This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on January 22, 2019
Day 1 (Feb 4) — Eve of Chinese New Year
Visit a flower market
On the day of arrival, have an easy-going day enjoying by one of the lively flower markets this city has to offer. Locals shop for seasonal flowers and plants as they symbolise different positive wishes such as cherry blossoms represent an improvement in personal romantic relationships and water bamboos are said to bring wealth. For a full-on experience, visit Victoria Park, Causeway Bay which will be open to the public from 8am on Feb 4 until 8am on Feb 5. Another option is to visit Fa Hui Park, Mong Kok, which is open from 7am, Feb 4 to 7am, Feb 5.
Day 2 (Feb 5) — First day of Chinese New Year
Spiritual walks and healthy lunch
Locals enjoy going on a hike to reel in the first day of the New Year as climbing uphill is said to strongly signify positive progress in life. Lantau Island is an ideal place to go for a walk as it is home to the world’s tallest outdoor sitting Buddha statue. Before visiting the statue, it is an option to stop at Ngong Ping Village to visit the “Good Luck Garden” before enjoying the delicious Chinese vegetarian dishes at Po Lin Monastery.
Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade
Join the fun at Tsim Sha Tsui for a parade that is said to be a signature event that began in 1996. From 8pm onwards, performers will begin to emerge along the route followed by dazzling floats including those by Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park Hong Kong alongside dancers, acrobats and a wide variety of performers from all around the world. Paid spectators seats are available on a first-come first-served basis for those who want to enjoy the fun at the starting point next to the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The parade ends at 9.45pm.
Day 3 (Feb 6) — Second day of Chinese New Year
Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival
At Lam Tsuen Wishing Square, Lam Tsuen, Tai Po from 8.45am to 6.30pm, guests can venture to New Territories not only for some fresh air but also trying their hand at placard throwing. It started as a tradition of the village but slowly came to attract people from all around the city. Write your wishes on a placard, tie it to an orange then throw it at the imitation Wishing Tree. The higher the placard hangs, the better the chances for your wish to come true.
Fireworks display
Fireworks are an intergral part of Chinese New Year celebrations across the world, but especially so in Hong Kong. The firework display staged at Victoria Harbour, from 8pm to 8.30pm, has been on display for many years and can be best viewed for free along the harbour front in Tsim Sha Tsui, the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai or ifc in Central.
Day 4 (Feb 7) — Third day of Chinese New Year
Summon good luck from a copper windmill
A customary practice among locals, especially the older generation, is to pay respects to the deities and that can be done at Che Kung Temple in Tai Wai. This temple attracts many avid worshippers every year during the Chinese New Year period. Try Kau Chim, also known as fortune stick drawing, to see what awaits you in the Year of the Boar. Do not forget to spin the temple’s famous copper windmill to bring in the good luck for the year.
Chinese New Year Race Day
Head over to Sha Tin Racecourse from the temple via the MTR East Rail Line. The special races provide a unique opportunity for tourists to experience horseracing as it is an incredibly popular activity among locals. Visitors have the option of placing a bet and join the locals by cheering on the jockey of choice. The racecourse will be open to the public from 11am to 6pm.