Things to Do in Hong Kong This Chinese New Year
There are lots of activities to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year, and one of the best ways to spend it is by visiting Hong Kong.
Hong Kong has promising surprises for those who are eyeing on spending their Chinese New Year in the country for 72 hours—and these include exciting festivities, horse races, parades and so much more!
Day 1 – day before Chinese New Year (February 4, 2019, Monday)
The ever-famous flower market has long been part of the tradition in Hong Kong, so it’s a must-visit before the Year of the Pig starts. Such flowers symbolize profound beliefs that they are used to improve different aspects of a person’s life like personal relationships.
To get the best experience, head out to the Victoria Park or Fa Hui Park, where the biggest and grandest flower markets are situated. Of course, aside from the flower market, there will be a variety of products and delicacies for the shoppers.
What: Flower markets
Where: Fai Hui Park, Mong Kok, 7 a.m. on 4 February to 7 a.m. on 5 February;
Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, 8 a.m. on 4 February to 8 a.m. on 5 February
Day 2 – first day of the Chinese New Year (February 5, 2019, Tuesday)
It is a local tradition to go hiking on the first day of Chinese New Year. Hiking signifies advancement in life according to the tradition.
To celebrate the tradition, head to the Lantau Island, the world’s tallest outdoor sitting Buddha.
But before arriving at the Buddha, your spiritual journey begins through a cable car from Tung Chung, then you’ll stop at the Ngong Ping Village or the “Good Luck Garden”. Lastly, you’ll lavish to the Chinese vegan dishes at the Po Lin Monastery.
What: An enlightening experience and a traditional vegetarian meal
Where: Lantau Island – Ngong Ping Village, Po Lin Monastery, Big Buddha
Day 3 – second day of the Chinese New Year (February 6, 2019, Wednesday)
Add Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival in Lam Tsuen in Taipo into your itineraries.
In this festival, people from all over the nation purchase a placard, which is wrapped on an orange, to write their wishes on it before throwing it at the imitation Wishing Tree.
According to locals, the higher the placard hangs, the higher the chance of the wishes to come true—so you better channel all your might before throwing that placard!
There will also be floats from the International Chinese New Year Night Parade that will be exhibited until February 19, 2019.
What: Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival 2019
Where: Lam Tsuen Wishing Square, Lam Tsuen, Tai Po
When: 8:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, don’t miss the spectacular 30-minute fireworks display to be shown at the Victoria Harbour. For a better viewing experience, you may go to Tsim Sha Tsui, the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, or ifc in Central.
What: Lunar New Year Fireworks Display
Where: Victoria Harbour
When: 8 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Day 4 – third day of the Chinese New Year (February 7, 2019, Thursday)
On the last day, you can visit the Che Kung Temple in Tai Wai, to partake in the local’s famous tradition by giving respect to the deities.
It is also recommended to try Kau Chim or stick drawing—tradition says it will allow you to see what fortune awaits you. Also, don’t forget to attract good fortune by turning the temple’s famous copper windmill!
Celebrate Chinese New Year in Hong Kong, one of the best cities in the world!
This is a press release. Minor edits were made prior to publishing.
Image courtesy of Hong Kong Tourism Board.
