What freebies can you get on July 1? Everything you need to know about Hong Kong’s handover anniversary perks

Hong Kong will suspend fares for some public transport and offer free entry to its leading museums, as well as stage a number of cultural events, to mark the 26th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese rule on July 1.

District community groups are joining the government’s efforts to promote the day by holding a variety of celebratory events, including drawing contests, stand-up comedy shows, Cantonese opera performances, light shows and neighbourhood carnivals.

Here, the Post gives details of the special offers related to the anniversary.

Rides will be free on Star Ferry’s Tsim Sha Tsui-Wan Chai route on July 1. Photo: Jelly Tse

Transport

  • Free rides on the water taxi connecting Tsim Sha Tsui East, Wan Chai, Central and West Kowloon operated by Fortune Ferry

  • Lucky draws on July 1 organised by the MTR Corp, with 71,000 tickets and 26 annual passes for the city’s railway to be won

Admission to the Hong Kong Wetland Park will be free on July 1. Photo: Winson Wong

Leisure activities

  • Twelve properties under the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme will offer additional free guided tours and workshops, as well as food and drink offers on July 1 or a nearby date

Arts and culture

  • Free admission to special exhibitions at various public museums, including the Heritage Museum, Science Museum and Museum of Art

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Food

  • Participating restaurants include many bars and eateries in Lan Kwai Fong in Central, the Cafe de Coral fast food chain, Tai Cheong Bakery, Kam Kee cha chaan teng or Chinese tea houses, Forum Restaurant Ah Yat Abalone

  • The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will put on a bazaar in Stanley on July 1 and 2 with free-of-charge admission, featuring food and shopping, as well as song and dance performances

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Shopping

  • Promotional sales from Pricerite, Indigo Living, Japan Home Centre, Meyer, Simmons, department store chain Wing On and Sogo from June 30 to July 13

Other special offers

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Other community celebratory activities

Residents can enjoy free admission to the M+ museum in the West Kowloon cultural hub on July 1. Photo: Martin Chan

Celebratory activities by the Hong Kong Celebrations Association

The association comprises various pro-establishment groups and is headed by Tam Kam-kau, member of Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the nation’s top consultation body.

  • Free exhibitions featuring three mainland Chinese provinces – Shaanxi, Liaoning, and Shandong – will be held from June 30 to July 2 in Victoria Park, Causeway Bay

  • The Shaanxi exhibition offers the chance to try on Chinese traditional costumes, make fans, and see ceramic sculptures

  • Liaoning exhibitors will highlight the province’s industrial development, as it used to be the mainland’s hub for heavy industry

  • The Shandong show will showcase Confucius, who was born in the region, offering themed products for sale