A guide to freebies and events in Hong Kong on July 1

Hong Kong is gearing up to celebrate the 28th anniversary of its return to the motherland with a range of special incentives and festivities. Both residents and tourists can enjoy numerous freebies and activities across the city on July 1, making it a perfect day to explore Hong Kong.

Trams on a street in Central, Hong Kong. Xinhua

Free public transport

Families will be delighted to know that children aged 3 to 11 can enjoy free rides on the MTR throughout the day. Additionally, all passengers can travel for free on the Light Rail and MTR buses.

On Hong Kong Island, tram rides will be completely free, offering a scenic and budget-friendly way to get around. The iconic Star Ferry will also provide free rides all day between Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai, perfect for waterfront views and photos.

Fortune Ferry is joining the celebration by giving away 2,000 ferry vouchers — 1,000 for routes between Central and Hung Hom, and another 1,000 for routes from North Point to Kwun Tong and Kai Tak. Plus, if your birthday falls on July 1, you can enjoy free rides on the “Tuen Mun — Tung Chung — Sha Lo Wan — Tai O” and “North Point — Kwun Tong — Kai Tak” ferry routes.

Free entry to museums, exhibitions

Culture enthusiasts have plenty to explore with complimentary admission at major cultural venues. At the West Kowloon Cultural District, all general exhibitions at the M+ Museum and thematic exhibitions at the Hong Kong Palace Museum will be open free to the public on July 1.

M+ Museum is popular among residents and visitors. China News Service

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department is offering free entry to permanent exhibitions at the Hong Kong Science Museum and Hong Kong Space Museum (excluding Space Theater shows). Additionally, the special exhibition “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Fragrance of Time — In Search of Chinese Art of Scent” at the Hong Kong Museum of Art will be free of charge.

Other participating venues with free admission on July 1 include the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Hong Kong Museum of History, Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, Hong Kong Railway Museum, Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence, Fireboat Alexander Grantham Exhibition Gallery, Law Uk Folk Museum, Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb Museum, Sheung Yiu Folk Museum, Hong Kong Film Archive, Sam Tung Uk Museum, Oil Street Art Space (Oi!), and the Hong Kong Visual Arts Center.

Free admission to Hong Kong Wetland Park

Visitors interested in nature and wildlife can take advantage of free admission to the Hong Kong Wetland Park on July 1.

Additional offers and discounts

More than 1,000 restaurants across Hong Kong are expected to provide special discounts on selected cuisines and catering items. Shoppers can look forward to deals at the Hong Kong International Airport, as well as various shopping malls and markets.

From late June through the end of July, visitors can also enjoy free guided tours, dining, shopping, and accommodation offers at 13 heritage projects participating in the Revitalizing Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme.