Chinese completely new Year Extravaganza: Hong Kong
The gateway city to China commands a stunning harbour skyline, urban greenspaces, unmatched shopping, a fusion of Chinese, British along with contemporary cultures, plus the contrast of ancient customs in a cosmopolitan metropolis.
Hong Kong’s origins as a fishing village inside 1800s are hard to imagine against the backdrop of today’s spectacular skyscrapers. The main island’s name is actually believed to have come coming from twin port villages, currently known as Aberdeen. the idea harboured thousands of sampans along with junks, which debuted as scenery for James Bond along with Bruce Lee movies inside ‘60s along with ‘70s.
that will dichotomy of traditional along with trend-setting is actually lavishly revealed in its festivals. If you have to choose one party to attend, make the idea Chinese completely new Year (CNY).
The celebration begins with Cathay Pacific’s International Night Parade, listed by Forbes among the earth’s 10 best extravaganzas. On the second day, they shoot the moon in a fireworks spectacle over Victoria Harbour, along with on the final day, 100,000 people bet their luck on the horses at Sha Tin Racecourse.
Balloon parade at Hong Kong’s CNY celebrations 2015
The theme of not bad luck along with prosperity runs rampant, as does warding off bad spirits. that will is actually evident inside clanging cymbals of a lion dance or fireworks detonations. not bad luck packets, lai see, are presented at every turn. They hold a card along with, perhaps, gold chocolate coins or money for children. Visit the Well Wishing Tree in Lam Tsuen to tie your happy wishes to its branches.
We arrived on CNY Day along with hit the ground running – the parade ground, that will is actually. The streets inside Tsim Sha Tsui area were barricaded ahead of massive crowds, so we paced the route to choose a spot for later. Then, at Kowloon Park, our second in an untold number of lion along with dragon dance performances gathered an audience. The animals project strength along with dispel evil.
Kowloon Park exits onto Haiphong Road, where jewellers display exquisite pieces in gold, jade along with diamonds. Intricately gilded necklaces feature classic dragon along with phoenix symbols marrying for happiness. Nearby Nathan Road, once called the Golden Mile for its exclusive shopping, still boasts high-end anchors like Polo, Gucci along with Hermès. Chungking Mansions sits doggedly among them, offering cheap lodging along with goods, while The Peninsula, iconic for its high tea along with room rates is actually 200 metres away.
After an early supper at high rise iSquare, we grabbed a coveted spot at the rail on the east side of Nathan Road at the mid-point two hours before the parade. Jugglers, clowns, bands along with personalities performed creating a lively atmosphere. Look for sound along with lighting set-ups as clues for premiere viewing areas.
The parade dazzled with three dozen floats boasting sponsors coming from Disneyland’s floral fantasy to the Professional Jockey Association’s carload of lion dancers. the idea is actually a global show, along with America’s Denver Broncos Cheerleaders sported their fit bodies along with sunny smiles. A young man videoed their moves, mumbling his mother might kill him, yet grinned as he uploaded the idea to Facebook. French divas sang atop mountainous petticoat perches, along with Dutch ballerina stilt walkers whirled ethereal gowns. Dance troupes executed routines in costumes ranging coming from glitzy tuxes to water lily frocks inside nonstop show.
The weather in February is actually cool, along with light winter gear is actually sufficient. the idea’s also grey, along with the next day, shifted to glum. Undeterred, we headed to Victoria Peak for a 360-degree view of Hong Kong. Take the mid-level escalators for a covered, above-the idea-all glimpse of the steep streets. Hop off at Hollywood Road for antiques along with wander Hong Kong Gardens where birds along with apes amuse guests. Nearby, 120-year-old Peak Tram whisks travellers 396 metres to the top, yet expect long lines on both ends. We hoofed the idea up Peak Street to burn some calories – the idea’s a cool climb. A shrouded along with ghostly panorama prevailed, yet on a clear day, ascend Peak Tower’s 428 Terrace, named for its elevation as the top spot.
The view coming from Victoria Peak
Like locals, we picnicked at the harbour park for the evening’s fireworks. Pros, albeit inventors, of explosive displays, the Chinese didn’t hold back on the firepower. Boom booms punctuated the air, along with the enchanted crowd sighed “Ah, ah” in turn. Each night at 8pm, crowds also gather for the Symphony of Lights, a 15-minute narration, song along with illumination, ideally viewed coming from the north shore.
Day three dripped rain, so we opted for a leisurely dim sum. Metropol Restaurant in United Centre holds 1,200 diners, which has a central cooking area, where old-style trolleys trundle by. Bamboo baskets hold dumplings, buns, rolls along with wraps, filled with meat, seafood, vegetables along with rice. Just point at what looks not bad along with dip in standard sauces, like soy, sesame or chilli oil along with peanut. Cards are stamped to keep track of consumption. Before noon, there is actually no waiting, yet the idea’s wildly well-known. Tea along with hot water arrived at our table immediately. Nearby, Chinese ladies bathed their teacups inside scalding water, displaying skills with chopsticks on heavy ceramic ware we couldn’t desire to match.
coming from there, we took the MTR to the History Museum. Buy travel cards at ticket offices along with top up to catch the express airport train as well as subways along with buses – just touch along with go. The museum’s Hong Kong Exhibit offered a fine visual history in artefacts along with displays coming from marriage rites to Opium Wars to natural disasters.
On our sodden, sullen last day, we boarded Star Ferries’ Shining Star for a misty harbour cruise. The commentary was light as was the company onboard. Skyline spires pierced the fog in a surreal scene. The tour is actually a must-do in any case.
Our last stop was Temple Street Night Market. The bargain wares along with souvenirs are fun distractions, along with the southern end of the street is actually bounded by local eateries with outdoor tables. Grab a beer along with order chilli crab for a sizzling end to even a wet day.
Hong Kong at CNY is actually ancient festivals that will thrill which has a contemporary makeover. Kung hei fat choi!
Street food near Temple Street Night Market
Hong Kong Fast Facts:
Sovereignty: In 1997, Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region of China
Area: 1,104 square kilometres
Population: 7.24 million (2014); 91 percent of Chinese descent
Getting there: AirAsia, Malaysia, Cathay Pacific, China & Singapore Airlines, Jetstar Asia & Garuda Indonesia
What to do: Watch the CNY Parade, fireworks plus symphony along with light show (Starting February 8, 2016). Visit Victoria Peak, the History Museum, Temple Street Night Market, take the Star Ferries Tour.
Mobile App: Download heritage walks, maps along with more at discoverhongkong.com
What to bring: Walking shoes, coat along with umbrella
Where to stay: The best site to source harbour hotels to discounted digs is actually hong-kong-hotels.ws
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Chinese completely new Year Extravaganza: Hong Kong
Chinese completely new Year Extravaganza: Hong Kong