An Expat's Guide to Celebrating Chinese New Year in Hong Kong
Chinese New Year (CNY) in Hong Kong is one of the most exciting and vibrant festivals, blending ancient Chinese traditions with the modern, bustling city life. For expats, experiencing this holiday can be a unique cultural immersion, offering the opportunity to participate in centuries-old customs, indulge in delicious food, and enjoy spectacular events. Whether you're new to Hong Kong or have lived here for a while, here's everything you need to know about celebrating Chinese New Year in this cosmopolitan city.
1. Understanding the Significance of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, marks the start of the lunar calendar year. It typically falls between late January and mid-February and lasts for 15 days. The holiday is centered around family reunions, honoring ancestors, and ushering in good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
The celebrations are rooted in Chinese zodiac beliefs, with each year being associated with one of the 12 animals of the zodiac. The year 2025, for example, is the Year of the Snake. Many people in Hong Kong follow traditions meant to bring good fortune, such as cleaning the house (to sweep away bad luck) and giving gifts of lai see (red packets with money) to friends and family.
2. Preparations for the New Year
The lead-up to Chinese New Year in Hong Kong is filled with activity and excitement. Here are a few essential preparations:
Cleaning Your Home
Pre-CNY Cleaning: It's customary to clean the home before the New Year to sweep away any bad luck and make space for good fortune. Avoid cleaning on the first day of CNY, as it is believed to sweep away the good luck that enters with the new year.
Shopping for New Year’s Goods
In the days leading up to the holiday, you’ll see markets and shopping malls filled with traditional foods, decorations, and clothing. It’s common to buy items like oranges (symbolizing wealth), candied fruits, dumplings, and Nian Gao (a traditional sticky rice cake). Local stores and supermarkets also offer various red decorations such as lanterns, couplets, and door hangings featuring auspicious phrases.
Buying New Clothes
Wearing new clothes, especially in red, symbolizes a fresh start and the hope of good luck in the coming year. You’ll see many people wearing new outfits to celebrate.
3. Traditions and Customs You Can Participate In
1. Visiting Temples
Many locals visit temples during the New Year period to pray for good fortune. The Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan is one of the most famous in Hong Kong, where people light incense and make offerings. You can also visit the Wong Tai Sin Temple, known for the practice of fortune-telling.
2. Giving Lai See (Red Packets)
Lai See is one of the most exciting parts of CNY in Hong Kong. These are small red envelopes filled with money, given to children, unmarried friends, and employees. The money is a symbol of good luck and prosperity. As an expat, you may receive lai see from your Hong Kong colleagues or family friends, but if you're invited to a celebration, it's customary to give them as well. The amount should be in even numbers (with the number 8 being particularly lucky) as odd numbers are associated with funerals.
3. Family Gatherings and Feasts
Chinese New Year is all about family. Many families gather for a large, festive meal on New Year's Eve. Traditional dishes such as fish (symbolizing surplus), dumplings (representing wealth), and sweet rice cakes (for prosperity) are commonly served. If you’re invited to a family gathering, it's a great opportunity to experience authentic Chinese cuisine.
4. Visiting Relatives and Friends
It's customary to visit relatives and friends during the New Year period. If you are invited to someone's home, bring lai see for children and unmarried people, and don’t forget to bring a small gift for the host as a gesture of goodwill.
4. Major Events During Chinese New Year in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is known for hosting spectacular public celebrations that you can enjoy as an expat. Here are the key events to look out for:
1. Chinese New Year Parade (CNY Parade)
This is one of the largest and most famous parades in Asia, taking place on the second day of Chinese New Year in Tsim Sha Tsui. The parade features dazzling floats, dragon and lion dancers, acrobats, and performers from around the world. It’s a must-see event for both locals and expats alike.
2. Fireworks Display
Hong Kong’s Chinese New Year fireworks display is legendary. Held on the third day of the New Year over Victoria Harbour, the display features thousands of colorful fireworks lighting up the sky. You can watch it from various spots around the city, such as Tsim Sha Tsui, Victoria Peak, or aboard a harbor cruise.
3. Flower Markets (Lunar New Year Markets)
In the days leading up to Chinese New Year, flower markets are set up across the city, particularly in areas like Victoria Park and Kowloon’s Fa Yuen Street. These markets are filled with flowers and plants that symbolize good luck, including orchids, peach blossoms, and kumquat trees. The markets are vibrant, lively, and a perfect place to soak in the atmosphere of the season.
4. Horse Racing (CNY Races)
If you're looking for something a bit more unique, Hong Kong has a tradition of holding Chinese New Year horse races at the Sha Tin Racecourse. It's a fun, festive way to celebrate the holiday while experiencing local culture. Many people dress up, and the event features colorful performances, food stalls, and live music.
5. Chinese New Year Food in Hong Kong
Food plays a significant role in Chinese New Year celebrations, and Hong Kong offers a rich culinary experience during this time. Be sure to try these traditional dishes:
Dumplings (Jiaozi): These symbolize wealth and prosperity, as their shape resembles gold ingots.
Fish: It is traditionally served whole to symbolize abundance and a good year ahead.
Sweet Rice Cake (Nian Gao): This sticky rice cake is a must-have dish that symbolizes growth and prosperity in the coming year.
Tangerines and Oranges: Symbolizing good luck and wealth, tangerines and oranges are often exchanged as gifts.
Candied Fruits and Nuts: These are often served as snacks and symbolize sweetness, luck, and fertility.
You can enjoy these dishes at family gatherings, or many restaurants in Hong Kong offer special Chinese New Year menus.
6. What to Wear for Chinese New Year
Red and Gold: Red is the most auspicious color, symbolizing happiness and good fortune, while gold represents wealth. Many people wear new clothes during this time, especially in red, and accessories like gold jewelry or red scarves are common.
Traditional Attire: If you want to dive deeper into the culture, wearing a cheongsam (qipao) for women or a Tang suit for men is a great way to celebrate the occasion.
Comfortable Footwear: If you're going to visit temples, flower markets, or attend the parade, make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
7. Etiquette and Customs to Keep in Mind
Respect for Elders: Chinese New Year is a time to honor elders, so be sure to show respect to older family members or hosts.
Give and Receive with Both Hands: When giving or receiving gifts, especially lai see, it’s customary to use both hands as a sign of respect.
Avoid Saying Negative Things: It's considered unlucky to speak of negative topics, such as death, illness, or anything associated with bad luck. Instead, focus on positive and prosperous topics.
Avoid Cleaning on the First Day: Don’t clean or sweep the house on the first day of the new year, as it’s believed to sweep away good luck.
Chinese New Year in Hong Kong is an unforgettable experience, blending traditions with modern festivities in one of the most dynamic cities in the world. As an expat, it's a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, participate in festive activities, and learn more about the customs and traditions that shape Hong Kong’s rich history. Embrace the spirit of renewal and good fortune, and enjoy every moment of this exciting holiday season!
