By MOOK Travel Life Network, compiled and 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 packed and overseas trips being overly expensive, Hong Kong—with its rich traditional New Year vibes—not only close by with short flight times, but also perfect for family trips. It allows you to enjoy the festive atmosphere without missing out, while experiencing a dazzling array of New Year events. During the Lunar New Year, tours in Hong Kong are mostly group packages, usually including tickets to two major theme parks. The price increase is one of the lowest compared to other destinations, and operators also offer experiences with different Hong Kong-style New Year dishes—like hot pot reunion meals, traditional basin meals, or even having New Year’s Eve dinner with Disney characters at Disneyland.
Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year’s Day float parade is extraordinarily lively. (Photo provided by the Hong Kong Tourism Board)
A basin dish, a must-eat for Hong Kongers during the New Year. (Photo provided by the Hong Kong Tourism Board)
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 with a visit to the famous and highly revered Wong Tai Sin Temple. The competition for the first incense stick on New Year’s Day is intense, and during every Lunar Festival, endless streams of worshippers come to pray for blessings. There are over a hundred fortune-telling stalls near the temple offering divinations, and visitors might as well go there to pray for good fortune. You can also go to Sha Tin Che Kung Temple to spin the windmill for luck, or throw wish papers at the wishing tree in Lam Tsuen, Tai Po, hoping 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 a splendid performance that blends Chinese and Western elements. Starting at 8 p.m., the colorful and dazzling floats and performance troupes adorn the magnificent night scenery of Victoria Harbour and both sides of Hong Kong, making the view even more spectacular.
The lively scene of people competing for the first incense stick at Wong Tai Sin Temple on Lunar New Year’s Day. (Photo provided by the Hong Kong Tourism Board)
Hong Kong’s world-renowned Victoria Harbour New Year’s Eve fireworks are ranked No. 1 by CNN (Cable News Network) and are a must-see. Likewise, the high-altitude fireworks display on the second day of the Lunar New Year should not be missed. Tens of thousands of spectators and locals gather along Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, on Victoria Peak, and on buildings along the harbour to secure the best views, eagerly anticipating the most beautiful fireworks. When the fireworks show begins at 8 p.m., the sparkling celebratory fireworks symbolize all the best for the new year, bringing wonderful wishes to all viewers.
When visiting Hong Kong, don’t miss the “horse racing” that you can’t see in Taiwan. Hong Kongers love trying their luck during these joyous New Year days to usher in good fortune. The first horse races of the year are held on the third day of the Lunar New Year. For travelers who want to fully experience the lively atmosphere on-site, the best way is to join a local “Horse Racing Sightseeing Tour.” Not only will there be a shuttle bus to the racecourse in Sha Tin, New Territories, but there is also guide service, VIP box seating for members of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, expert commentary on horse racing, and opportunities to visit the “parade ring” and the finish line. Plus, you can enjoy shopping discounts at the gift shop.
● Extended Reading: Planning an Overseas Trip for Lunar New Year (Part 1) / Exploring 8 Asian Cities on a Free and Easy Trip
http://goo.gl/QgTeT
Why not head to the Hong Kong Racecourse on the third day to try your luck. (Photo provided by the Hong Kong Tourism Board)