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The Hong Kong Wishing Festival kicks off on February 11

Published: 2026-09-25 👁 100 views

Last updated 2026-09-25 — Planning an annual holiday in Hong Kong? Head to Tai Po Lam Tsuen Village. During the “Hong Kong Wishing Festival,” you can enjoy performances by China’s ethnic Yao minority, sample special local cuisines, or visit the wishing tree to hang wishing plaques for blessings and release lanterns...

Planning an annual holiday in Hong Kong? Head to Tai Po Lam Tsuen Village. During the “Hong Kong Wishing Festival,” you can enjoy performances by China’s ethnic Yao minority, sample special local cuisines, or visit the wishing tree to hang wishing plaques for blessings and release lanterns.

The “Wishing Tree” is a renowned spot for prayers and good wishes, located in Lam Tsuen, northwest of Tai Po in the New Territories. This village was established during the Song Dynasty, boasting a history of over 700 years.

The Hong Kong Wishing Festival starts on February 11, and Lam Tsuen Village in northwest Tai Po is buzzing with festive cheer, featuring a series of celebratory activities.

During the Lunar New Year period, many Hong Kong locals flock to Lam Tsuen’s “Wishing Tree” to sincerely pray for their new year wishes. On February 14 from 7:00 to 10:00 PM, there will be a Lian Nan Yao ethnic bonfire party. The Lian Nan Yao people hail from the mountainous regions of northwestern Guangdong Province. The event includes roast lamb, and Lam Tsuen villagers will also present Hakka cultural performances with local flavor.

On February 13 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, the “Wishing Festival” International Wishing Plaque Throwing Competition follows tradition: participants write their wishes on plaques, tie them to oranges, pray sincerely to the Wishing Tree, and then throw the plaques onto the tree trunk. Legend says that if the plaque doesn’t fall, the wish may come true. This competition invites both local and overseas contestants to compete for the title. Additionally, a fun-filled “Wacky Style Wishing Plaque Throwing Contest” adds more excitement. From February 11 to 17, between 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM, visitors can join the wishing lantern blessings and a local food carnival. In addition to classic Hong Kong street snacks such as airplane melon seeds, dragon beard candy, and maltose candy, you can also try seafood delicacies from Tai Po fishing villages and various traditional Hakka foods.

Hong Kong’s Wishing Tree is quite famous, and during the Lunar New Year period, many locals come here to pray sincerely for their new year wishes.

Besides the above exciting events, you can also join hiking tours such as the “Guanyin Golden Summit Lam Tsuen Hike,” the “Family Fun Lian O Hiking Tour” heritage walk, or explore the “Elderly Self-Farmed Morning Market.” Some activities are free, while paid ones require advance registration. For inquiries, call 852 2638 3678. The organizer also provides free shuttle buses between MTR Tai Wo Station and Lam Tsuen Wishing Square (please check the shuttle bus schedule on the event website). Alternatively, you can take a taxi from MTR Tai Wo Station.