Golden Bauhinia Square & HKCEC Place guide

Golden Bauhinia Square is an open area on the Hong Kong waterfront popular to visit during both day and at night. It was named after the giant Bauhinia blakeana statue at its center, an enormous replica of a Hong Kong orchard tree – the central symbol on its flag. This statue is six metres tall and an iconic part of the Wan Chai waterfront. 

Golden Buddha Square can be found outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, an important location for international trade fairs and events. Historically, this is where the handover of Hong Kong took place from the UK to China, when the Special Administrative Region was established back in 1997. 

Every day at 8am, many tourists come to see the flag-raising ceremony which celebrates Hong Kong’s independence. During the National Day of the People’s Republic of China and Chinese New Year, the whole square is lit up and an impressive fireworks display takes place.

Another reason to visit is the Golden Bauhinia Square Symphony of Lights performance that takes place at 8pm daily. This vibrant show of color and music is one of the best Hong Kong attractions, hosted by Victoria Harbour and enjoyed by delighted spectators each day. Music and narration are used during the performance and 42 skyscrapers are synchronized to light up in time with the sounds. 

The Symphony of Lights has recently developed a mobile app so that wannabe spectators can tune in from anywhere. For peak atmosphere, the best place to watch on Hong Kong Island is Golden Bauhinia Square looking out over an illuminated Victoria Harbour. Don’t miss it from your Hong Kong travel itinerary!