Hong Kong’s 28th Anniversary: A City-Wide Celebration of Discounts and Deals
On July 1st, Hong Kong marked its 28th anniversary as a Special Administrative Region with an impressive array of discounts and promotions that touched nearly every aspect of city life. From dining to transportation and cultural experiences, residents and visitors alike found themselves surrounded by opportunities to celebrate and save.
The culinary scene led the festivities, with approximately 3,800 restaurants participating in a “Celebration of the Return of the Motherland” discount program. Most establishments offered a consistent 21% off select menu items, creating a citywide dining event that spanned multiple restaurant chains and cuisines. Major groups like Tai Hing and Cha Mu joined the celebration, providing all-day dine-in meal discounts.
Restaurant offerings varied creatively across different venues. Maxim’s MX offered 21% off specific rice dishes with tea or coffee, while Cafe de Coral introduced a winter melon soup dinner for two with an additional HK$6 coupon for purchases over HK$65. Pizza lovers weren’t left out, with Pizza Hut Hong Kong providing free chicken wings for dine-in or takeaway orders meeting certain spending thresholds.
Some restaurants went beyond standard discounts. Gyu-Kaku, for instance, offered an impressive 71% off specific set meals, including Japanese Black Wagyu BBQ and Hokkaido A4 Wagyu options. Meanwhile, more traditional establishments like Tao Yuan Restaurant and Fu Lin Restaurant provided special banquet and feast discounts throughout July.
Transportation discounts made moving around the city equally exciting. The MTR distributed 71,000 free e-tickets through a lottery, while the Airport Express offered free rides for children and half-price tickets for seniors. Star Ferry made the Tsim Sha Tsui to Wan Chai route completely free, and trams provided complimentary rides for three consecutive days.
Cultural venues embraced the celebratory spirit by offering free or discounted entry. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department opened all indoor and outdoor recreational facilities at no cost. Museums like the Science Museum and Space Museum welcomed visitors to their permanent exhibitions without charge. Art enthusiasts could explore M+ in the West Kowloon Cultural District and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, where special exhibitions were freely accessible.
Entertainment options also featured attractive deals. Ocean Park provided ticket discounts ranging from 20% to 30% depending on the number of people, while the Ngong Ping 360 cable car offered a 22% reduction for children and seniors.
These widespread discounts demonstrated more than just economic generosity; they represented a collective celebration of Hong Kong’s unique identity and history. By making dining, transportation, and cultural experiences more accessible, the city created an inclusive atmosphere of commemoration that touched diverse communities.
The July 1st celebrations showcased Hong Kong’s ability to transform an administrative anniversary into a vibrant, engaging experience for residents and visitors. From budget-friendly meals to free museum entries and discounted travel, the city offered something for everyone, reflecting its dynamic and welcoming spirit.