Great way to pamper your loved ones for Valentine’s Day, too!
Hong Kong is preparing to usher in the Year of the Tiger with an exciting program of celebratory festivities to ensure a roaring success! From February 8 to 21, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is putting on a special lineup of activities that will guarantee a fun time for locals and visitors alike.
Fabulous floats are being readied for the fantastic parades that will please spectators looking forward to this yearly show of grandeur, pomp and style. Stage performances, street entertainment and games will also be part of the local scene to keep the beat alive as the Tiger takes its place in the Chinese calendar and in everyday life for the next 12 months. Flower markets are bursting with a gorgeous rainbow of colours and a riot of scents – as they may become among the busiest places in the city, as this year, Valentine’s Day also falls during the New Year Celebrations.
Over the years, the Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Parade has become a signature event for the celebrations. This night parade is one of the best-loved events of the New Year festivities, because it never fails to offer a stunning array of brightly coloured floats and international and local performing artists. This year’s parade will be held on Sunday, Feb 14, at 8 pm. Since it snakes around the Tsim Sha Tsui area, people are drawn in to the fun and merriment, making it a giant street party. Roving performers and interactive games enhance the festivities to ensure fun for all.
On February 15, the 2010 Lunar New Year Display, a magnificent show of computer-controlled fireworks will usher in the Year of the Tiger, where thousands upon thousands of people will be lining both sides of the harbour - cheering, celebrating and partying. For Asians in general, and Chinese in particular, the Chinese New Year celebration would not be complete without fireworks, since many believe that the noise will scare away all evil spirits and misfortunes.
Those who would like to combine Valentine’s and the Chinese New Year can also mix fireworks and romance by booking seats for the Fireworks Display Cruise – an excellent way to sail around the world-famous Victoria Harbour and gaze at the brightly-lit sky!
Another great reason to visit Hong Kong during the Chinese New Year is to pray for good fortune for the next twelve months. For an unforgettable experience and a chance to encourage good fortune, one can join the crowds that go to the SikSik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple, as well as other places of worship, to burn incense sticks and shake out a fortune stick for a New Year prediction.
Shopping and dining delights will always be a part of Hong Kong. Irresistible bargains are available at this time of the year so for some, retail-therapy may be the right way to welcome the Year of the Tiger! Mouth-watering festive food will also tempt visitors of all ages as they discover traditional specialties as well as delicacies from other parts of the world. In addition, local residents get dressed up in their traditional Chinese costumes and go out to party as they celebrate this superb festival.
The Chinese New Year celebratory activities have become an integral part of Hong Kong’s uniqueness and enable visitors to experience the city’s deep-rooted traditions and vibrant living culture.
For more information, please visit
Flower Markets February 8 to 13 *Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island
*Fa Hui Park, Mong Kok, Kowloon
CathayPacific International Chinese Sunday, February 14 Tsim Sha Tsui
New Year Night Parade
2010 Lunar New Year Fireworks Display Monday, February 15 VictoriaHarbour
(between Central and
Tsim sha Tsui)
Chinese New Year Tuesday, Feb 16 Sha Tin Racecourse,
Race Day New Territories
Floats on Display February 15 to 21 (DiscoverHongKong.com)
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