Expat Family Guide to Chinese New Year in Hong Kong

As an expat living in Hong Kong, experiencing Chinese New Year (CNY) can be a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and create lasting memories with your family. Here's a HK City Guide to help you get into the local spirit and discover exciting things to do during this joyous celebration.

Getting into the Local Spirit

1. Learn about CNY Traditions: Engage with locals and learn about traditional customs such as giving red envelopes (lai see), visiting temples, and sharing reunion dinners.

2. Decorate Your Home: Embrace the festive spirit by adorning your home with red decorations, symbolic of good luck and fortune.

3. Dress in Red: Wearing red during CNY symbolizes joy and good fortune, so encourage your family to incorporate this color into their wardrobe.

4. Taste CNY Delicacies: Sample traditional CNY foods such as dumplings, rice cakes, and nian gao to savor the flavors of the season.

Things to Do as a Family

1. Attend the Night Parade: Take your family to the vibrant CNY night parade in Tsim Sha Tsui, featuring dazzling floats, lion dances, and firecrackers.

2. Visit Temples: Experience the spiritual side of CNY by visiting temples such as Wong Tai Sin and Man Mo to witness traditional rituals and seek blessings for the year ahead.

3. Watch Fireworks: Head to the waterfront areas like Victoria Harbour or Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade to catch mesmerizing CNY fireworks displays.

4. Explore Flower Markets: Wander through the bustling flower markets where you can admire vibrant blooms and purchase potted plants to symbolize growth and new beginnings.

5. Enjoy Family Reunions: Embrace the tradition of family gatherings by hosting or attending CNY festive gatherings and indulging in delicious feasts.

By embracing these customs and participating in the array of CNY festivities, you and your family can fully immerse yourselves in the cultural richness and warmth of Chinese New Year in Hong Kong.