Chinese New Year In Hong Kong

This year Chinese Lunar New Year fall on 26th Jan 2009. Is the year of OX in the Chinese calender. It is the biggest and most important traditional festival.

The atmosphere for this celebration begins right after the new year count down. If you're in Hong Kong a week before Chinese new year.You can see the red tide (red lanterns & red decorations) flows over, in the Hotels lobby, shopping malls , streets , markets, shops etcs. New year songs are played along the streets and malls throughout the days & nights......
Crowd are filled in the streets. People busy hunting new stuffs for celebration. Clothes, footwear, households and even flowers. Few of the unique spots should not miss out during the day.
Flowers market Road ( Fa yuen street) at mong kok - A Bazaar Of Flowers. One of Hong Kong's most colorful street markets. Walking through the street is the perfect way to enjoy the aroma blooms. You will amazes by thousand of difference type of flowers. All shops & stalls are filled with nature colors. Chinese believe putting some auspicious plants or flowers in the house on new year's day will bring good luck. Blossoms is the most demanded during this season, and follow by Pussy willow branches. Other type like Peonies and Narcissi , which associated with red or gold colors, and whether flowers’ names sound like “ good luck” or “money” in Cantonese.

Since you're there, take the opportunity to visit the famous Yuen Po Street Bird Market. Explore the unforgettable experience along with the nature beautiful noises by thousand of birdsongs.

Goldfish bring good luck and natural beauty to many living rooms in Hong Kong.Especially, in the new year 's day. Goldfish Market - This specialist market is the preferred source for goldfish and other exotic fishes. Just spend a little bit of your time, you may not want to leave until the shops closed in the evening.

You can easily get there by MTR Prince Edward station exit B1 West.

Few more places where you can hangs around at night are Ladies Street Market & Temple Street Market, I will talk more on that in my next post.

The first day of the Chinese New Year in Hong Kong is quiet. Most of the shops and restaurants are closed except restaurants in the hotels. That is the only time they take a few days rest throughout the whole busy year. People leave for holidays, or hangs out with their relatives.
If you worry nothing to fill you up? Western fast food isn't a bad idea.

“Kung Hei Fat Choy!” - Meaning “Congratulations and be prosperous" . That is what Chinese greet their love one , relatives , friends or anybody during the 15 days celebration. Don't be shy to greet locals by cheerily announcing that, they will be very happy and may give you a " lai see" in return. (A fancy little red envelope filled with good luck money)

Although most places are quiet during the day, but you still can hear lion dance and dragon dance drums noises here and there along the quiet streets. Some happening in the night around 8pm in the first day. A Chinese New Year Night Parade in Tsim Sha Tsui. Kowloon. You may explore the unique culture of Hong Kong before you call off the day.
Don't just rest in the hotel for the second night. A great fireworks show will definitely amazes you. Boats are pack the harbor and people thronging the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, particularly the Avenue of Stars. Many people rent a boat to get a perfect view from the harbor. Try to get a good view spot and be there early, ideally around 7pm, as it fills up quickly. The fireworks button push off at 8pm.

There are much more excitement to talk about. Come and see it yourself.