Watch parades, enjoy fireworks, and win horse races—celebrate Chinese New Year in Hong Kong in a unique way

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, reported by Li Xinyi

 

Have you planned where to go during the 9-day Lunar New Year holiday? If you're worried about domestic travel being crowded everywhere or overseas trips being prohibitively expensive, Hong Kong—with its strong traditional New Year atmosphere—is not only close by and a short flight away, but also perfect for family trips. It allows you to experience the festive spirit without missing out, along with a dazzling array of New Year events. During the Lunar New Year, most tours in Hong Kong are group packages, typically including tickets to two major theme parks. Compared to other destinations, the price increase is minimal. Tour operators also offer experiences with various Hong Kong-style New Year dishes, such as hot pot meals, traditional basin meals, or even New Year’s Eve dinners with Disney characters at Disneyland.

How to enjoy Hong Kong during the Lunar New Year? The Hong Kong Tourism Board recommends starting on the first day of the Lunar New Year by visiting the famous and highly revered Wong Tai Sin Temple. The competition for the first incense stick on New Year’s Day is intense, and every Lunar New Year sees an endless stream of worshippers praying for blessings. There are over a hundred fortune-telling stalls near the temple offering divinations, and visitors might as well go pray for good fortune. You can also spin the windmill at Sha Tin Che Kung Temple for luck, or throw wish cards at the wishing tree in Lam Tsuen, Tai Po, to wish for all things to go as desired. On the evening of the first day, the “Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade” is one of the grandest float parades in the world. Themed floats from Hong Kong and around the globe parade in sequence, presenting spectacular performances that blend Eastern and Western elements. Starting at 8 PM, the colorful and dazzling floats and performance troupes adorn the magnificent night scenery of Victoria Harbour and both sides of Hong Kong, making it even more spectacular.

Hong Kong’s world-renowned Victoria Harbour New Year’s Eve fireworks display has been ranked No. 1 by CNN and is not to be missed. Similarly, the annual high-altitude fireworks show on the second day of the Lunar New Year is also unmissable. Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, Victoria Peak, and buildings along both sides of the harbour will be packed with tourists and locals vying for the best spots to catch the most beautiful fireworks. When the fireworks show begins at 8 PM, the sparkling tens of thousands of celebratory fireworks symbolize wishes for a smooth new year, bringing wonderful blessings to all spectators.