Embark on a distinctive Chinese New Year celebration this year as you delve into the vibrant mosaic of festivities in Hong Kong. Discover eight ways to embrace the festive spirit and welcome the Year of the Wood Dragon in a truly unforgettable manner. Whether through grand parades, time-honoured rituals, immersive experiences, or indulging in culinary delights, these distinctive revelries guarantee a celebration brimming with memories and cultural richness.
1. First Day of Lunar New Year: Welcome return of the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade
Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade is returning to Tsim Sha Tsui on 10 February after a five-year hiatus
(Photo credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board)
Marquee events such as the grand return of the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade in Tsim Sha Tsui on 10 February (Chor 1) mark the commencement of the Year of the Dragon. From 8 pm to 9:45 pm, witness lavishly decorated floats as well as performances by global entertainers to soak in a world party atmosphere that only Hong Kong can offer.
Location: Parade route: Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon (Parade will start at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, then proceed along Canton Road, Haiphong Road, Nathan Road and Salisbury Road, and end outside Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers) Parade float exhibition: The Urban Council Centenary Garden, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
2. Second Day of Lunar New Year: Witness an astounding Lunar New Year Fireworks Display
Don’t miss the breathtaking Lunar New Year Fireworks Display on 11 February (Chor 2 ) at 8pm along the Victoria Harbour to usher in the start of the new year. Head to the best viewing points located on both sides of the harbour promenade to watch this shimmering performance, and usher in abundant prosperity and joy as the fireworks bloom gorgeously in the air.
Location: Around Victoria Harbour, with vantage points along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, Central and Western District Promenade and Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai.
2019 Lunar New Year Fireworks Display
(Credit: Information Services Department)
3. Second Day of Lunar New Year: Spin the Fortune Pinweel at the Che Kung Festival
Celebrate the second day of Chinese New Year at Che Kung Festival, commemorating the birthday of Che Kung, a revered military commander from the Southern Song dynasty. Visit Che Kung Temple, pay your respects and spin the iconic fortune-changing fan-bladed wheel clockwise for good luck. Take home a pinwheel to carry the blessings with you throughout the year.
Rotate the copper windmill in a clockwise direction to attract good fortune at Che Kung Temple
(Photo credit: Shutterstock)
Location: Che Kung Miu Road, Tai Wai, Sha Tin, New Territories
4. First 15 days of Lunar New Year: Make your wishes for the new year at the Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival
From 10 to 24 February, experience the unique and legendary Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival, a standout Chinese New Year celebration that annually attracts hundreds of thousands of locals and global visitors to Lam Tsuen. Engage in traditional festivities by tossing placards onto the renowned Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree and illuminating wishing lanterns. This ancient tradition extends to Tai Po, where another age-old custom involves writing wishes on placards, tying them to mandarins (considered auspicious fruits), and aiming to throw them onto the tree without them falling back down – a belief that doing so will make your wishes come true.
Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival
(Credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board)
Location: Lam Tsuen Wishing Square, Lam Tsuen, Tai Po
5. Join The Locals For A Traditional Poon Choi Feast In The Rural Walled Villages
Indulge in the exquisite tradition of a Poon Choi feast, also known as a “basin meal,” which has evolved from a hidden gem in rural villages to a culinary sensation, especially during the Lunar New Year in Hong Kong. This communal dish involves layering a substantial basin with an array of ingredients bathed in a flavorful gravy, each holding symbolic significance – from pork symbolising prosperity to prawns embodying happiness. The act of partaking in this feast is believed to attract positive attributes into one’s life. Visitors to Hong Kong can join captivating local tours to rural walled villages like Yuen Long or Sha Tau Kok, offering a unique opportunity to delve into distinct Lunar New Year customs and traditions celebrated by the villagers.
6. Learn To Make Your Own Chinese New Year Pudding At Festive Workshops By Local Traditional Bakeries
Chinese New Year pudding workshop in Kee Wah Studio
(Credit: Kee Wah Bakery)
Participate in hands-on workshops, such as those offered by Kee Wah Bakery, to learn the art of making Chinese New Year puddings. These symbolic treats, served during house visits, represent prosperity and achieving new heights in the coming year. Take home the recipes and surprise your loved ones with these traditional delights.
7. Dried Seafood Shopping for Prosperity
“Dried Seafood Street” in Sheung Wan’s Des Voeux Road West
(Credit: Stock Photo)
Explore the renowned “Dried Seafood Street” in Sheung Wan’s Des Voeux Road West, a hub for dried seafood which is a crucial element of the Chinese New Year menu. Locals believe that starting the year with a sumptuous meal featuring luxurious ingredients sets a positive tone for the year. Purchase preserved scallops, abalone and shrimp with symbolic meanings of prosperity and wealth, or conveniently find these products at major retail stores in Hong Kong.
Location: Des Voeux Road West, Wing Lok Street and Bonham Strand West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island
8. Pray for a good year at these temples in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, numerous temples offer unique blessings for those seeking prosperity, success, health, and more during the Chinese New Year.
Man Mo Temple for career
The renowned Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan is a sanctuary for career and educational success. Business owners pray to the Martial God, seeking prosperity, while students bring stationery to be blessed for academic achievements.
Man Mo Temple
(Credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board)
Location: 124-126 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island
Kwun Yum Temple for wealth
For family prosperity, the Kwun Yum Temple in Hung Hum is significant, especially during the Kwun Yum Treasury Opening Festival. Worshippers seek wealth symbolised by borrowing imaginary money from the Goddess.
Location: 15 Station Lane, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
Hau Wong Temple for health
The Hau Wong Temple in Kowloon City is favoured for health, especially during the Hau Wong Festival, addressing potential clashes with Tai Sui deities.
Hau Wong Temple
(Credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board)
Location: 130 Junction Road, Pak Hok Shan, Hong Kong
Wong Tai Sin Temple for love
Finally, Wong Tai Sin Temple is celebrated for its ability to fulfil worshippers’ requests, including the first incense offering tradition and prayers for love, marriage, and a propitious Year of the Dragon.
Wong Tai Sin Temple
(Credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board)
Location: 2 Chuk Yuen Village, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon
The Chinese New Year period lasts until the 15th day, and before that, tourists can expect to enjoy a rich festive spirit around the town, and a vibrant array of exciting celebrations. For more information, visit https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/what’s-new/events/chinese-new-year.html
and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqL2kISVCao&feature=youtu.be for the exciting highlights.
Hong Kong Tourism Board is currently giving away a million ‘Hong Kong Night Treats’ visitor dining vouchers for visitors to use in restaurants and bars across the city after 6pm. For more information, please visit https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/deals/hk-nights-treats.html.