HK to offer free tram rides and half-price movie tickets on National Day

To celebrate the National Day on 1 October, Hong Kong is offering citizens free rides on ferries and trams, as well as 76,000 free single-journey MTR tickets.

On 1 October, residents can ride trams and the Star Ferry route between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central, as well as the Sun Ferry routes between North Point and Hung Hom and North Point and Kowloon City, for free.

The Fortune Ferry will distribute 2,000 free ferry tickets, allowing free rides on the routes between Central and Hung Hom and North Point to Kwun Tong and Kai Tak on that day. Children can ride specified daytime routes of KMB, Lantau Bus, Citybus, and New Lantau Bus for free. 

Meanwhile, MTR Corporation will hold a lottery to give away 76,000 electronic single journey tickets on that day, which winners can use for a free local trip, transit journeys at Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau stations, or the Airport Express within a specified period.

The city's leader John Lee said during a media session before the Executive Council (ExCo) meeting on Tuesday that, the series of activities aims to bring citizens and visitors together to celebrate National Day in a joyful and festive atmosphere.

Apart from free ferry and tram rides, the government will offer half-price movie tickets by subsidising half of the ticket cost on 1 October. All commercial cinemas in Hong Kong will feature half-price admission that day, with an estimated 190,000 attendees.

Furthermore, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will offer free access to various recreational facilities, regular exhibitions at the Science Museum and Space Museum, special exhibitions at Hong Kong Arts Museum, and the Hong Kong Wetland Park.

On October 1, National Day race day will allow free entry to the stands at Sha Tin and Happy Valley Racecourses, with discounts on food and beverages. Standard cabin tickets for the Ngong Ping 360 round trip will be available at a 24% discount, and Ocean Park Hong Kong will offer 15% off tickets for five days starting 1 October. The Peak Tram, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, West Kowloon Cultural District, and Tai Kwun will also provide discounts and distribute souvenirs.

In the food and retail sectors, businesses are celebrating National Day with a range of promotions to enhance the shopping experience and promote community spirit. Over 1,000 restaurants and merchants will offer dining and beverage discounts on 1 October, with specific details to be announced later.

This year, more than 100 shopping malls and several department stores, along with Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong Science Park, and the Hong Kong Design Gallery of the Trade Development Council, will provide promotions for shopping, dining, and free parking.

On National Day morning, a flag-raising ceremony and celebration banquet will take place. In the evening, a large fireworks display over Victoria Harbour will be held, with this year's theme being "維港煙花 閃耀中華". Over 30,000 fireworks will illuminate the harbour. On the evening of 2 October, a cultural gala for the 76th anniversary of National Day will take place, with several television stations broadcasting the event live.

Don't miss: HK partners Chinese travel agents to boost tourism for National Day

Recently, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has unveiled a series of initiatives to celebrate the upcoming National Day Golden Week holidays, while partnering with Chinese travel agents to promote the city to the mainland market.

As part of the initiatives, the food stalls at “A taste of Temple Street” (食聚廟街) night market will offer special discounts from 1 to 7 October. Consumers can enjoy a 25% discount for designated dishes, according to the release. 

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