon, phased road closures begin at 5pm around Tsim Sha Tsui, Hung Hom and nearby areas. The closure zone will widen at 5.30pm towards Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier, including its bus terminus, and extend at 6pm to West Kowloon Cultural District and roads around Hung Hom.

Closures and diversions will begin at 6.30pm along Hong Kong Island’s Central waterfront and in Wan Chai and the Eastern District, followed by further phases at 7.15pm and 7.55pm. The earlier Golden Bauhinia Square closure is a separate measure. Police said illegally parked vehicles or those obstructing traffic could be towed immediately without prior warning.

Police advised spectators to use public transport where possible, although several familiar access points will close during the controls. These include Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier, China Ferry Terminal and the Mody Road bus terminus. The new waterfront in Hung Hom will not open that evening; suggested viewing areas include West Kowloon Cultural District, the Tsim Sha Tsui East waterfront and the waterfront garden in Hung Hom.

The harbour restriction area will take effect at 7pm and run until 9pm. Only approved ferries may continue until 7.40pm; other vessels will be excluded and harbour ferry services will be affected. The area is expected to reopen 30 to 45 minutes after the display ends.

A temporary cross-boundary bus stop outside Exit J of the high-speed rail station is due to begin operating at 7.30pm. Land-boundary checkpoint and MTR operating hours will not be extended, with Lok Ma Chau scheduled to close at 10.30pm and Lo Wu at midnight.