Spring marks the arrival of Chinese New Year. It is unmistakable, streets of Hong Kong filled with people dressed in red, bearing well wishes and mandarin oranges. In fact, Chinese New Year is arguably one of the best times to visit the city, with activities and events held almost every day that visitors and locals are welcome to enjoy.
If you’re interested to find out more about Chinese New Year, here is your one one stop guide to everything about the festival and celebrations happening around Hong Kong.
What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, is a traditional Chinese festival used to celebrate the coming of Spring. It is widely celebrated all around the world, in places like Hong Kong, Mainland China and Southeast Asia. Unlike the Western world, which celebrates New Year on January the 1st, Chinese New Year is calculated based on the Chinese Calendar and is therefore celebrated much later.
It is rumoured that the festival was started to scare off a horrible monster, Nian. According to the legend, Nian was a beast that terrorized villagers by gobbling up children and ruining crops. The villagers found themselves at a loss, until one of them came up with the idea of scaring off Nian by setting off firecrackers and putting up red papers, a colour the beast hated. The plan was a roaring success and so Chinese New Year was born. Even today, you’ll hear the loud bang of firecrackers, or see people’s houses decked out in red during this period.
In the past, farmers also celebrated Chinese New Year to mark the start of the harvest. In most major cities, Chinese New Year is observed as a public holiday, but celebrations usually last for well over two weeks.
When is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year is usually celebrated on the second new moon after the Winter Solstice. This is calculated according to the Chinese Calendar, which unlike the Western Calendar, revolves around phases of the moon. Each month in the Chinese Calendar is 28 days, each year around 353 to 355 days. Every three years, a leap month is added so the months continue to correspond with the seasons and lunar phases.
Chinese New Year itself usually falls between 21 January to 20 February. The date changes from year to year, so be sure to check ahead of time.
Each year also has a corresponding animal, based on the Chinese Horoscope. It is said that the person of that animal’s year will have a lucky and prosperous year ahead.
Chinese New Year In Hong Kong?
Here are some activities you can enjoy during Chinese New Year in Hong Kong:
Chinese New Year Parade
Every Year, Hong Kong has an elaborate Chinese New Year Parade on the first day of Chinese New Year. The parade begins with a pre-show at 6.30pm though things really kick off at 8pm. It is usually held around the Tsim Sha Tsui area. You can purchase seats for around 200-300 HKD, but watching from the street is free. The parade features acrobatics, floats and Lion Dances, which involve performers putting on elaborate lion costumes complete with colourful fur, and sequins, in order to perform intricate and dizzying tricks for the crowd. It all makes for a dazzling display, If you want a good view, it’s best to arrive early to secure your spot
If you’re unwilling to brave the crowds, this event is also televised and available to watch on all major Hong Kong TV networks.
Chinese New Year Fireworks
On the second day of Chinese New Year, fireworks are set off at Victoria Harbour. This twenty-five minute long fireworks display usually is the most extensive one in Hong Kong, lasting far longer than the one set off on the 1st of January. Watch in amazement as booming fireworks of every shape, size and colour light up the night sky.
For the best view, head to the Avenue of Stars, where you’ll also get to watch the nightly laser show as well, killing two birds with one stone. Alternatively, head up to The Peak for a bird’s eye view. Waiting at the Tsim Sha Tsui Area will also give you a spectacular view of the festivities
Chinese New Year Horse Races
Try out your luck this New Year by heading down to the Races. Horse Racing is popular in Hong Kong, especially amongst gamblers, and the third day of Chinese New Year marks the most popular race of the year. Held at Sha Tin Racecourse, the yearly race is attended by 100,000 fans. Organized by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the Horse Races have become an esteemed Chinese New Year tradition. Cheer with the crowd as horses go flying by, and soak up the atmosphere as you jostle with your fellow supporters. If you’re not liking your odds, there are also cultural performances to enjoy.
Lunar New Year Fair
As part of Chinese New Year tradition, people often exchange red packets filled with money. What’s unique about Chinese New Year in Hong Kong is that people often give flowers and plants instead. During Chinese New Year, Mongkok flower market comes alive with people, eager to purchase custom fresh flowers and bouquets. The exchanging of flowers is an important custom observed by Hong Kongers, with flowers having different meanings. Tangerine trees, for example are meant to signify a fruitful marriage, whereas peonies represent prosperity. Send your well wishes with a bunch of lettuce flowers, or just drink in the sight of beautiful flowers during this yearly affair.
The Spring Lantern Festival
If you’re lucky enough to be staying in Hong Kong until the end of Chinese New Year, be sure to catch the Spring Lantern Festival. Thousands of colourful lanterns blaze through the night at Tsim Sha Tsui. Each more creative and colourful than the last, with huge lanterns in the shape of animals, pagodas, and symbols to end the festival with a bang. Mill around and take some unforgettable photos with these carefully crafted creations, or enjoy some cultural performances, like acrobatics, opera and folk songs. You can even participate in lantern making of your own, and gain inspiration from your surroundings.
Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions and celebrations. Share the joy with your loved ones during your time in Hong Kong, and be sure to get in the thick of the biggest holidays in the Chinese Calendar.
