Joanna James
Chinese New Year celebrations in Hong Kong feature glitzy, glamorous and elaborate festivities that are nothing short of spectacular. Read on for the top precincts to visit, for the best experience.
The iconic Hong Kong Chinese New Year Parade is a well-established classic that one should not miss. Starting on New Year's Eve the parade makes its way through the popular Tsim Sha Tsui district. Watch as mesmerizing parades of marching bands, troupes of lithe acrobats, traditional Chinese dancers, colourful and vibrant dragons and many more performers wind their way along the streets. Bringing in the New Year are the lion dancers, dragon dancers and troupes of foreign dancers that lend loads of colour and festive cheer to the entire event. Tsim Sha Tsui is just 5 minutes from Park Hotel Hong Kong and similar accommodation options that offer convenience for touring the vibrant precinct, well known for shopping, dining and entertainment.
Head over to the harbour district, close to the best 4 star hotels in Hong Kong, and celebrate the New Year in true style, with traditional firework displays. Firecrackers and firework displays have always been a symbol of the Chinese New Year and witnessing this spectacle is a truly memorable event. Well established as one of the world's grandest fireworks displays, watch as the harbour explodes in a myriad of colours and shimmering lights. The breath-taking show lasts a total of 25 minutes when you will enjoy some jaw dropping spectacles in the night sky.
The Lunar New Year is the most auspicious time of the year for Chinese, and there is no better time to test this theory than by placing some bets at the Racecourse, which is a very popular past-time amongst the locals. The Chinese New Year Race is a ritual that takes place on the third day of the lunar month, drawing a mega crowd out to test their luck. You are well advised to attend this spectacle which promises to thrill, even if horse racing is not your thing. There is plenty to keep you occupied, besides the races, such as, talks by Feng Shui masters, vibrant live performances and lucky draws. Check out the race courses official website and you will even see advice on the lucky colours for the day!
Book a midnight cruise on the star ferry and enjoy a first-hand view of the Victoria Harbour Fireworks. Book your seats in advance and enjoy the spectacular laser shows and 25 minutes fireworks display, incomparable to the best across the world.
Between the 22nd and 27th of January, places like Victoria Park in Causeway Bay, as well as, Fa Hui Park in Mong Kok, come to life in a riot of colour thanks to the pop-up flower markets. Good luck plants such as the potted orange trees are the most popular, laden with bright orange fruits these symbols of wealth and prosperity are an integral part of the Lunar New Year. Enjoy a bout of shopping at the same time, since many of the malls set up, pop-up shopping markets at the same time.
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