The Mid-Autumn Festival arrives on October 6 this year, offering a cherished opportunity for families and friends to gather beneath the glow of the full moon, enjoy traditional mooncakes, and light up the night with colourful lanterns.
To help you make the most of this special occasion, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide with essential details — from the best spots to celebrate the festival to the latest weather forecast and the ideal times to catch the moon at its brightest.
Moon-viewing spots on Hong Kong Island
1. Victoria Park
Victoria Park is one of the most vibrant spots to experience the festival’s lively atmosphere, beautifully illuminated during the celebrations. However, it can become crowded, so arriving early is recommended to secure a good viewing position.
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Transportation: MTR Tin Hau Station (Exit A2) or Causeway Bay Station (Exit E)
Address: 1 Hing Fat Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island
Note: Expect large crowds during the festival; early arrival is advisable.
2. Tamar Park
With its spacious waterfront lawn and stunning views of Victoria Harbour, Tamar Park is ideal for admiring both the city’s skyline and the bright moon. Given the coastal winds, bringing a jacket is recommended for evening visits.
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Transportation: MTR Admiralty Station (Exit A), walk towards the Central Government Complex
Address: Harcourt Road, Admiralty, Hong Kong Island
Note: The harbourfront can be windy; remember to bring a jacket.
3. Victoria Peak Garden
For those seeking a tranquil escape from the crowds, Victoria Peak Garden offers a serene environment with European-style landscaping, providing a unique and peaceful setting for moon-viewing.
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Transportation: Take Bus 15 or the Peak Tram, then walk along Peak Road
Address: Mount Austin Road, The Peak, Hong Kong Island
Note: Temperatures can drop significantly at night; transport waiting times may be longer.
4. Cyberport Waterfront Park
Known for its expansive grassy fields, Cyberport Waterfront Park is a favourite picnic spot for families and pets, offering space to enjoy moonlight and quality time together.
Opening Hours: 7am–11pm daily
Transportation: Accessible by bus or minibus from Causeway Bay, Mong Kok and other districts
Address: 100 Cyberport Road, Southern District, Hong Kong Island
Note: Plan transportation in advance as the location is relatively remote.
5. Stanley Plaza and Murray House
Stanley exudes a distinctive charm where visitors can admire the moon against the backdrop of Murray House’s classic architecture or enjoy tranquil sea views from the adjacent plaza.
Opening Hours: Plaza open 24 hours
Transportation: Bus 6, 6X or 260 from Central Exchange Square
Address: 23 Carmel Road, Southern District, Hong Kong Island
Note: Expect more visitors on holidays; make restaurant reservations in advance.
Moon-viewing spots in Kowloon
6. West Kowloon Cultural District
The Art Park’s expansive waterfront lawns provide excellent vantage points of Victoria Harbour. It’s ideal for picnics and a popular choice for moon-gazing.
Opening Hours: 6am on Mid-Autumn Festival day to 1am the following day
Transportation: MTR Kowloon Station (Exit C1 or D1), walk through the footbridge
Address: 18 Museum Drive, West Kowloon
Note: Dress warmly as the waterfront can be windy at night.
7. Kwun Tong Promenade
This promenade is famed for its industrial-style lighting installations, adding a unique artistic touch to your moon-viewing experience.
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Transportation: MTR Kwun Tong Station (Exit B3) or Ngau Tau Kok Station (Exit B6)
Address: Hoi Bun Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon
Note: The promenade can be narrow and crowded during the festival.
8. Jordan Valley Park
Jordan Valley Park’s spacious lawns make it a popular, family-friendly moon-viewing destination in Kowloon, perfect for picnics and activities.
Opening Hours: 5am on Mid-Autumn Festival day to 1am the following day
Transportation: Bus 27 or 29M from Choi Hung MTR Station
Address: 71 New Clear Water Bay Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon
Note: The park sits on a hill and requires a longer walk from the MTR station; consider taking a bus.
9. Kai Tak Sky Garden
Built on the former airport runway, Kai Tak Sky Garden offers 360-degree views of Victoria Harbour and East Kowloon’s dazzling scenery.
Opening Hours: 7am–11pm daily
Transportation: MTR Kai Tak Station (Exit A), then take the K-park shuttle bus
Address: Shing Fung Road, Kowloon
Note: Facilities are relatively new with limited shaded areas.
Moon-viewing spots in New Territories
10. Sha Tin Park
By the Shing Mun River, Sha Tin Park’s Chinese garden — complete with charming bridges and flowing water — creates a poetic atmosphere for moon appreciation. Despite its proximity to a bustling shopping mall, the spacious layout disperses crowds.
Opening Hours: 6.30am–11pm daily
Transportation: 5-minute walk from MTR Sha Tin Station (Exit A)
Address: 2 Yuen Wo Road, Sha Tin, New Territories
11. Tai Po Waterfront Park
From its landmark Spiral Lookout Tower, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Tolo Harbour. The park’s size makes it family-friendly, but allow time to walk from the entrance to the waterfront.
Opening Hours: 24 hours (some facilities have specific operating hours)
Transportation: Bus K17 from Tai Po Market Station or on foot
Address: Dai Fat Street, Tai Po, New Territories
12. Yuen Long Park
The park’s signature brick-red Aviary Pagoda offers panoramic views but closes at 6pm. Visitors planning to moon-watch can use the lawns instead in the evening.
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Transportation: Light Rail to Shui Pin Wai Stop
Address: Town Park Road North, Yuen Long, New Territories
13. Tsing Yi Park
Often called the city’s “Canada Park” for its tranquil lakeside setting, Tsing Yi Park is ideal for a serene festival night. Visitors are asked to keep noise levels low to respect nearby residents.
Opening Hours: 5.30am–11.30pm daily
Transportation: 3-minute walk from MTR Tsing Yi Station
Address: Tsing King Road, Tsing Yi, New Territories
14. Ma On Shan Park
Facing Tolo Harbour, Ma On Shan Park offers panoramic sea views and stunning mountain scenery, perfect for moon and stargazing. Bring warm clothing as the waterfront can be breezy at night.
Opening Hours: 6.30am–11pm daily
Transportation: 5-minute walk from MTR Ma On Shan Station (Exit E)
Address: 12, On Chun Street, Ma On Shan, New Territories
15. Tai Pak Beach, Discovery Bay
For a vacation-like vibe, Discovery Bay’s Tai Pak Beach lets you gaze at the moon to the sound of gentle waves — a relaxing and romantic setting. Be sure to check the last ferry or bus schedule to avoid inconvenience.
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Transportation: Ferry from Central Pier 3
Address: Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island
16. Clear Water Bay Second Beach
Renowned for its clear waters and fine sand, this beach is tranquil at night with minimal light pollution, making it ideal for peaceful moon-viewing. Plan your return journey in advance as late-night public transport is limited.
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Transportation: Bus 91 from Diamond Hill or Bus 103M from Tseung Kwan O
Address: Clear Water Bay Road, Sai Kung, New Territories
Full moon timing and weather forecast
Although the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on October 6, the full moon — also known as the Harvest Moon — will occur the following day (October 7) at 11.48am, when it will be below the horizon in Hong Kong.
A full moon occurs when the moon is completely illuminated as seen from Earth, with the sun and moon positioned on opposite sides of the planet.
If weather conditions are favourable, the bright moon will still be visible on the evenings before and after the festival. The Hong Kong Observatory forecasts improving conditions as the upper-level anticyclone strengthens and rainfall along the Guangdong coast decreases on October 6 and 7.
It is highly likely that people will be able to catch glimpses of the full moon amid any lingering clouds. For the latest updates, check the Observatory’s nine-day weather forecast and its dedicated page for astronomical observations.
Moon-viewing schedule
The Hong Kong Observatory has announced the moonrise, transit, and moonset times for the evenings around the Mid-Autumn Festival. (Transit refers to the moon’s passage across the local meridian, reaching its highest elevation due south.)
October 5 (Sunday) — Eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival
Moonrise: 4.50pm
Transit (Elevation 64 degrees): 10.54pm
Moonset: 5.03am (next morning)
October 6 (Monday) — Mid-Autumn Festival
Moonrise: 5.27pm
Transit (Elevation 72 degrees): 11.43pm
Moonset: 6.05am (next morning)
October 7 (Tuesday) — Day After the Mid-Autumn Festival
Moonrise: 6.06pm
Transit (Elevation 79 degrees): 12.34am (next morning)
Moonset: 7.10am (next morning)
