Lauded as one of Hong Kong’s largest and most colourful festivals, visitors and locals alike will be caught up in the energy and atmosphere of Hong Kong’s Chinese New Year (CNY) celebrations.
Squeeze into temples to pray for good fortune, browse festive markets selling auspicious foods and blooms, take in the red lanterns that adorn the city or sit back and enjoy one of Hong Kong’s most anticipated annual events, the International Chinese New Year Night Parade.

Start the new year in the Great Outdoors: In Chinese culture physical uphill climbing signifies progress in life, so hiking is a popular activity around CNY. For some great outdoors action head to Lantau Island via the cable car from Tung Chung, then wander around the world’s tallest outdoor sitting Buddha statue, before stopping at Ngong Ping Village to visit the “Good Luck Garden”. End the day by sampling some traditional Chinese vegetarian dishes at the Po Lin Monastery.
What: Hiking
Where: Lantau Island – Ngong Ping Village, Po Lin Monastery, Big Buddha
When: The cable car operates on weekdays from 10am to 6pm and weekends and public holidays from 9am to 6:30pm

Join the biggest CNY soiree in town: Head to Tsim Sha Tsui early on 5 February to secure a spot to watch the Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade, a signature event dating back to 1996. Starting from 6pm roving performers will emerge along the parade route, before dazzling floats, ebullient dancers, acrobats and other performers from around the world follow and fill the area with colour and excitement. Paid spectator seats located at the starting point, next to the iconic Hong Kong Cultural Centre, are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.
What: Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade
Where: Tsim Sha Tsui, running through Canton Road, Haiphong Road and Nathan Road
When: 5 February from 8pm to 9:45pm

Fireworks above Victoria Harbour and the International Chinese New Year Night Parade
Make a wish: Venture to the New Territories to experience the local Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival in Lam Tsuen, Tai Po, which takes place from 5 to 19 February. Visitors can try their hand at placard throwing by purchasing a placard tied to an orange. They then write their wishes for the new year on it, before throwing it at the imitation wishing tree. The higher the placard hangs, the greater chance that the wishes will be granted. The floats from the International Chinese New Year Night Parade will also be on display until 19 February.
What: Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival 2019
Where: Lam Tsuen Wishing Square, Lam Tsuen, Tai Po
When:5 to 19 February from 8:45am to 6:30pm

Spin the windmill for good fortune: Paying respect to the deities is a customary practice among the locals, especially the older generation. For a glimpse into this tradition, visitors can visit Che Kung Temple in Tai Wai, which attracts crowds of avid worshippers around CNY every year. Try “Kau Chim”, or fortune stick drawing, to see what fortune awaits in the Year of the Pig. Remember to spin the temple’s famous copper windmill clockwise to summon good luck.
What: Che Kung Temple
Where: Tai Wai
When: 7 February from 8am to 6pm

Put the good fortune to the test: The Chinese New Year Race Day at the Sha Tin Racecourse will be the first race for the Year of the Pig calendar and provides the perfect opportunity for visitors to experience Hong Kong’s iconic horseracing culture and put their new year good fortune to the test. Join locals for a day of entertainment, hospitality and lots of horse racing!
What: Chinese New Year Race Day
Where: Sha Tin Racecourse
When: 7 February from 11am to 6pm
For more information visit www.DiscoverHongKong.com/nz