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There are not many cities in the world that offer its dwellers and visitors such charismatic diversity than Hong Kong. With its show-stopping vibrancy, lush mountainous terrains, and thriving traditions steeped in colourful mythology, this is a city that never fails to enchant. As Chinese all over the world get ready to welcome the Year of the Rooster, we can’t think of a better place to partake in the festivities.
Where to Stay
Nowhere celebrates the Lunar New Year with more gusto and grace than The Peninsula. Located at the edge of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong’s oldest and most iconic luxury hotel starts the festivities, on January 28, in its own lobby with a traditional lion dance. The hotel, beautifully decorated with symbols of good fortune and prosperity, is also the prime place to enjoy the fireworks with unspoiled, birds-eye views from the Sun Terrace overlooking the harbour. In keeping with the hotel’s sophistication and elegance, champagne will of course be served!
Festivities aside, The Peninsula is renowned for indulging its guests with world-class service at any time of the year. Don’t miss the exquisite high tea in The Lobby, known to be the most elegant meeting place in all of Hong Kong. The luxurious spa will leave you in a tranquil state of bliss, and the rooms and suites are the epitome of modern luxe. Not only is the service impeccable, but there are few hotels in the world that genuinely make their guests feel so welcome. The Peninsula Hong Kong certainly lives up to her reputation as being ‘La Grande Dame of the Far East’.
Where to Eat
You would be hard pressed finding a Chinese restaurant anywhere around the world that can bump Lung King Heen of its well-deserved pedestal. It was the first Cantonese restaurant to be awarded three Michelin stars and has retained its position ever since. Situated on the fourth floor of the Four Seasons hotel, this exquisite restaurant specialises in seafood and dim sum in an intricately designed menu, that plays with textures, flavours, and presentation to the delight of its clients. The restaurant itself takes your dining experience to whole new level, with its silver-leaf ceiling and accents of silver and glass bouncing of the sun-lit room by day, and reflecting Hong Kong’s glittering skyline and harbour lights at night.
Where to Play
Chinese New Year is the most important festival of all Chinese traditions and Hong Kong certainly knows how to celebrate it! This year, the parade is themed ‘Best Fortune. World Party. The city is adorned in red – for good luck and happiness, and gold – for prosperity, and it’s impossible not to get at least a little entranced while wondering through the streets.
On New Year’s Eve, Friday, January 27, locals gather at the stunning Flower Markets at Causeway Bay. The evening of New Year’s Day, Saturday, January 28, the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui are bustling with good cheer as festivities kick-off with parading floats, performances, folklore, and colourful lion dances. The infamous fireworks over Victoria Harbour will take place on Sunday, January 29 at 8pm. Vantage points to enjoy the fireworks, other than The Peninsula, are the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, Central and Western District Promenade, and Golden Bauhinia Square.
For more information on Chinese New Year festivities visit http://www.discoverhongkong.com/au/see-do/events-festivals/highlight-events/chinese-new-year-celebrations.jsp
