Every night thousands of people gather along Victoria Harbour to watch the hottest show in all of Hong Kong – The Symphony of Lights.
This dazzling laser and light show has earned itself several titles, including “the world’s largest permanent light and sound show” according to Guinness World Records. The spectacle involves 44 buildings which light up the Hong Kong skyline every evening when the clock strikes 8:00 pm. And the best part: it’s absolutely free!
While we were in Hong Kong, Sam and I decided to hit up the show twice! Once aboard a junk boat and the second time from the waterfront on Kowloon; I have to say I really enjoyed both!
An Evening Junk Cruise of the Harbour
My first experience watching the Symphony of Lights was during an evening tour of Victoria Harbour aboard a junk.
A junk is an ancient sailing vessel of Chinese origin, and a few ships in this style can still be seen in the harbour today. A typical cruise will take you out for about an hour where you’ll be able to enjoy the scenic views with a drink in hand.
Sam and I took an evening cruise with Aqua Luna, and we loved every minute of it.
The ship picked up passengers from Tsim Sha Tshui at 7:30 pm, and then came over to the Central Pier at 7:45 pm. The junk already had several passengers aboard by the time we got on at the second pick-up point, but we still managed to get seats with a great view.
We opted to sit outside so that we could really enjoy the lights, but they also had seating in the covered upper deck where you could lounge on cozy couches with pillows while you sipped on your cocktail.
A beverage was included with the tour, so I went for a glass of white wine – not a bad way to end the evening after a long day of sightseeing around Hong Kong.
Viewing the light show from Avenue of Stars
The best view from the mainland, in my opinion, is from the Avenue of Stars on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. Hong Kong Island has the superior skyline, so if you’re wondering what side to enjoy it from, it’s best to be on the Kowloon side of the harbour.
It was fun to arrive at the Avenue of Stars early because the place was buzzing with activity in anticipation of the light show. People were posing with the famous Bruce Lee statue, trying to match the palms of their hands on the concrete engravings of their favourite movie stars, and there were also a few different garage bands playing for a growing crowd.
There were oohs and ahhs as the light show began and green lazers shot into the sky, and of course, many photos were snapped using phones and iPads.
I am now convinced that Hong Kong has the best skyline!
Your Ultimate Symphony of Lights Planner
Here is your planer guide with zero fluff so you can pick the right vantage point, book the right boat, and nail your photos without stress.
Quick Decision Helper: Where should you watch from?
| If you want… | Best pick | Why you’ll love it | Small trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iconic skyline panoramas | Kowloon Promenade / Avenue of Stars | Hong Kong Island’s skyscrapers face you head-on | Popular—arrive early |
| Breezy, romantic vibe | Junk boat cruise | Cushy seating, a drink, and zero elbowing | Costs more than land |
| Wide angles + picnic spot | Central/Tamar waterfront lawns & piers | Fewer crowds, creative photo frames | Buildings are slightly side-on |
| “Only in Hong Kong” moment | Star Ferry crossing | Vintage ferry + city lights = cinematic | Short window; not synchronized to the whole show |
| Calm with kids / stroller | Open plazas with benches (Kowloon side) | Safer railings, seating, restrooms nearby | Benches fill first |
Night-Of Game Plan
| Time | Where | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17:30 | Your hotel area | Early dinner or quick bites to go | You don’t want to be hangry at showtime |
| 18:30 | MTR → Tsim Sha Tsui or Central | Arrive near your chosen vantage point | Beat crowd swell & scout a spot |
| 19:00 | Waterfront | Stake your view; note speakers (for music) | Sound carries best near promenade speakers |
| 19:10 | (Boat night) Pier check-in | Swap voucher, choose seats, order first drink | Boats board early; good seats go first |
| 19:30 | Settle | Tripod/phone clamp set, test shots | Dial your camera in before the lights start |
| 19:50 | Stay put | Brief restroom dash if needed | Lines balloon at 19:55 |
| 20:00 | Eyes up | Enjoy Symphony of Lights | It’s short (about 10–15 min)—soak it in |
| 20:15 | Post-show | Photos after-glow; slow walk out | Crowds thin fast; skyline keeps sparkling |
| 20:45 | Treat time | Dessert / nightcap nearby | Stretch the evening—night views keep giving |
Vantage Point Planner
| Spot | View style | Crowds | Seating | Soundtrack | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avenue of Stars / TST Promenade | Straight-on skyline | High | Some | Usually broadcast | Statues & handprints = bonus |
| Central Piers area | Wide harbour, layered lights | Medium | Few | Sometimes faint | Great for long exposures |
| Tamar / Admiralty lawns | Framed by harbourfront parks | Medium-low | Grass | Varies | Picnic blanket heaven |
| Wan Chai waterfront | Closer to mid-harbour | Medium | Limited | Varies | Fun for silhouettes of passing boats |
| On a junk | Moving, cinematic | Low | Cushioned | Onboard audio | Cozy & weather-proof upper deck |
Booking a Junk: What to look for (and what to ask)
| Detail | What to check | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Departure pier(s) | Kowloon pick-up + Central pick-up? | Saves backtracking; choose nearest |
| Start time | Boards ~30–45 min pre-show | Early board = better seats |
| Seating style | Outdoor deck vs. covered lounge | Wind vs. warmth vs. photos |
| Inclusions | 1 drink? Refills? Snacks? | Avoid surprise costs |
| Duration | ~45–60 min | Enough to position for show |
| Audio | Is the show soundtrack played onboard? | The music ties it together |
| Weather policy | Rain plan / cancellation terms | Squalls happen on the harbour |
| Facilities | Restroom onboard | Peace of mind |
Seat strategy: Top deck corners = best wind + clean sightlines. If it’s chilly, sit near the top of the stairwell—quick access outside when the lasers kick off.
Budget & Value Cheat-Sheet
| Option | Ballpark spend | Includes | Best for | Consider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterfront (DIY) | Free | Skyline + soundtrack | Photographers, families, budget travelers | Arrive early; bring layers |
| Star Ferry (crossing) | Low | Short sail during lights | Quick thrill, transit geeks | Not a full “show platform” |
| Junk cruise | Medium–High | Seat + drink + skyline loop | Date nights, special occasions | Book ahead; weather-aware |
| Rooftop bars (varies) | Medium–High | View + table service | Sit-down comfort | Minimum spends & reservations |
Save-money move: Pair a Star Ferry ride with a land view. Sail across while the city lights are on, then watch the synchronized segment from the promenade.
Photography Cheat-Sheet (phone & camera)
Phone (easy wins):
- Stabilize: Lean on railings, use a mini clamp or fold-out tripod.
- Exposure: Tap the skyline, slide exposure down slightly to avoid blown highlights.
- Mode: Use night mode or long exposure feature; hold steady through the countdown.
- Video: 4K/60 if you’ll pan; keep movements slow and anchor elbows to your body.
Weather, Wind & “What if” Plan
| Forecast | Pack | Plan B |
|---|---|---|
| Warm & clear | Light layer, water | Boat deck all the way |
| Breezy | Windbreaker, hair tie | Sit leeward side; covered lounge breaks |
| Light rain | Compact poncho (hands free) | Covered seating; towel for lens |
| Heavy rain/low visibility | Flexible mindset | Harbour still looks dreamy even if lasers underwhelm |
Transport Made Simple (no-stress routes)
- MTR:
- For Kowloon waterfront, ride to Tsim Sha Tsui (or East TST) and follow signs to the waterfront/promenade.
- For Central piers/parks, ride to Central or Hong Kong stations and follow signs to piers/harbourfront.
- Star Ferry: Classic, cheap, and photogenic between Tsim Sha Tsui ↔ Central/Wan Chai.
- After the show: Stations are busy but efficient; give it 10–15 minutes for queues to thin, or grab a dessert nearby.
Two Easy Mini-Itineraries
Kowloon Classic (land view first)
- Late afternoon stroll the promenade, snap the statues and handprints.
- Quick eats from a casual spot nearby (grab-and-go works).
- Stake your spot by 19:15; enjoy the show at 20:00.
- Post-show dessert—egg waffles or a bakery treat—then MTR home.
Boat-First Date Night
- Arrive Central early, pre-cruise drink near the piers.
- Board your junk (outside seat if weather’s kind).
- Sail through the lights, then walk the Central waterfront for a few long-exposure shots.
- Finish with a nightcap and toast that skyline.
Tiny FAQ (fast answers you’ll actually use)
How long is the show?
About 10–15 minutes. Short, punchy, very photo-friendly.
Best side to watch from?
If it’s your first time, Kowloon gives you the money-shot angle of Hong Kong Island’s skyline. After that, mix it up.
Is audio guaranteed on boats?
Many play the synced soundtrack; double-check when booking if it matters to you.
What if it’s foggy?
The lasers may fade, but the harbour glow and boat trails still look magical. Consider shooting reflections and silhouettes.
Can I tripod?
Yes on the promenade (be sensible and compact), and usually no full tripods on busy boat decks—use a clamp or hold tight to the rail.
Which would you prefer? From the waterfront or aboard the junk?
I watched the light show from Kowloon, and I loved it… despite being maybe a bit overcrowded. The funny part was that it started pouring rain on us the second the show started… and you guessed it, the rain stopped as soon as the show stopped. 😐 Haha.. but seriously, I loved this show, and I loved the view of Hong Kong! Definitely a must-do.
Haha, of course it would. 😉 It actually rained non-stop the first few days I was there so quite a bit of the sightseeing was done with an umbrella in hand.
I love when cities do light up events. Pittsburgh, PA does one every year, but it is normally insanely cold and for one night. I will definitely have to keep this in mind if I find myself in Hong Kong!
The good thing about this light show is that it takes place every night, so you don’t even need to time your visit. 😉
Incredible night views, Audrey! I’ve dropped a tear… wanna go to Hong Kong so badly! 😉
It has been one of my favourite cities of the trip thus far, I can’t recommend it enough!
I’ve never seen a skyline like that before and your photos are INCREDIBLE! Great post.
Happy travels 🙂
One of the best. It even beats my city’s (Toronto) skyline!
I love the bokeh pic 😉
Victoria Harbour is an amazing place. I was in awe the first time I saw the skyline at night!
Haha, thanks! I read an article about bokeh photography purely by chance a while back. That’s the only reason I know what it means. 😉
Magnificent photos Audrey. The first two especially. Wow! I spent time just scrolling through and round again before I realized I hadn’t read a word. Now that I have read the text as well, once again I find a great resource in this post. Love the tips, even where to find the best vantage point. Thnx
Thanks Maria! I think Hong Kong is just a really photogenic city – it’s hard to photograph it from a wrong angle. 😉
Wow! What a beautiful city!
Awesome photos, i am in love with the green lights.
Thanks Jeff!
Great photos Audrey! Looks like an awesome night out.
Thanks Ardun! 🙂
Absolutely loved the first photo Audrey. The skyline looks fantastic
Hong Kong has the best skyline I have seen to date. 😉
I was there plenty of time and the view is just amazing, especially at night 🙂
Glad you got to enjoy it too. 🙂
Hong Kong is without a doubt, my favorite skyline… and I love taking photos of the Aqua Luna in front of it!
It reminds me of a pirate ship whenever I see it in the harbour. 😉
Great pictures! We can see the lightshow from our hotel room window; cool! We did not go on a junk yet, but after reading your post, maybe we will one of the next days;-). At the moment there is the Mid Autumn Fest in Hong Kong, which is interesting.
That’s so cool that you can see the light show from your hotel room! And yes, if you get a chance to take a tour on one of the junk boats, go for it. It’s so nice to enjoy the lights out in the water with a cocktail in hand. 😉 Enjoy the rest of your time in Hong Kong!
I missed Avenue of the Stars and The Symphony of Lights in my first trip to HongKong.
Should go see them both in February, on the Kowloon side. 😀
I agree, Hong Kong has the prettiest skyline of any place I’ve seen!
Great photos! Love the bokeh
I stumbled upon your website the day before I left for Hong Kong while planning. Your articles about tea at The Peninsula and the junk boat were awesome and so helpful. I even booked our tour through Aqua Luna. Like you said… we (my husband and I) loved it. Totally amazing seeing the show from the boat. Thanks for the tip to sit outside for the unobstructed views of the show.