CHINESE NEW YEAR - HONG KONG EXTRAS3

CHINESE NEW YEAR 2025 (The Year of the Snake)

THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S CHINESE NEW YEAR MESSAGE

Below is the translation of the Chinese New Year message delivered by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee on Chinese New Year’s Eve, 28th January 2025;

”Celebrating the Chinese New Year is one of our happiest moments. We are busy gathering with family and friends, doing New Year shopping and buying festive flowers for our homes, preparing for the New Year to come.

Hong Kong is full of cheerful events. Last year, we received two adorable giant pandas from the motherland, and the giant panda babies born in Hong Kong will be ready to meet everyone in mid-February.

This year is the Year of the Snake. In Chinese culture, the snake is nimble and agile, and is a symbol of prosperity and wealth. This year, Hong Kong will once again show its agility and resilience with flexible thinking to innovate, to reform, and to seek further development as we strive to build a bright future.

My wife and I wish the people of Hong Kong good health in the Year of the Snake. May you have joy, prosperity and good fortune in the Year of the Snake!”

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, delivering his Chinese New Year message. Mr Lee (right) and Mrs Lee (left) wished the people of Hong Kong good health and good fortune in the Year of the Snake

The CATHAY INTERNATIONAL CHINESE NEW YEAR NIGHT PARADE will take place on Lunar New Year's Day, Wednesday 29th January 2025, from 8pm to 9-45pm along a route commencing at Hong Kong Cultural Centre Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui then via Canton Road, Haiphong Road, Nathan Road and Salisbury Road, ending outside Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers.

PARADE ROUTE MAP

Spectator stands will be located in five zones;

Zone A – Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, outside Serenade Chinese Restaurant

Zone B – Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, outside Serenade Chinese Restaurant (partially obstructed view)

Zone C – Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, facing Victoria Harbour

Zone D – Canton Road (outside Gateway Hong Kong and The Langham Hong Kong)

Zone E – Junction of Nathan Road and Middle Road

Ticket prices – Zone A, HK$480, Zone B, HK$450, Zones C, D & E, HK$300

TICKET SELLING ARRANGEMENTS – Ticket sales begin on 11th January at 8am on a first-come, first-served basis at Hong Kong Tourism Board Kowloon Visitor Centre, Star Ferry Pier Concourse, Tsim Sha Tsui. Each visitor will receive a numbered ticket indicating a designated time on the same day when they should return to purchase their Night Parade admission ticket(s). There is a maximum limit of four tickets per person per transaction. Seniors aged 65 or above and children aged 3-11 are entitled to a 50% discount, while children under 3 years old who do not require a seat can enter for free. Concessionary ticket holders must be Hong Kong residents and are required to present valid identification documents upon admission.

PARADE PARTICIPANTS - Some 55 performance groups from 14 countries and regions will participate in the parade including 16 performing groups from Mainland China and overseas including from Spain, New Zealand, France, Argentina, Austria, India and Thailand. Groups include the winner of 2020 America's Got Talent: The Champions, V.UNBEATABLE DANCE GROUP, Austrian acrobatic show group and the runner-up of 2018 America's Got Talent Zurcaroh, and the dance crew, the first Golden Buzzer winner of the 2023 Indonesia’s Got Talent contest BRAVERY DANCERS. Groups from Mainland are also ready to impress, including the Shaanxi Performing Arts Troupe, who featured in the opening and closing ceremonies of the 14th National Games of China, Thai boyband LYKN and K-pop girl group Kep1er. Local Hong Kong groups comprise12 performing groups with skills ranging from dancing, cheerleading, and gymnastics to rope skipping – many of them champions in international competitions including Chestroll Dance Crew, winner of the 2019 and 2023 World of Dance Hong Kong competition, and the SDM Jazz & Ballet Academie and Hong Kong Rope Skipping Association, China, both winners of numerous international accolades. The show by the Hong Kong Rope Skipping Association China, which has participated in the parade for many years, will include top performers from the United States, France, Australia, and Japan, exchanging skills and adding a touch of international flair and vitality to the traditional festivities. From 6pm, prior to the start of the parade at 8pm there will be juggling, magic shows, dance and music by local performing groups.

For details see;

https://www.discoverhongkong.com/uk/what-s-new/events/chinese-new-year/night-parade.html

For special traffic arrangements and road closures for the Chinese New Year Night Parade see;

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202501/27/P2025012700426.htm

Floats from the parade will be on display from 30th January to 13th February 2025 at Lam Tsuen Wishing Square, Tai Po, New Territories and there will also be performances by international and Mainland groups at Lam Tsuen on 30th and 31st January.

There will be performances by Mainland and international groups at Citygate Outlets Tung Chung, Kai Tin Shopping Centre Lam Tin and Temple Mall Wong Tai Sin on 30th January and PopCorn Mall Tseung Kwan O, Maritime Square Tsing Yi and The Wai Tai Wai on 31st January.

The LUNAR NEW YEAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY will take place on the second day of Lunar New Year, 30th January 2025 at 8pm at Victoria Harbour.

The event is co-ordinated by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, and is sponsored by The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited. A total of 23 888 firing shells will be discharged from three barges in an approximately 23-minute extravaganza.

This year's fireworks display, in celebration of the Year of the Snake, will be divided into nine scenes with various highlights and characteristics. The lucky red number "8" and "gold ingots" will appear in the first scene "A Brand New Beginning" and the second scene "Blossoming Prosperity" respectively, wishing prosperity and abundance to all. The main theme of the eighth scene "Double Luck and Goodness" will feature giant panda images against a backdrop of green lighting representing bamboo and decorative silver illumination. Six adorable "panda head" images representing "An An", "Ke Ke", "Ying Ying" and "Le Le", and the newborn twins "Elder Sister" and "Little Brother" will illuminate the sky signifying reunion and happiness. The fireworks display will reach its climax in the final act, "Harvesting Year of the Snake". The vibrant scene will feature wandering star pattern fireworks which dance against the powerful gongs and drums of the background music "Golden Snake Dance", wishing continued prosperity for the nation and peaceful lives for people.

In addition to the dazzling fireworks display, the facades of the HSBC Main Building in Central and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai will present an LED light show to complement the fireworks.

The display can be seen from many vantage points on both sides of the harbour including Tsim Sha Tsui, Mid-Levels, Central, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, the East Coast Park Precinct and the Hung Hom Bypass.

Spectators can tune into Radio Television Hong Kong Radio 4 (FM 97.6 to 98.9) for synchronised music.

Image shows Scene Nine: "Harvesting Year of the Snake"

2025 LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIRS (FLOWER MARKETS) will take place at fifteen locations from 23rd to 29th January 2025;

Victoria Park (Causeway Bay), Tat Tung Road (Tung Chung), Fa Hui Park (Sham Shui Po), Cheung Sha Wan Playground (Sham Shui Po), Tsz Wan Estate Central Playground (Wong Tai Sin), Kwun Tong Recreation Ground, Tin Hau Temple, Fung Shui Square (Tai Po), Yuen Wo Playground (Sha Tin), Po Hong Park (Tseung Kwan O), Man Yee Playground (Sai Kung), Kwai Chung Sports Ground (Kwai Tsing), Tin Hau Temple Plaza (Tuen Mun), Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground (Yuen Long), Sha Tsui Road Playground (Tsuen Wan), Shek Wu Hui Playground (North District)

The fairs will operate for seven days from 23rd January until the early hours (about 3am) of Lunar New Year's Day, 29th January. Most fairs open from 10am until late night.

About 1,500 items of wet goods, dry goods, fast food and thematic stalls are set up to enable the public to buy festive plants and flowers, Lunar New Year food, decorations and spring couplets (fai chun).

The venues will be monitored using innovation and technology measures and crowd control will be implemented when necessary. The footfall of the fairs will be displayed in a 'green, amber and red lights' format on the Food and Environmental Health Dept website to enable the public to know about the size of crowds at the fair. A green light means few people are inside the fair, the amber light indicates the fair venue is slightly crowded, while the red light shows that the fair venue is very crowded.

Admission to the fairs is free and ceases 15 minutes before closing time.

For further information see;

https://www.fehd.gov.hk/english/events/lnyf2025/index.html

Shops at the year-round Mong Kok flower market, a popular tourist attraction at Prince Edward Road West and Flower Market Road open 24 hours a day on the two days immediately before Lunar New Year's Day.

On 29th January 2025 it was announced that about 2.3 million visitors attended the fairs during the seven days of operation with over 215,000 attending Victoria Park on Lunar New Year's Eve.

LUNAR NEW YEAR LANTERN CARNIVAL

The LUNAR NEW YEAR CARNIVAL takes place from 7th - 12th February at the piazza and foyer of Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui 6pm -11pm. Performed in Cantonese & Putonghua the public can appreciate spectacular lanterns and participate in lantern night events. The events offer a wide range of activities such as music and dance performances, breakdancing, a lion dance, a band performance, a lantern riddle quiz and more. For details of the carnival programme of events see;

https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/cpo/carnival/carnival.html

Panda themed lanterns at the Lantern Carnival

There will also be a LUNAR NEW YEAR LANTERN DISPLAY "Chinese Lanterns: An Enduring Heritage" at the piazza of Hong Kong Cultural Centre from 23rd January to 16th February with lighting up time of 6pm to 11pm daily.

Lunar New Year Lantern Display at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza

For further details see;

https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/cpo/lanterncarnival.html

The HONG KONG WELL-WISHING FESTIVAL at the Lam Tsuen Wishing Square, Lam Tsuen, Tai Po will run from 29th January to 12th February 2025.

Hours;

8-30am to 10pm 29th January to 4th February

8-30am to 7pm 5th to 12th February

http://www.lamtsuen.com/index.html

CHINESE NEW YEAR RACE DAY will take place at Sha Tin Racecourse on the third day of Lunar Year, Friday 31st January. An attendance of about 90,000 is expected. Admission is from 10-30am, with racing from 12-30pm to 6pm. Admission to the public enclosure is HK$10. On production of valid travel documents bona-fide tourists can obtain a Tourist Badge for HK$130 allowing entry to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Members' Enclosure.

Feature races include the Chinese New Year Cup, Centenary Vase and the Hong Kong Classic Mile, first leg of the 4-Year-Old Classic Series. Entertainment includes a spectacular opening variety show in the parade ring at 11-15am including a performance by popular singer Hins Cheung and local TV stars. Feng Shui Master Mak Ling Ling will make an appearance to share good luck tips for the Year of the Snake and there will also be lion and dragon dance performances. A Windmill Fortune Pen gift will be given free to all spectators on entry to the racecourse before 3-30pm or while stocks last.

For further details see;

https://campaigns.hkjc.com/racing-event-hub-chinese-new-year/en/

FWD INSURANCE CHINESE NEW YEAR CUP 2025

The FWD Insurance Chinese New Year Cup, organised by The Football Association of Hong Kong, China, takes place on Saturday 1st February 2025, the fourth day of Lunar New Year at Hong Kong Stadium. The match, World Legends v Hong Kong Legends kicks off at 8pm. Gates open at 6pm. Tickets are priced from HK$380 to HK$1280.

For further details including ticket selling arrangements see;

https://fwdmax.fwd.com.hk/Events

HONG KONG DISNEYLAND RESORT

Details of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Chinese New Year celebrations and opening hours to be announced

OCEAN PARK HONG KONG

Details of Ocean Park Hong Kong Chinese New Year opening hours and events to be announced

AIA CARNIVAL

The AIA Carnival continues until 16th February 2025 at Central Harbourfront. The event features various activities including rides, games, big-top circus, interactive sports, stage entertainment and food and drinks. For full details and ticketing information see;

https://www.aiacarnival.com/tickets/aia-carnival

NGONG PING 360

During the Chinese New Year period the Ngong Ping 360 cable car operating hours will be extended as follows;

29th to 31st January 2025 9am to 8pm

1st & 2nd February 2025 9am to 6-30pm

3rd & 4th February 2025 9am to 6pm

Special events include Lion Dance Performances daily from 29th January to 2nd February 2025 at 12-30pm and 3-30pm at the Pavilion at Ngong Ping Village and God of Fortune Meet and Greet, daily from 29th January to 2nd February 2025 from 11am to 3pm at Tung Chung Cable Car Terminus and from 12pm to 4pm at Ngong Ping Village.

For further details see;

https://www.np360.com.hk/media/uxfblsip/press-release-ngong-ping-360-joins-forces-with-movie-four-trails-for-chinese-new-year.pdf

WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE

Chinese New Year 2025 opening hours (provisional);

MAIN TEMPLE GROUNDS;

28th January (Lunar New Year's Eve) 7-30am to 4-30pm then from 9pm through the night and until 9pm on 29th January (First day of Lunar New Year).

30th January (Second Day of Lunar New Year) to 10th February 2025 - 7-30am to 6pm daily

11th February - 7-30am to 8pm
12th February - 7-30am to 10pm

13th February - 7-30am to 8pm

Last entry one hour before closing time

TAI SUI YUEN CHEN HALL;

Closed on 28th and 29th January. Open 30th January to 13th February 8am to 5pm daily.

FORTUNE PALACE;

28th January- 8am to 4-30pm
29th January - 8am to 9pm
30th January to 13th February - 8am to 6pm daily 14th February - 8am to 8pm 15th February – 8am to 10pm
16th February - 8am to 8pm

Crowd safety management measures will be put into force from 6pm on 28th January to 7pm on the following day, and daily between 7am and 7pm from 30th January to 2nd February and on 8th, 9th, 15th and 16th February. Police will set up queuing areas at Wong Tai Sin Temple Court, Wong Tai Sin Square, and northern pavement of Lung Cheung Road. Should the temple be overcrowded, a “tidal flow system” will be carried out and police officers will direct worshippers to enter the temple in groups. Worshippers are urged to follow the advice given by police officers and take extra care of their personal belongings as well as their young children and elderly companions and in handling joss stick.

CHE KUNG TEMPLE, SHA TIN;

CHUI TIN STREET SOCCER PITCH, SHA TIN - 28th January to 11th February 2025.

Opening hours (to be confirmed);

28th January (Lunar New Year's Eve) 8am to 6pm and 11pm through to 6pm on 29th January (Lunar New Year's Day)
30th January (Second Day of Lunar New Year) 8am to 6pm and 11pm through to 6pm 31st January (Third Day of Lunar New Year)
1st to 11h February - 8am to 6pm daily;

https://www.ctc.org.hk/en/administered-temple-list/

For details of crowd management and special traffic arrangements see;

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202501/27/P2025012700382.htm

MUSEUMS

The following museums and venues, operated by the Hong Kong Government's Leisure and Cultural Services Department, will close at 5pm on Chinese New Year's Eve, 28th January 2025 and will be closed on the first two days of Chinese New Year, 30th & 31st January 2025;

Hong Kong Museum of History
Hong Kong Heritage Museum
Hong Kong Museum of Art
Hong Kong Space Museum
Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware
Hong Kong RailwayMuseum Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence
Oi! (Oil Street Art Space)
Sam Tung Uk Museum
Sheung Yiu Folk Museum
Fireboat Alexander Grantham Exhibition Gallery
Hong Kong Film Archive
Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre*
Hong Kong Science Museum
Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb Museum
Law Uk Folk Museum

Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum has been temporarily closed from May 1, 2024, for upgrading the permanent exhibition and maintenance and renovation works.

Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre will also remain closed on the third day of Chinese New Year, 31st January 2025

OTHER MUSEUMS;

Hong Kong Palace Museum is closed Chinese New Year’s Day, 29th January 2025. Open 10am to 5pm on 30th January, 10am to 8pm on 31st January to 2nd February and 10am to 6pm on 3rd and 4th February 2025.

M+ Museum is closed the first day of Chinese New Year, 29th January. The museum is open on 30th January from 10am to 6pm and on 31st January from 10am to 10pm

Hong Kong Maritime Museum is closed on the first two days of Chinese New Year, 29th and 30th January 2025

HONG KONG TOURISM BOARD CHINESE NEW YEAR SPECIAL INFORMATION

Hong Kong Tourism Board has produced a comprehensive Chinese New Year special information guide for the period 28th January to 2nd February 2025 which cab be viewed at the link below;

https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/plan/traveller-info/cny-special-information.html

PUBLIC LIBRARIES

All public libraries, mobile libraries and students' study rooms will be closed from 5pm on Lunar New Year's Eve, 28th January to the third day of the Lunar New Year, 31st January 2025.

LEE TUNG AVENUE, WANCHAI – From 14th January to 2nd March 2025 Lee Tung Avenue will feature a canopy of over 800 lanterns as part of its “Lanterns –Lit – Year of the Snake” promotion. On the first four days of Chinese New Year, 29th January to 1st February there will be Lion Dance performances, on 7th February the “Dragon and Lion Dance Spectacular” takes place with pole jumping performances and the parade of a golden dragon.

For further details of Lee Tung Avenue Chinese New Year events and promotions see;

https://www.leetungavenue.com.hk/en/cccms/lib/uploads/system/application_20250114_D1Cwp.pdf

CITYGATE OUTLETS, TUNG CHUNG – Citygate Outlets will host a number of events to celebrate Chinese New Year including CNY Flash Dance Party on 30th January at 2pm and 3pm and a Lion Dance Parade on 12th February 2025 between 2pm and 6pm.

For further details see;

https://www.citygateoutlets.com.hk/en/offer-events/events/2025cny_exclusive-activities/

MTR AND LIGHT RAIL SERVICE

MTR will provide an overnight service on Lunar New Year's Eve on all lines except Airport Express and Disneyland Resort lines and East Rail journeys to Lok Ma Chau and Lo Wu*.

*On 28th and 30th January 2025 only, MTR East Rail Line service to Lo Wu will be extended to 2am next day with the last train leaving Admiralty Station at 12-56am arriving at Lo Wu at 1-46am. The last train from Lo Wu will depart at 2-30am arriving at Admiralty at about 3-30am. Lo Wu Immigration Control Point and mainland Luohu Immigration will extend operating hours to 2am on these days.

Service frequency on the Island Line, Kwun Tong Line, South Island Line, Tuen Ma Line, Tung Chung Line, Tseung Kwan O Line and Tsuen Wan Line will be increased from 8pm on Lunar New Year's Eve.

Light Rail routes 505, 507, 610, 614P, 615P, 706 and 751 will also run overnight on Lunar New Year's Eve.

SPECIAL TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS

LUNAR NEW YEARS EVE, SEE;

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202501/24/P2025012400535.htm

LUNAR NEW YEAR, SEE

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202501/24/P2025012400610.htm

CHINESE NEW YEAR NIGHT PARADE AND CHINESE NEW YEAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY, SEE

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202501/27/P2025012700399.htm

Citybus "Cityflyer" Airport Bus in Year of the Snake livery

KMB "Year of the Snake" themed bus

SPECIAL BUS ROUTE

KMB special bus route N73 will operate overnight from 29th to 31st January after normal operating hours of MTR East Rail Line from Sheung Shui Station to carry passengers to interchange to the Yellow Bus for the journey to the Mainland via the Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port, which operates round-the-clock.

FERRIES

Outlying Islands, Inter-Island and Cross-Harbour ferry services will operate normal public holiday services.

The Aberdeen / Stanley - Po Toi Island kaito ferry service will not operate on 29th January 2025, the first day of Chinese New Year. On 30th January, the second day of Chinese New Year there will be one sailing each way leaving Aberdeen at 10am and Po Toi Island at 3-30pm.

The Sai Kung - Kau Sai Village - High Island kaito ferry service will not operate on the first two days of Chinese New Year, 29th and 30th January 2025

IMMIGRATION CONTROL POINTS (to be confirmed)

Shenzhen Bay Immigration Control Point will open 24 hours a day from 28th to 31st January 2025.

Lo Wu Immigration Control Point will extend its operating hours on 28th and 30th January to 2am (the following day) on these days.

Normal operating hours will apply at all other Immigration Control Points.

CROSS-BOUNDARY PASSENGER TRAFFIC ESTIMATES AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR

During the forthcoming Chinese New Year festive period (from 28th January to 4th February 2025), Hong Kong’s Immigration Department, in consultation with the Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection and other Mainland authorities, estimates that around 7.34 million passengers (including Hong Kong residents and visitors) will pass through land boundary control points. It is estimated that passenger traffic at the Lo Wu Control Point, the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Control Point will be heavy, with a daily average forecast of about 205,000, 190,000 and 146,000 passengers respectively.

The peak period of outbound and inbound passengers using land Boundary Control Points is expected to be 31st January (Friday, the third day of Lunar New Year) and 2nd February (Sunday, the fifth day of Lunar New Year), with around 567,000 passengers and 640,000 passengers respectively. It is estimated that the number of outbound passengers will be relatively higher on 30th January (Thursday, the second day of Lunar New Year) and 31st January (Friday, the third day of Lunar New Year), whilst the number of inbound passengers will be relatively higher in the afternoon of 2nd February (Sunday, the fifth day of Lunar New Year). The estimated waiting time during the period will be relatively longer.

To cope with the anticipated heavy traffic during the festive period, the Immigration Department has minimised leave for frontline officers for flexible deployment, and operation of extra clearance counters and kiosks. Additional security guards will also be deployed to provide crowd management support.

Furthermore, the Immigration Department, Hong Kong Police Force, Customs and Excise Department and MTR Corporation Limited will set up a joint command centre at the Lo Wu Control Point to make necessary arrangements. The Immigration Department will also establish close communication with Mainland authorities, including the Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection. To ensure a smooth passenger traffic flow, passenger conditions will be closely monitored and appropriate traffic diversion plans will be adopted when necessary.

To avoid congestion and a longer than usual waiting time for immigration clearance, the Immigration Department advises all land boundary passengers to plan in advance, avoid making their journeys during busy periods and keep track of radio and TV broadcasts on traffic conditions at various control points. The busy times at boundary control points are available on the website of the Immigration Department;

https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/index.html

Furthermore, passengers may also check the estimated waiting times at each land boundary control point at any time or place via the Immigration Mobile Application (ImmD Mobile App) to enable efficient trip planning and save time queuing at control points.

Additionally information on public transport services to and from various control points is available on the Transport Department website;

https://www.td.gov.hk/en/home/index.html

Travellers making journeys to the Mainland are reminded to carry their proof of identity and valid travel documents for crossing the boundary. Hong Kong residents should also check the validity of their Home Visit Permits. Non-permanent residents must carry their valid smart identity card as well as their Document of Identity for Visa Purposes or valid travel document.

Holders of the acknowledgement receipt issued due to reported loss or replacement of their Hong Kong identity cards, or children under 11 years old who hold Hong Kong identity cards, should carry a valid travel document or Re-entry Permit.

About 700 e-Channels have been installed at various control points. The Contactless e-Channel service is available at all control points now. All eligible Hong Kong residents, after enrolment, can generate an encrypted QR code through the Contactless e-Channel mobile application to enter the e-Channel, and then verify their identity with the facial verification technology for automated immigration clearance.

In addition, all control points have introduced self-service departures for visitors to Hong Kong (Smart Departure) which provides greater travel convenience for visitors. The service employs facial recognition technology for identity verification, which allows eligible visitors holding electronic travel documents to perform self-service departure clearance through Smart Departure e-Channels without prior enrolment.

In terms of Mainland inbound visitors, it is estimated that around 1.43 million passengers will visit Hong Kong via various sea, land and air control points during the eight-day Chinese New Year Golden Week of the Mainland. Compared with last year's National Day Golden Week of the Mainland and Chinese New Year Golden Week of the Mainland, the daily average visitor arrivals will increase by 3 per cent and 14 per cent respectively. According to the estimate of the Travel Industry Authority (TIA) and the trade, it is anticipated that 2,000 inbound tour groups will visit Hong Kong during the Chinese New Year Golden Week of the Mainland, representing a notable increase as compared with last year's National Day Golden Week of the Mainland. Major tourist spots have formulated special arrangements to handle the estimated increase of people flow.

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CHINESE NEW YEAR 2024 (The year of the Dragon)

THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S 2024 LUNAR NEW YEAR MESSAGE

The following is a translation of Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive, Mr John Lee’s Lunar New Year message, delivered on 9th February;

The Lunar New Year is a time for reunions, a time for families and friends to get together and cherish the joy and warmth of the festive season. We share our wishes for children to grow strong and healthy and for grown-ups to be blessed with good fortune.

The dragon is an auspicious symbol signifying nobility and good luck. As we welcome the Year of the Dragon, Hong Kong is nurturing fresh vitality and prosperity. We will seize each and every new opportunity, showcase the charm of our city, and write a bright new chapter for Hong Kong.

My wife and I wish the people of Hong Kong a full house of happiness and harmony in the Year of the Dragon. May all your wishes come true and may good health be with you. We wish you all the best in the Year of the Dragon!

Mr Lee (right) and Mrs Lee (left) wished the people of Hong Kong a full house of happiness, harmony and good health in the Year of the Dragon

The CATHAY INTERNATIONAL CHINESE NEW YEAR NIGHT PARADE themed as "World Party Great Celebration" will take place on Lunar New Year's Day, 10th February 2024, from 8pm to 9-45pm along a route commencing at Hong Kong Cultural Centre Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui then via Canton Road, Haiphong Road, Nathan Road and Salisbury Road, ending outside Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers.

Spectator stands will be located in five zones;

Zone A – Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, outside Serenade Chinese Restaurant

Zone B – Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, outside Serenade Chinese Restaurant (partially obstructed view)

Zone C – Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, facing Victoria Harbour

Zone D – Canton Road (outside Gateway Hong Kong and The Langham Hong Kong)

Zone E – Junction of Nathan Road and Middle Road

Ticket prices – Zone A, HK$480, Zone B, HK$450, Zones C, D & E, HK$300

HONG KONG TOURISM BOARD HAS ADVISED TICKETS SOLD OUT - Tickets go on sale on a "first-come, first-served" basis on Saturday 27th January 2024 from 8am at Hong Kong Tourism Board Kowloon Visitor Centre at Star Ferry Pier Concourse, Tsim Sha Tsui, subject to a maximum of 4 tickets per person. Tickets are also available from some travel agents and tour operators as part of a tour or Chinese New Year package.

The parade will feature 16 international performing groups from 12 countries or regions including the Japanese all-female pop dance group Avantgardey, who recently performed in the NHK New Year’s Eve music battle, the Light Dancers, from Spain, and the Universe of Lights, from Germany, the Guangxi Arts Troupe and the Tibet Chamdo Troupe, professional cheerleaders from the
US; and the Bacolod City MassKara Festival, from the Philippines, which has won several championships in the Bacolod Mask Festival Dance Competition. Local performers include teams that have won international awards, ranging from marching bands and rhythmic gymnastics to Chinese dances and Bollywood

Floats from the parade will be on display from 11th to 25th February at the Urban Council Centenary Garden, Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui.

For further details see;

https://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/what-s-new/events/chinese-new-year/night-parade.html

For details of special traffic and transport arrangements for the Night Parade see;

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202402/08/P2024020800424.htm

The LUNAR NEW YEAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY will take place on the second day of Lunar New Year, 11th February 2024 at 8pm at Victoria Harbour.

The fireworks display is co-ordinated by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, sponsored by the Hong Kong Celebrations Association and supported by the Hong Kong Youth Patriotic Education Foundation. The theme for this year's fireworks display is "All trades thrive in the Dragon's Year, China stands strong in the prosperous era". A total of 23,888 pyrotechnic shells will be fired from three barges in the 23-minute display divided into eight scenes.

Each of the eight scenes of fireworks has its own characteristics. The opening scene, entitled "The Year of the Dragon", will start off with a magnificent showcase of silver lightning and thunder to usher in the New Year. The second scene features the lucky number "8" in different forms and colours that symbolise wealth and abundance. "Five-coloured Cosmic Balls", introduced for the first time, signify the boundless sky and earth, wishing citizens a bright future with endless possibilities. In the sixth scene, fireworks of "Smiling Faces" and "Double Red Hearts" will be launched in the hope that citizens will find beauty in life with a positive, enthusiastic attitude. The final scene "Harvest Drums" will bring the event to its climax as fireworks of "Mega-sized Brocade Crowns" will be discharged intensively to wish Hong Kong prosperity and peace in the year to come.

Image of Scene Eight: "Harvest Drums"

The display can be seen from many vantage points on both sides of the harbour including Tsim Sha Tsui, Mid-Levels, Central, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and Hung Hom Bypass. Members of the public are advised to note that some parts of the green lawns, passageways and viewing platforms of Tamar Park and the Central and Western District Promenade (Central Section) have been temporarily closed in preparation for the large-scale outdoor art installation exhibition "teamLab: Continuous" to be launched in March. They may consider proceeding to other places as far as practicable to avoid overcrowding or not being able to enter the venue due to limited space.

For details of crowd safety measures and special traffic arrangements including road closure which are implemented in phases from 5pm see;

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202402/07/P2024020700534.htm

Spectators can tune in to Radio Television Hong Kong Radio 4 (FM 97.6 to 98.9) via mobile phones or other devices for synchronised music during the show.

https://www.cpo.gov.hk/event/en-2024-lunar-new-year-fireworks-display-1/#

2024 LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIRS (FLOWER MARKETS) will take place at fifteen locations from 4th to 10th February;

Victoria Park (Causeway Bay), Tat Tung Road (Tung Chung), Fa Hui Park (Sham Shui Po), Cheung Sha Wan Playground (Sham Shui Po), Kwun Tong Recreation Ground, Morse Park (Wong Tai Sin), Kwai Chung Sports Ground (Kwai Tsing), Sha Tsui Road Playground (Tsuen Wan), Tin Hau Temple, Fung Shui Square (Tai Po), Yuen Wo Playground (Sha Tin), Shek Wu Hui Playground (North District), Tin Hau Temple Plaza (Tuen Mun), Man Yee Playground (Sai Kung), Po Hong Park (Tseung Kwan O), Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground (Yuen Long).

The fairs will operate for seven days from 4th February until the early hours (about 3am) of Lunar New Year's Day, 10th February. Most fairs open from 10am until late night.

The venues will be monitored using innovation and technology measures and crowd control will be implemented when necessary. The footfall of the 15 fairs will be displayed in a 'green, amber and red lights' format on the Food and Environmental Health Dept website to enable the public to know about the size of crowds at the fair. A green light means few people are inside the fair, the amber light indicates the fair venue is slightly crowded, while the red light shows that the fair venue is very crowded.

Admission to the fairs is free and ceases 15 minutes before closing time.

On 10th February, following conclusion of the fairs the Food and Environmental Health Department announced that about 2 million visitors had attended the fairs during the seven days of operation with over 200,000 attending Victoria Park on Lunar New Year's Eve, 9th February.

LUNAR NEW YEAR LANTERN CARNIVALS

Lunar New Year Lantern Carnivals take place from 20th to 25th February 2024 at three venues;

URBAN - HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE PIAZZA, Tsim Sha Tsui

NEW TERRITORIES EAST - HONG KONG VELODROME PARK, Tseung Kwan O

Lantern display at the 2024 New Territories East carnival at Hong Kong Velodrome Park

NEW TERRITORIES WEST - TIN SHUI WAI PARK AND GINZA SQUARE, Tin Shui Wai

During this period lanterns are on display at each venue and lit from 6pm to 11pm each night.

A GALA NIGHT featuring various stage performances and activities will take place at each venue on one night during the carnival period commencing at 7-30pm and, additionally, the Urban carnival will feature a Youth Night on the night prior to its Gala Night.

LUNAR NEW YEAR LANTERN DISPLAY – Lunar New Year Lanterns "Dancing Dragon with Lanterns to Greet the New Year" are on display at Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza throughout the period 2nd to 25th February with the lanterns being lit from 6pm to 11pm daily. The Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Office and local paper-crafting master Chan Yiu-wah collaborated to design and craft lanterns featuring the green dragon, which symbolises the vitality of spring, as the main design element. The green dragon, weaving through palace lanterns and amid blooming festive flowers, brings forth a vibrant and colourful scene and sends a common wish that Hong Kong will remain prosperous upon the arrival of the Year of the Dragon. Both dragon dance and paper crafting are Hong Kong's intangible cultural heritage items.

The Lantern Display "Dancing Dragon with Lanterns to Greet the New Year" at Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza runs from 2nd to 25th February

For further details of lantern carnivals and displays see;

https://www.cpo.gov.hk/event/en-lunar-new-year-lantern-carnivals-2024/

The HONG KONG WELL-WISHING FESTIVAL at Lam Tsuen, Tai Po will run from 10th February for fifteen days until 24th February 2024;

http://www.lamtsuen.com/index.html

CHINESE NEW YEAR RACE DAY will take place at Sha Tin Racecourse on the third day of Lunar Year, 12th February 2024. An attendance of about 90,000 is expected. Admission is from 10-30am, with racing from 12-30pm to 6pm. Admission to the public enclosure is HK$10. On production of valid travel documents bona-fide tourists can obtain a Tourist Badge for HK$130 allowing entry to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Members' Enclosure. Entertainment includes a spectacular opening variety show in the parade ring with performances by popular local TV stars, a Fortune Tips Forum with a fung shui master and lion and dragon dance performances. A Lunar New Year gift will be given free to all spectators on entry to the racecourse. For further details, when available see;

https://campaigns.hkjc.com/chinese-new-year/en/

FWD INSURANCE CHINESE NEW YEAR CUP

The FWD Insurance Chinese New Year Cup, organised by The Football Association of Hong Kong, China, takes place on 13th February 2024, the fourth day of Lunar New Year at Hong Kong Stadium. The match, World Legends v Hong Kong Legends kicks off at 5pm. Gates open at 3pm. Tickets are priced from HK$180 to HK$980.

HONG KONG DISNEYLAND's “Magical Year After Year” Chinese New Year celebrations run from 25th January to 25th February 2024 including a concert by world-famous pianist Lang Lang performed on the stage of the “Castle of Magical Dreams” on 27th January. Throughout the Chinese New Year period the park will be specially decorated and Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse will be wearing Chinese New Year themed costumes and Disney themed Chinese New Year merchandise will be on sale. Opening hours throughout the period are 10am to 9pm except for 27th January when closing time is extended to 9-45pm;

https://news.hongkongdisneyland.com/en/press/2024-01-02/

AIA CARNIVAL

The AIA Carnival continues until 25th February 2024 at Central Harbourfront. The event features various activities including rides, games, big-top circus, interactive sports, stage entertainment and food and drinks. For full details and ticketing information see;

https://www.aiacarnival.com/tickets/aia-carnival

NGONG PING 360

During the Chinese New Year period the operating hours of the Ngong Ping 360 cable car service operating between Tung Chung and Ngong Ping will be;

10th to 13th February 9am to 8pm

14th to 16th February 9-30am to 6pm

17th & 18th February 9am to 6-30pm

19th to 23rd February 10am to 6pm

24th & 25th February 9am to 6-30pm

WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE

Chinese New Year 2024 Opening Hours (provisional);

MAIN TEMPLE GROUNDS;

9th February (Lunar New Year's Eve) 7-30am to 4-30pm then from 9pm through the night and until 9pm on 10th February (First day of Lunar New Year).

11th February (Second Day of Lunar New Year) to 22nd February - 7-30am to 6pm daily

23rd February - 7-30am to 8pm

24th February - 7-30am to 10pm

25th February - 7-30am to 8pm

Last entry one hour before closing time

TAI SUI YUEN CHEN HALL;

Closed on 9th and 10th February. Open 11th to 25th February 8am to 5pm daily.

FORTUNE PALACE;

9th February - 8am to 4-30pm
10th February - 8am to 9pm
11th to 22nd February - 8am to 6pm daily 23rd February - 8am to 8pm
24th February - 8am to 10pm 25th February - 8am to 8pm

Crowd safety management measures will be put into force from 6pm on 9th February to 7pm on the following day, and daily between 7am and 7pm from 11th to 13th February and on 17th, 18th, 24th and 25th February. Police will set up queuing areas at Wong Tai Sin Temple Court, Wong Tai Sin Square, and northern pavement of Lung Cheung Road. Should the temple be overcrowded, a “tidal flow system” will be carried out and police officers will direct worshippers to enter the temple in groups. Worshippers are urged to follow the advice given by police officers and take extra care of their personal belongings as well as their young children and elderly companions and in handling joss stick.

CHE KUNG TEMPLE, SHA TIN;

CHUI TIN STREET SOCCER PITCH, SHA TIN - 9th to 24th February 2024. Opening hours;

9th February (Lunar New Year's Eve) 8am to 6pm and 11pm through to 6pm on 10th February (Lunar New Year's Day)
11th February (Second Day of Lunar New Year) 8am to 6pm and 11pm through to 6pm 12th February (Third Day of Lunar New Year)
13th to 24th February - 8am to 6pm daily;

https://www.ctc.org.hk/en/administered-temple-list/

For details of crowd management and special traffic arrangements for Che Kung Festival see;

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202402/08/P2024020800495.htm

MUSEUMS

The following museums and venues, operated by the Hong Kong Government's Leisure and Cultural Services Department, will close at 5pm on Chinese New Year's Eve, 9th February 2024 and will be closed on the first two days of Chinese New Year, 10th & 11th February 2024;

Hong Kong Museum of History
Hong Kong Heritage Museum
Hong Kong Museum of Art
Hong Kong Space Museum
Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware
Hong Kong Railway Museum Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence
Oi! (Oil Street Art Space)
Sam Tung Uk Museum
Sheung Yiu Folk Museum
Fireboat Alexander Grantham Exhibition Gallery
Hong Kong Film Archive
Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre*
Hong Kong Science Museum
Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum
Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb Museum
Law Uk Folk Museum

* Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre will also remain closed on the third day of Chinese New Year, 12th February 2024

OTHER MUSEUMS;

Hong Kong Palace Museum is closed on the first two days of Chinese New Year, 10th & 11th February 2024

M+ Museum is closed the first day of Chinese New Year, 10th February. The museum is open on 11th February from 10am to 4 pm and on 12th February from 10am to 6pm

Hong Kong Maritime Museum is closed on the first two days of Chinese New Year, 10th and 11th February 2024

HONG KONG TOURISM BOARD CHINESE NEW YEAR SPECIAL INFORMATION

Hong Kong Tourism Board has published a useful visitors guide to Chinese New Year;

https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/plan/traveller-info/cny-special-information.html#5

PUBLIC LIBRARIES

All public libraries, mobile libraries and students' study rooms will be closed from 5pm on Lunar New Year's Eve, 9th February, to the third day of the Lunar New Year, 12th February. The opening hours of all public libraries on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, 13th February, will be the same as those for public holidays.

LEE TUNG AVENUE in Wan Chai will present "LANTERNS-LIT YEAR OF THE DRAGON" from 1st February to 10th March 2024 featuring red lanterns hung above the 200-metre pedestrian walkway throughout the period, dragon and lion dances on 10th and 11th February, the first two days of Lunar New Year, "Chinese New Year Parade" on the third day, 12th February and a "Dragon and Lion Dance Spectacular" on 20th February. For details see;

https://www.leetungavenue.com.hk/en/cccms/lib/uploads/system/application_20240118_TMUyF.pdf

*On 9th and 11th February 2024 only, MTR East Rail Line service to Lo Wu will be extended to 2am next day with the last train leaving Admiralty Station at 12-56am arriving at Lo Wu at 1-46am. The last train from Lo Wu will depart at 2-30am arriving at Admiralty at about 3-30am. Lo Wu Immigration Control Point and mainland Luohu Immigration will extend operating hours to 2am on these days.

Service frequency on the Island Line, Kwun Tong Line, South Island Line, Tuen Ma Line, Tung Chung Line, Tseung Kwan O Line and Tsuen Wan Line will be increased from 8pm on Lunar New Year's Eve.

Light Rail routes 505, 507, 610, 614P, 615P, 706 and 751 will also run overnight on Lunar New Year's Eve.

SPECIAL CROSS-BOUNDARY ARRANGEMENTS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS

See;

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202402/08/P2024020800267.htm

SPECIAL BUS ROUTE

Citybus special bus route NB3 will operate overnight from 9th to 13th February between Tuen Mun Ferry Pier, Tuen Mun Plaza and Shenzhen Bay Port where the Immigration Contral Point will remain open 24 hours during this period.

https://www.citybus.com.hk/en/uploadedPressRelease/20807_240201_ENG_V2.pdf

KMB route 960 Exhibition Centre Station - Tuen Mun will be operated by a bus in Chinese New Year livery

Citybus will also operate a Year of the Dragon liveried bus

FERRIES

The Aberdeen / Stanley - Po Toi Island kaito ferry service will not operate on 10th February 2024, the first day of Chinese New Year. On 11th February, the second day of Chinese New Year there will be one sailing each way leaving Aberdeen at 10am and Po Toi Island at 3-30pm.

The Sai Kung - Kau Sai Village - High Island kaito ferry service will not operate on the first two days of Chinese New Year, 10th and 11th February 2024

IMMIGRATION CONTROL POINTS

Shenzhen Bay Immigration Control Point will open 24 hours a day from 9th to 13th February 2024. Lo Wu Immigration Control Point will extend its operating hours on 9th February and 11th February 2024 to 2am (the following day) on these days.

Normal operating hours will apply at all other Immigration Control Points.

CROSS-BOUNDARY PASSENGER TRAFFIC ESTIMATES AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR

Hong Kong’s Immigration Department estimates that over 7.5 million passengers (including Hong Kong residents and visitors) will pass through its sea, land and air control points during the Lunar New Year festive period from 9th to 17th February 2024. The Immigration Department in consultation with the Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection estimates that around 6 million passengers will pass through land boundary control points. The number of outbound passengers and inbound passengers using land boundary control points will be relatively higher on Sunday 11th February and Tuesday13th February with around 461,000 and 607,000 passengers respectively.

The Immigration Department estimates that the passenger traffic at Lo Wu Control Point, Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Control Point will be heavy, with a daily average forecast of about 170,000, 158,000 and 105,000 passengers respectively.

To facilitate diversion of cross-boundary passenger and vehicular movements during the Lunar New Year holidays, a consensus was reached by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government with the relevant departments of Guangdong Province and Shenzhen Municipality to make the following special arrangements:

(1) Passenger and passenger vehicle clearance services at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point, which usually close at midnight, will operate overnight, providing round-the-clock services, from 9th to 13th February.

(2) Passenger clearance service at the Lo Wu Control Point, which usually closes at midnight, will be extended on 9th and 11th February to 2am the next day.

With the extension of operating hours at certain land boundary control points, and to cope with the anticipated heavy traffic during the festive period, the Immigration Department has minimised leave for frontline officers for flexible deployment and operation of extra clearance counters and kiosks. Additional security guards will also be deployed to provide crowd management support.

Furthermore, the Immigration Department, the Police, the Customs and Excise Department and the MTR Corporation Limited will set up a joint command centre at Lo Wu Control Point to make necessary arrangements. The Immigration Department will also establish close communication with the Mainland authorities, such as the Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection. To ensure smooth passenger traffic flow, passenger conditions will be closely monitored and appropriate traffic diversion plans will be adopted when necessary.

To avoid congestion and a longer than usual waiting time for immigration clearance, the Immigration Department advises all land boundary passengers to plan in advance, avoid making their journeys during busy periods and keep track of radio and TV broadcasts on traffic conditions at various control points. The expected busy times at boundary control points are available on the website of the Immigration Department at;

https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/index.html

Furthermore, passengers may also check the estimated waiting times at each land boundary control point at any time or place via the Immigration Mobile Application (Mobile App) in order to plan trips effectively and save time queuing at control points.

https://gia.info.gov.hk/general/202402/06/P2024020600381_448154_1_1707202499832.pdf

In addition, information on public transport services to and from various control points is available on the Transport Department website at;

https://www.td.gov.hk/en/home/index.html

Travellers making journeys to the Mainland, are reminded to carry proof of identity and valid travel documents for crossing the boundary. Hong Kong residents should also check the validity of their Home Visit Permits. Non-permanent residents must carry their valid smart identity card as well as their Document of Identity for Visa Purposes or valid travel document.

Holders of the acknowledgement receipt issued due to reported loss or replacement of their Hong Kong identity cards, or children under 11 years old who hold Hong Kong identity cards, should carry a valid travel document or Re-entry Permit.

About 700 e-Channels have been installed at various control points. Hong Kong residents enrolled for the Express e-Channel should re-enrol if they have been issued with a new identity card. Furthermore, the Contactless e-Channel service is available at all control points now. All eligible Hong Kong residents, after enrolment, can generate an encrypted QR code through the Contactless e-Channel mobile application to enter the e-Channel, and then verify their identity with the facial verification technology for automated immigration clearance.

In addition, all control points have introduced self-service departures for visitors to Hong Kong (Smart Departure) which provides greater travel convenience for visitors. The service employs facial recognition technology for identity verification, which allows eligible visitors holding electronic travel documents to perform self-service departure clearance through Smart Departure e-Channels without prior enrolment.

Hong Kong residents who require assistance while travelling outside Hong Kong may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Immigration Department at (852) 1868.

SUMMARY OF VISITOR NUMBERS

On 18th February 2024 the government issued a press release quoting estimated inbound visitor numbers during the seven days of Lunar New Year, 10th to 17th February as 1,436,000 among which 1,255,000 were from Mainland China;

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202402/18/P2024021800180.htm

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CHINESE NEW YEAR 2023 (The year of the Rabbit)

CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S LUNAR NEW YEAR MESSAGE

Translation of the Lunar New Year message delivered by Chief Executive, Mr John Lee on 21st January 2023;

"Lunar New Year is the most important festival on the Chinese calendar. This year, we can visit the flower markets, go out for new year shopping, reunite with family and friends and extend festive greetings to one another, enjoying the hustle and bustle of the Spring Festival and joining in the festive cheer. This year welcomes the Year of the Rabbit. Adored by many, rabbits are agile and energetic. Rabbits are just like Hong Kong people, who are flexible and resilient, and constantly strive for improvement. The rabbit is, as well, a symbol of great vitality, so the Lunar New Year is seen as heralding a new start and new hope for Hong Kong. Our economy will continue to grow and our tourist attractions will be filled with visitors. My wife and I wish all Hong Kong citizens a happy, healthy and blessed Year of the Rabbit!"

Mr Lee and his wife wished all Hong Kong citizens a happy, healthy and blessed Year of the Rabbit

The CHINESE NEW YEAR NIGHT PARADE which normally takes place on Lunar New Year's Day will not take place owing to preparations not being able to be made owing to pandemic restrictions

The LUNAR NEW YEAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY which is traditionally scheduled for the second day of Lunar New Year, 23rd January 2023 will not take place. Although Covid pandemic restrictions have now been mostly relaxed there has been insufficient time to make adequate preparations for the event.

2023 LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIRS will take place at Victoria Park (Causeway Bay), Tat Tung Road (Tung Chung), Fa Hui Park (Sham Shui Po), Cheung Sha Wan Playground (Sham Shui Po), Kwun Tong Recreation Ground, Morse Park (Wong Tai Sin), Kwai Chung Sports Ground (Kwai Tsing), Sha Tsui Road Playground (Tsuen Wan), Tin Hau Temple, Fung Shui Square (Tai Po), Yuen Wo Playground (Sha Tin), Shek Wu Hui Playground (North District), Tin Hau Temple Plaza (Tuen Mun), Man Yee Playground (Sai Kung), Po Hong Park (Tseung Kwan O), Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground (Yuen Long).

The fairs will operate for seven days from 16th January until the early hours of Lunar New Year's Day, 22nd January. However, the fairs will provide only wet goods stalls for flower farmers to sell New Year flowers. There will be no dry goods stalls or fast food stalls to avoid increasing the risk of virus transmission through removing masks for eating and there will be no other activities. Most fairs open from 10am until late night.

Admission to and exit from the fairs will be monitored using innovation and technology measures and implement crowd control when necessary. Special crowd management measures will be implemented at three fairs with high patron flow, including Victoria Park (Causeway Bay), Fa Hui Park (Sham Shui Po) and Sha Tsui Road Playground (Tsuen Wan). When the footfall increases, the ticketing system will be activated, and the public may get a ticket on site or obtain an e-ticket through the mobile app which can be downloaded for free. Entry to the fair can be made with the ticket within 60 minutes after the ticket number is called.

Footfall and the waiting status of the 15 fairs will be displayed in a "Green, Amber and Red Lights" format on site. Green light means few people inside the fair and that no waiting is required, amber light indicates an increase in footfall and that waiting is required, while red light represents a large number of people awaiting admission and that a longer waiting time may be needed.

The HONG KONG WELL-WISHING FESTIVAL at Lam Tsuen, Tai Po will run from 22nd January for fifteen days until 5th February 2023. Stalls at this event will also be limited to wet goods stalls only;

http://www.lamtsuen.com/index.html

Hong Kong Jockey Club has confirmed that CHINESE NEW YEAR RACE DAY will take place at Sha Tin Racecourse on the third day of Lunar Year, 24th January 2023. For details see;

https://campaigns.hkjc.com/chinese-new-year/en/

LUNAR NEW YEAR LANTERN DISPLAYS will take place at Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza where the Urban Lunar Year Lantern Display "The Luck-Bringing Rabbit - Lanterns to Celebrate the New Year" runs from 12th January to 7th February.
The display is lit from 6pm to 11pm daily. Admission is free.

The Intangible Cultural Heritage Office has collaborated with local master Hui Ka-hung to present lantern displays at Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza showcasing several sprightly rabbits, energetic lions, festive food and dim sum to add festive colour and to promote the art of traditional paper crafting.

There will also be smaller scale lantern displays at North District Park, Sheung Shui and Tsuen Wan Park which run from 31st January to 7th February also with free admission and lit from 6pm to 11pm each day.

LUCKY RABBITS INSTALLATIONS

Several popular harbourside spot have been decked out with interactive Lucky Rabbit installations and festive decorations from 19th January to 5th February. The locations are;

Hong Kong Cultural Centre Viewing Deck - "A Bright New Year at Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade", 10am to 11pm daily
Wan Chai Temporary Promenade - "A Colourful Rainbow Walk", 10am to 10pm daily
Tamar Park, Admiralty - "A Sea of New Year Blossoms", 10am to 10pm daily

Additionally, an 8-metre tall, 11-metre wide rabbit will be sitting on the rooftop of Central Pier.

WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE

Chinese New Year 2023 Opening Hours;

MAIN TEMPLE GROUNDS;

21st January (Lunar New Year's Eve) 7-30am to 4-30pm then from 9pm through the night and until 9pm on 22nd January (First day of Lunar New Year).

23rd January (Second Day of Lunar New Year) to 4th February (Fouteenth Day of Lunar Year - 7-30am to 6pm daily

5th February (Fifteenth Day of Lunar New Year) - 7-30am to 10pm (last entry 9pm)

TAI SUI YUENCHEN HALL;

Closed on 21st and 22nd January. Open 23rd January to 5th February 8am to 7pm daily.

FORTUNE PALACE;

21st January - 8am to 4-30pm
22nd January - 8am to 9pm
23rd January to 4th February - 8am to 6pm daily
5th February - 8am to 9-30pm

CHE KUNG TEMPLE, SHA TIN;

CHE KUNG FESTIVAL, CHUI TIN STREET SOCCER PITCH, SHA TIN - 19th January to 5th February 2023. Opening hours;

19th & 20th January - 8am to 6pm

21st January (Lunar New Year's Eve) 8am to 6pm and 11pm through to 6pm on 22nd January (Lunar New Year's Day)

23rd January - (Second Day of Lunar New Year) 8am to 6pm and 11pm through to 6pm 24th January (Third Day of Lunar New Year)

25th January to 5th February - 8am to 6pm daily

MTR AND LIGHT RAIL SERVICE

MTR will provide an overnight service on Lunar New Year's Eve on all lines except Airport Express and Disneyland Resort lines and East Rail journeys to and from Lok Ma Chau. Service frequency on the Island Line, Kwun Tong Line and Tsuen Wan Line will be increased from 8pm on Lunar New Year's Eve.

Light Rail routes 505, 507, 610, 614P, 615P, 706 and 751 will also run overnight on Lunar New Year's Eve.

CROWD SAFETY MEASURES AND SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES - See;

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202301/19/P2023011900680.htm

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CHINESE NEW YEAR 2022 (The year of the Tiger)

Advance information - the LUNAR NEW YEAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY scheduled to take place on 2nd February 2022 has been cancelled owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 2022 LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIRS at at Victoria Park (Causeway Bay), Tat Tung Road (Tung Chung), Fa Hui Park (Sham Shui Po), Cheung Sha Wan Playground (Sham Shui Po), Kwun Tong Recreation Ground, Morse Park (Wong Tai Sin), Kwai Chung Sports Ground (Kwai Tsing), Sha Tsui Road Playground (Tsuen Wan), Tin Hau Temple, Fung Shui Square (Tai Po), Shek Wu Hui Playground (North District), Tin Hau Temple Plaza (Tuen Mun), Man Yee Playground (Sai Kung), Po Hong Park (Tseung Kwan O), Yuen Wo Playground (Sha Tin), Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground (Yuen Long) and the Fong Ma Po New Year Fair at Lam Tsuen, Tai Po have been cancelled.

A "CNY HOLIDAY PARK" has been planned for West Kowloon Waterfront Park. However it is not known at this stage whether this will go ahead in view of the latest pandemic situation

On Lunar New Year's Eve, 31st January, MTR will operate normal operating hours with enhanced services during peak hours on all lines except Airport Express and Disneyland Resort lines but will not run overnight services.

Hong Kong Jockey Club has announced that the LUNAR NEW YEAR RACES which take place at Sha Tin Racecourse on the third day of Lunar Year, 3rd February 2022 will be held behind closed doors and only staff members, club officials, licensed personnel and persons essential to the conduct of the races will be admitted. The public, owners, members and media personnel will not be admitted. Race meetings on January 23rd (Sha Tin), January 26th (Happy Valley) and January 30th (Sha Tin) will also be held behind closed doors

The CHE KUNG FESTIVAL FAIR, scheduled to take place at Chui Tin Street Soccer Pitch in Sha Tin from 29th January to 15th February 2022 has been cancelled.

Opening hours and special arrangements for visitors to CHE KUNG TEMPLE in Sha Tin have been announced by the Chinese Temples Committee, see;

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/28/P2022012800346.htm

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CHINESE NEW YEAR 2021 (The Year of the Ox)

Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and consequent social distancing measures most of the usual Chinese New Year events have been cancelled including Lunar New Year Fairs, Chinese New Year Night Parade, Chinese New Year Fireworks Display, Lantern Carnivals and Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival. Points of sale at the 15 sites originally designated for the Lunar New Year fairs will be established for the sale of New Year flowers and potted plants at the same venue. The number of stalls at the sites will be reduced by approximately half. There will be no public admission to the Chinese New Year Race Meeting at Sha Tin on Sunday 14th February. Additionally, MTR will not operate an all-night train service during the Chinese New Year period.

2021 Lunar New Year message delivered by Hong Kong's Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam;

(translation) "A new year represents new beginnings. Having gone through an exceptionally challenging year, we all look forward to a fresh start in the new year. This year, because of the epidemic, the Government urges members of the public to reduce gatherings and enjoy a quiet Spring Festival. Yet, with technology bringing people closer together, we can extend festive greetings to relatives and friends living here and abroad and express our care for senior family members and citizens through various means.

This year is the Year of the Ox. The ox is a symbol of diligence and perseverance. I believe that as long as we stand united and work together with perseverance, Hong Kong can certainly rise above all challenges, emerge stronger and scale new heights.

I wish you all a harmonious, auspicious and healthy Year of the Ox."

CHINESE NEW YEAR 2020 (The Year of the Rat)

THIS PAGE ALSO CONTAINS INFORMATION FROM CHINESE NEW YEAR 2019 EVENTS AND IS BEING UPDATED WITH INFORMATION RELATING TO CHINESE NEW YEAR 2020 EVENTS AS AND WHEN MADE AVAILABLE, IT IS EXPECTED THAT SOME TRADITIONAL EVENTS MAY NOT TAKE PLACE OR MAY TAKE ON A DIFFERENT FORMAT OR BE CURTAILED OWING TO PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERNS RELATING TO GOVERNMENT PROTESTS. IT HAS BEEN CONFIRMED THAT THE LUNAR NEW YEAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY SCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY 26th JANUARY AT VICTORIA HARBOUR HAS BEEN CANCELLED AND THE CHINESE NEW YEAR NIGHT PARADE SCHEDULED FOR 25th JANUARY (CHINESE NEW YEAR'S DAY) HAS BEEN CANCELLED AND A FOUR DAY CARNIVAL AT WEST KOWLOON CULTURAL DISTRICT WHICH WAS INTENDED TO HAVE REPLACED IT HAS ALSO BEEN CANCELLED. ADDITIONALLY, THE LUNAR NEW YEAR CUP FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT WHICH WAS TO HAVE TAKEN PLACE ON 26th JANUARY HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

IN RESPONSE TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT'S ENACTMENT OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE LEVEL FOR THE SEVERE RESPIRATORY DISEASE ASSOCIATED WITH A NOVEL INFECTIOUS AGENT (WUHAN PNEUMONIA) BOTH HONG KONG DISNEYLAND AND OCEAN PARK HONG KONG HAVE ANNOUNCED THESE VENUES WILL BE CLOSED FROM SUNDAY 26th JANUARY 2020 UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HAS ANNOUNCED THAT THE PUBLIC (OTHER THAN CUSTOMERS WITH ADVANCE RESERVATIONS FOR DINING IN THE RACECOURSE RESTAURANTS) WILL NOT BE ADMITTED TO THE CHINESE NEW YEAR RACEDAY MEETING ON 27th JANUARY AT SHA TIN RACECOURSE AND THE SAME ARRANGEMENTS WILL APPLY FOR ALL FUTURE RACE MEETINGS AT SHA TIN AND HAPPY VALLEY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

The Lunar New Year Lantern Carnivals 2020 programme which was scheduled to take place on dates between 6th and 9th February 2020 at Tung Chung North Park, Wai Man Road Playground / Sai Kung Waterfront Park and Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza has been cancelled as a precaution to prevent spread of the Wuhan coronavirus.

Hong Kong SAR's Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, delivered a 2019 Lunar New Year message from Government House on Chinese New Year's Eve. "The Lunar New Year is an important festival for Chinese people. It is also a time for families to get together. When the Lunar New Year approaches, many people will do their festive shopping. I also took a break from my busy schedule and went to Sheung Wan to buy some dried seafood and flowers. I chatted with shop owners and staff, and took the chance to extend early New Year greetings to members of the public and exchange good wishes with them. This year is the Year of the Pig. I wish you all a healthy and prosperous year ahead."

Partnering with Hong Kong brand "Chocolate Rain" Hong Kong Tourism Board's float for the 2018 Chinese New Year Night Parade was modelled on Hong Kong's iconic "ding ding" tram. Image: Hong Kong Tourism Board

Almost 350 local youngsters acted as "Lucky Buddies" handing out festive gift packs to spectators at the 2017 Chinese New Year Night Parade. Image: Hong Kong Tourism Board

2020 Chinese New Year Celebrations in Hong Kong for the Year of the Rat run from 19th January to 9th February 2020.

SPECIAL EVENTS INCLUDE;

LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR (FLOWER MARKETS) of which the largest and most popular are at Victoria Park, Causeway Bay and Fa Hui Park, Sham Shui Po. Normally about half the stalls at these fairs sell colourful flowers and plants, whilst other stalls sell decorations, foods and gadgets but for the 2020 fairs the number of stalls has been reduced and are restricted to sale of flowers and food products.The fairs operate from 8am to midnight,19th January to 23rd January and from 8am on 24th January through to 3am on 25th January (Lunar New Year's Day) extended. Admission is free. Shops at the year-round Mong Kok flower market, a popular tourist attraction at Prince Edward Road West and Flower Market Road open 24 hours a day on the two days immediately before Lunar New Year's Day. Other Lunar Year Fairs take place on the same days and times. Full list of venues;

Victoria Park, Causeway Bay
Fa Hui Park, Sham Shui Po
Tat Tung Road Garden, Tung Chung
Cheung Sha Wan Playground, Sham Shui Po
Morse Park, Wong Tai Sin
Kwun Tong Recreation Ground, Kwun Tong
Kwai Chung Sports Ground, Kwai Tsing
Sha Tsui Road Playground, Tsuen Wan
Tin Hau Temple Plaza, Tuen Mun
Tung Tau Industrial Area Playgroung, Yuen Long
Shek Wui Hu Playground, Sheung Shui
Tin Hau Temple Fung Shui Square, Tai Po
Yuen Wo Playground, Sha Tin
Man Yee Playground, Sai Kung
Po Hong Park, Tseung Kwan O

2019 CATHAY PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL CHINESE NEW YEAR NIGHT PARADE (5th February 2019) CANCELLED FOR 2020;

THE CHINESE NEW YEAR NIGHT PARADE WILL NOT TAKE PLACE IN 2020. IT IS BEING REPLACED BY THE 2020 CATHAY PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL CHINESE NEW YEAR CARNIVAL. THE CARNIVAL WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 2pm TO 8pm ON 25th JANUARY, 2pm TO 5pm ON 26th JANUARY AND 2pm TO 8pm ON 27th and 28th JANUARY. DAILY FROM 25th TO 28th JANUARY 2020 AT WEST KOWLOON CULTURAL DISTRICT OUTDOOR EVENT SPACE. ADMISSION FREE. FULL DETAILS TO BE ADVISED. PRELIMINARY DETAILS EVENT CANCELLED;

2020 CATHAY PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL CHINESE NEW YEAR CARNIVAL; CANCELLED

https://www.discoverhongkong.com/nz/see-do/events-festivals/highlight-events/chinese-new-year-celebrations.jsp?page=2

INFORMATION BELOW RELATES TO THE 2019 NIGHT PARADE;

Prior to the parade there will be a pre-parade street party with procession and roving performers along the parade route from 6pm. Local young musicians will perform live music at ten music zones and there will be dance troupes, magic shows and clowns. 350 youngsters acting as "Lucky Buddies" will distribute 13,000 festive gift packs containing food, drinks and small gifts to spectators. The parade, sponsored by Cathay Pacific for the 21st consecutive year, will leave Hong Kong Cultural Centre at 8pm and will enter Canton Road at about 8-30pm, Haiphong Road at 8-50pm, Nathan Road at 9pm and finish outside the Hong Kong Sheraton Hotel and Towers at 9-45pm.

Tickets for the spectator stands go on sale at 10am on Saturday 26th January 2019 at Hong Kong Tourism Board Kowloon Visitor Centre at Star Ferry Concourse, Tsim Sha Tsui on a first come, first served basis. Tickets are priced at HK$300, HK$450 and HK$480 and each person can purchase a maximum of 4 tickets. Visitors will be given a numbered tag to purchase tickets at a designated time on the same day.

2019 parade route map

The parade is expected to attract about 150,000 spectators. The parade will showcase nine floats, nine international troupes and eleven local troupes;

NINE FLOATS 2018 (2019 floats to be advised): Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, China Construction Bank (Asia) Corporation Ltd, China National Tourism Administration, Hong Kong Disneyland, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Macao Government Tourism Office, Ocean Park Hong Kong, Quality Tourism Services Association, Hong Kong Tourism Board.

Hong Kong Tourism Board's float for the 2018 Chinese New Year Night Parade was modelled on Hong Kong's iconic "ding ding" tram. "Hong Kong Tourism Envoy" Jackson Wang joined HKTB's float for the first time to greet the crowd.

NINE INTERNATIONAL PERFORMING GROUPS (2018): Hainan Women's Crystal Troupe (China), Shantou Acrobatic Troupe (China), Parisian Street Cabaret (France), Kyoto Intercollegiate Festa Kyouen-Sodefure (Japan), Sanrio Family (Japan), Kakao Friends (Korea), Street Circus (The Netherlands), American String Band from Philadelphia (USA), Seattle Sea Girls (USA).

American String Band from Philadelphia

ELEVEN LOCAL PERFORMING TROUPES (2018): Avon Lee International Magic, Belly Princess Liina Cheung Dance Company, BLS Dance Production, Hong Kong Chinese Martial Arts Dragon and Lion Dance Association, Hong Kong Cheung Keung Martial Arts Association and Hong Kong Yang Jiang Volunteer Association, Hong Kong Rope Skipping Academy, Infinity Dance Studio, Jean M Wong School of Ballet, Refiner. Yi Ming. The Moving Drums, The Pegasus Vanguard, Triforce.

Chinese Martial Arts and Lion Dragon Association

* Some 2019 floats will be on display at Lam Tsuen, Tai Po from the second day of Chinese New Year and at other locations on other dates (to be advised).

HONG KONG WELL-WISHING FESTIVAL (25th January to 9th February 2020)

The 2020 festival takes place during 25th January to 9th February 2020 from 8-45am to 6-30pm daily at Lam Tsuen near Tai Po in the New Territories. This is the location of the famous Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees where visitors can make a wish and enjoy the festival. Festival events include;

Food Carnival with local snacks, seafood specialities and traditional Hakka food.

Traditional Joss Paper throwing. Wishes are written on small placards which are attached to oranges and tossed into a wishing tree. According to tradition only wishes which hang on the branches without falling off come true.

Wishing Lanterns Lighting Ceremony. Based on traditional custom, people write their wishes on wishing lanterns and float them onto a wishing pool hoping for best fortune in the forth-coming years.

Dawn Market, every Saturday and Sunday with home grown agricultural products for sale

Wish Locks. To symbolize a love commitment towards each other, lovers write their names on padlocks which are affixed to fences or bridges in Europe, Japan, Korea and many other countries. Lam Tsuen Wishing Square presents wooden wish locks where people can write messages of love to relatives, friends and lovers.

Well-Wishing Festival Celebration Night with meal and stage performances by Hong Kong artists, 8th February 2020

http://www.lamtsuen.com/index.html

THE 2020 LUNAR NEW YEAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY WHICH WAS TO HAVE TAKEN PLACE ON SUNDAY 26th JANUARY HAS BEEN CANCELLED OWING TO CONCERNS OVER PUBLIC SAFETY INFORMATION BELOW RELATES TO THE 2019 LUNAR NEW YEAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY

2019 LUNAR NEW YEAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY

The 2019 fireworks display will take place at Victoria Harbour on the second day of Lunar New Year at 8pm on Wednesday 6th February 2019.

A total of 23,888 firing shells will be discharged in the display from three barges in a 23-minute display consisting of eight scenes.
Highlights of the fireworks display include the display of the number "8" and golden ingots in the first scene to symbolise a prosperous year to come, as well as the display of pig noses and Saturn rings alongside the theme song of local comics character McDull in the second scene, wishing people all the best in the Year of the Pig. Strobes and waterfall-like effects in the fourth scene, "When I fall in love", will create a romantic ambience, sending wishes to all lovers for the Valentine's Day that follows the Lunar New Year. The fireworks display will reach its climax in the last scene with the firing of 10 seven-inch shells featuring brocade crowns and purple pistils simultaneously in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Image of the first scene

Image of the final scene

The display can be seen from many vantage points on both sides of the harbour including Tsim Sha Tsui, the Mid-levels, Central, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay.

The event is co-ordinated by the Home Affairs Bureau and sponsored by Shimao Group and supported by the Friends of Hong Kong Association.

Spectators can tune in to Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) Radio 4 (FM 97.6 to 98.9) for synchronised music.

The 2018 Lunar New Year Fireworks Display which was to have been held on the second day of Chinese New Year, Saturday 17th February was cancelled as a mark of respect to the deceased and families of a serious bus accident which occurred on 10th February 2019.

The 2017 display was watched by and estimated 241,900 spectators in Kowloon and 44,600 on Hong Kong Island.

CHINESE NEW YEAR RACE DAY - NO PUBLIC ADMISSION. HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HAS ANNOUNCED THAT THE PUBLIC (OTHER THAN CUSTOMERS WITH ADVANCE RESERVATIONS FOR DINING IN THE RACECOURSE RESTAURANTS) WILL NOT BE ADMITTED TO THE CHINESE NEW YEAR RACEDAY MEETING ON 27th JANUARY AT SHA TIN RACECOURSE AND THE SAME ARRANGEMENTS WILL APPLY FOR ALL FUTURE RACE MEETINGS AT SHA TIN AND HAPPY VALLEY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

On Monday 27th January 2020 the third day of Chinese New Year racing fans can try and get the new year off to a prosperous start amidst the frenetic atmosphere of Chinese New Year Race Day at Sha Tin Racecourse, where an attendance of about 90,000 is expected. Admission is from 10-30am, with racing from 12-30pm to 6pm. Admission to the public enclosure is HK$10. On production of valid travel documents bona-fide tourists can obtain a Tourist Badge for HK$130 allowing entry to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Members' Enclosure. Entertainment includes a spectacular opening variety show in the parade ring with performances by popular local TV stars, a Fortune Tips Forum with a fung shui master and lion and dragon dance performances. A Lunar New Year gift will be given free to all spectators on entry to the racecourse. In addition to normal public transport, free shuttle buses will operate to the racecourse from Ching Tak Street, Wong Tai Sin (Wong Tai Sin MTR Station Exit D2) from 10-15am to 2-45pm.

The 2019 Chinese New Year Race Day attracted an attendance of over 90,000 spectators at Sha Tin Racecourse with a further 6,000 attendance for cross-betting and viewing on screen at Happy Valley Racecourse.

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LUNAR NEW YEAR CUP 2020 - 26th JANUARY 2020 (provisional) - CANCELLED THE LUNAR NEW YEAR CUP 2020 WAS TO TAKE PLACE ON 26th JANUARY 2020 AT MONG KOK STADIUM AND WAS TO HAVE BEEN COMPETED BETWEEN TWO LOCAL TEAMS, THE HONG KONG LEAGUE XI AND THE HONG KONG REPRESENTATIVE XI WITH NO OVERSEAS TEAMS PARTICIPATING. FURTHER DETAILS TO BE ADVISED CANCELLED

INFORMATION BELOW RELATES TO THE 2019 TOURNAMENT;

LUNAR NEW YEAR CUP 2019 (5th and 7th February 2019);

The Lunar New Year Cup, organised by Hong Kong Football Association, dates back to 1948.

The 2019 event has new sponsors, Tonghai Financial and is named "Tonghai Financial Chinese New Year Cup 2019". Four teams will participate in the tournament which is being held at Hong Kong Stadium: Sagan Tosu (Japan), Shandong Luneng Taishan (China), Auckland City (New Zealand) and HK CNY Selection XI. On Chinese New Year's Day, 5th February Auckland City will play Shandong Luneng at 4pm followed by Sagan Tosu v HK CNY Selection XI at 6-15pm. The third place play-off and the final will take place two days later on 7th February at 4pm and 6-15pm with the winning team receiving a cheque for USD50,000. Tickets will be priced at HK$480 and HK$280 and will cover both match days. Concessionary tickets for seniors and students will be priced at HK$180. The organisers, RedMr Sports and Hong Kong Football Association are expecting to sell at least 20,000 tickets for the tournament. For further details and ticket selling arrangements see;

https://www.hkfa.com/en/load_page/404

LUNAR NEW YEAR CUP 2019 RESULTS;

Auckland City 1 Shandong Luneng Tiashan 2

Sagan Tosu 4 HK CNY Select XI 2 (after extra time. Score after 90 mins 1-1)

Third Place Play-off;

HK CNY Select XI 1 Auckland City 0

Final;

Sagan Tosu 1 Shandong Luneng Tiashan 3

The LUNAR NEW YEAR CUP 2018 was held at Mongkok Stadium on Monday 19th February (the fourth day of Chinese New Year) and features both women's and men's Hong Kong Representative teams. At 1-15pm Hong Kong Women's Representative Team played Armed Police Force of Nepal (Women) followed at 4pm by Hong Kong Representative Team v Hong Kong League XI. Tickets were priced at HK$100 for adults and HK$30 for child and senior.

The 2017 Nike Lunar New Year Cup tournament took place on 28th and 31st January at Hong Kong Stadium and featured local team, Kitchee and overseas teams, Auckland City (New Zealand), FC Seoul (South Korea) and SCG Muang Thong United (Thailand).

The knockout stage took place on 28th January when Auckland City beat FC Seoul 1-0 and Kitchee defeated SCG Muang Thong 5-4 on penalties after the score finished 1-1 at the end of normal time. The losers played off for third place on 31st January with Muang Thong beating Seoul 1-0 whilst Kitchee and Auckland City contested the final with Auckland winning 1-0.

TOURIST MARKETS;

The following tourist markets remain open throughout Chinese New Year although many shops/stalls will be closed for between one and three days and operate reduced hours during the first three days of Chinese New Year;

Apliu Street Flea Market
Mong Kok Flower Market (7am to 7pm)
Gold Fish Market (10-30am to 10pm)
Jade Market (10am to 5pm)
Temple Street Night Market (4pm to midnight)
Ladies Market (Noon - 11-30pm)
Jardine's Bazaar and Jardine's Crescent
Li Yuen Street East and Li Yuen Street West ("The Lanes of Central")
Western Market (10am to midnight)
Stanley Market

SHOPS

Major shopping malls, department stores and shops, convenience stores and supermarkets remain open remain open throughout the Chinese New Year period. Sogo Department Store in Causeway Bay opens from 1pm to 10pm on the first day of Chinese New Year. Some malls, including Times Square, will operate extended shopping hours prior to and on the first two days of Chinese New Year and all major shopping malls have festive decorations. Some shops may open later than usual on Chinese New Year's Day. However, many small local shops close on Chinese New Year's Day and some also close on the following two days.

SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS - Expected to take place as usual at 8pm nightly throughout Chinese New Year period,

HONG KONG DISNEYLAND - CLOSED - In response to the Hong Kong Government’s enactment of Emergency Response Level for the severe respiratory disease associated with a novel infectious agent (Wuhan pneumonia), Hong Kong Disneyland will be closed from Sunday 26th January 2020 until further notice.

However, the three Disneyland Resort hotels will remain open.

Hong Kong Disneyland's opening hours during 2020 Chinese New Year - 10am to 8pm 25th to 28th January, 10am to 7-30pm 29th to 31st January 2020;

https://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/

Tickets - Standard admission tickets are valid. Normal ticket prices apply.

During Chinese New Year on 12th February 2013, a new daily attendance record was set at Hong Kong Disneyland when 44,872 visitors visited the park.

OCEAN PARK - CLOSED - In response to the Hong Kong Government’s enactment of Emergency Response Level for the severe respiratory disease associated with a novel infectious agent (Wuhan pneumonia), Ocean Park Hong Kong will be closed from Sunday 26th January 2020 until further notice.

However, the Marriott Ocean Park Hotel will remain open.

Opening hours - 10am to 10pm. General Day Admission includes admission to seasonal attraction Gala of Lights. Night only tickets for admission from 6-30pm for Gala of Lights also available'

https://www.oceanpark.com.hk/en

Note - Ocean Park may suspend ticket sales at certain times if the attendance inside the park at any one time is near to the park's 36,600 capacity.

NGONG PING 360 - CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Ngong Ping 360 cable car operates extended hours 9am to 8pm from 25th to 28th January and 9-30am to 6pm from 29th to 31st January 2020;

https://www.np360.com.hk/en/

sky100 HONG KONG OBSERVATION DECK - From 21st January to 27th February 2020 sky100 presents its "Twinkle Winter in the Sky" Chinese New Year Celebration activities. Observation deck opening hours 10am to 8-30pm (last entry 8pm). For further details see;

https://sky100.com.hk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/sky100-2020-CNY-Trade-Factsheet_EN.pdf

2020 LUNAR NEW YEAR LANTERN DISPLAYS AND CARNIVALS

A thematic Lantern Display "Flying High with the Golden Dragon" takes place at Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza from 17th January to 9th February 2020 from 6pm to 11pm. Admission is free.

Exhibit from the 2019 Lunar New Year Lantern Display "Glittering Peacocks in Full Bloom" at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza

An exhibition on Traditional Paper Crafting, part of Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage, takes place at Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza from 4th to 9th February 2020 from 6pm to 11pm. Admission is free.

Lunar New Year Carnivals include Chinese song and dance performances, crafts demonstrations and roving performance (further details to be advised) take place on different dates at Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza. and in Tung Chung and Sai Kung at Tung Chung North Park and Wai Man Road Playground, Sai Kung and Sai Kung Waterfront Park.

At all three carnivals folk craft masters from Guangdong, Macao and Hong Kong will give demonstrations on Xiguan copperware making, Luxi murals, juci (ceramic repair), guqin making and dough figurine crafting. The Hubei Arts Troupe, supported by the Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs Office of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, will also showcase spectacular ethnic songs, dance and martial arts performances.

The Hubei Arts Troupe showcased spectacular ethnic songs, dance and martial arts performances at the three lantern carnivals in 2019

Lantern Carnival Dates and Details

Urban Lunar New Year Lantern Carnival 2020 - CANCELLED = Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, Tsim Sha Tsui - Carnival Night Saturday 8th February 2020, 7-30pm to 10pm. The carnival at the HKCC Piazza, themed "Date under the Moon, and Love is all around" features a variety of music and dance performances, a circus show, anecdotes and a lantern riddle quiz corner. Festive lanterns are also on display to add a joyful ambience to the Lunar New Year celebrations. For full 2019 programme details see;

https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/eo/common/images/2019/09/nylc.jpg

Youth Night Friday 7th February 2020, 7-30pm to 9-30pm.

The 2019 lantern display at Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza featured palace lanterns and a merry-go-round lantern

New Territories East Lunar New Year Carnival 2020 - CANCELLED - Wai Man Road Playground and Sai Kung Waterfront Park, Sai Kung- Carnival Night, Sunday 9th February 2020, 7-30pm to 9-30pm. Programme details to be advised.

Youth Night Friday 8th February 2020, 7-30pm to 10pm.

Lantern Display - Tuesday 4th to Sunday 9th February 2020.

New Territories West Lunar New Year Carnival 2020 - CANCELLED - Tung Chung North Park - Carnival Night Friday 7th February 2020 7-30pm to 10pm. Programme details to be advised.

Youth Night Sunday Thursday 6th February 2020. 7-30pm to 9-30pm.

Lantern Display - Tuesday 4th to Sunday 9th February 2020

Admission to all carnivals and lantern displays is free.

TEMPLES

Large numbers of worshippers are expected at temples throughout the territory during the Lunar New Year Period. At two of the busiest temples, Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple and Che Kung Temple special crowd control and traffic measures will be implemented. Details of opening hours at popular tourist temples are;

SIK SIK YUEN WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE (except the Tai Shui Yuenchen Hall) is open from 7am on Chinese New Year's Eve, 24th January 2020 until 5-30pm when it will close until 9pm. When it reopens at 9pm it will remain open throughout the night and close at 6-30pm on Chinese New Year's Day, 25th January. Visitors wishing to be present at the beginning of the Year of the Rat will be able to wait in the space in front of the temple's main altar, which can accommodate 1,000 people, for two worshipping slots at 11pm and midnight. However, the usual areas for shaking fortune sticks, kneeling and leaving offerings will be closed. On 26th and 27th January, the temple opening hours will be 7am to 6-30pm.

The Tai Shui Yuenchen Hall at Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple is closed on 24h & 25th January but will open from 8am to 5pm on 6th and 7th January 2019.

Crowd safety management measures will be put into force from 6pm on 24th January to 7pm on the following day, and daily between 7am and 7pm from 26th to 28th January and on 1st, 2nd, 8th and 9th February. Police will set up queuing areas at Wong Tai Sin Temple Court, Wong Tai Sin Square, and northern pavement of Lung Cheung Road. Should the temple be overcrowded, a “tidal flow system” will be carried out and police officers will direct worshippers to enter the temple in groups. Worshippers are urged to follow the advice given by police officers and take extra care of their personal belongings as well as their young children and elderly companions and in handling joss stick.

CHE KUNG TEMPLE will open from 7am 24th January, until to 6pm, when it will close. The temple will reopen at 11pm and remain open until 6pm on 25th January. On 26th January the temple will open at 7am until 6pm and reopen from 11pm through to 6pm on 27th January. On 28th January, opening hours are 7am to 5-30pm.

MAN MO TEMPLE on Hollywood Road will open at 7am on Chinese New Year's Eve, 24th January and remain open until 7pm on 25th January. On 26th and 27th January, the temple will open from 7am to 6pm.

MUSEUMS

The following museums and venues, operated by the Hong Kong Government's Leisure and Cultural Services Department, will close at 5pm on Chinese New Year's Eve, 24th January 2020 and will be closed on the first two days of Chinese New Year, 25th & 26th January 2020;

Hong Kong Museum of History
Hong Kong Heritage Museum
Hong Kong Museum of Art
Hong Kong Space Museum
Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware
Hong Kong Railway Museum
Oi!
Sam Tung Uk Museum
Sheung Yiu Folk Museum
Fireboat Alexander Grantham Exhibition Gallery
Hong Kong Film Archive
Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre*
Hong Kong Science Museum
Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum
Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb Museum
Law Uk Folk Museum

* Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre will also remain closed on the third day of Chinese New Year, 27th January 2020

Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence is closed for repair and renovation

Hong Kong Maritime Museum is closed on 25th & 26th January, the first two days of Chinese New Year. It closes at 4pm on Chinese New Year's Eve, 24th January and is open from 10am to 7pm on 27th & 28th January 2020.

The following museums/galleries are closed on the first three days of Chinese New Year, 25th, 26th & 27th January 2020;

Art Museum, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (also closed on 28th January)
Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum
Lantau Link Visitor Centre & Exhibition Centre (The Lantau Link View Point is open from 7-30am to 10-30pm on 24th & 28th January and from 7am to 1-30am (the following day) on 25th, 26th & 27th January)
Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences
Airport Core Programme Exhibition Centre
Hong Kong Housing Authority Exhibition Centre (also closed 24th January)
Hong Kong Arts Centre Pao Galleries (open 1pm to 6pm on 24th January)
Police Museum
Hong Kong News-Expo

Hong Kong Racing Museum is open as usual throughout the Chinese New Year period

HERITAGE CENTRES

Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre and Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery cum Heritage Trail Visitor Centre will close at 5pm on 24th January 2020. On 25th and 26th January (the first two days of Lunar New Year) both heritage centres will be closed. On 27th and 28th January (the third and fourth day of Lunar New Year) Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre will open from 10am to 7pm and Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery cum Heritage Trail Visitor Centre will open from 10am to 5pm.
.

VISITOR SERVICES

On 25th & 26th January 2020, the operating hours of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) Visitor Hotline (852) 2508 1234 will be extended from 6pm to 9pm (services during the extended operating hours are available in Cantonese, English and Putonghua only).

During the Chinese New Year holiday, the following HKTB Visitor Centres will continue to operate normal hours;

Buffer Halls A and B, Arrivals Level, Terminal 1, Hong Kong International Airport – 8am to 9pm daily

Lo Wu Arrival Hall, 2/F, Lo Wu Terminal Building – 8am to 4pm daily

Star Ferry Concourse, Tsim Sha Tsui – 8am to 8pm daily

The Peak Piazza – 9am to 9pm daily

PUBLIC LIBRARIES

All public libraries will be closed at 5pm on Lunar New Year's Eve, 24th January 2020.. All libraries will be closed from 25th to 27th January. The opening hours of all public libraries on 28th January will be the same as those for public holidays.

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2020 CROSS-BOUNDARY PASSENGER TRAFFIC ESTIMATES AND ARRANGEMENTS

Hong Kong's Immigration Department estimates that around 5.94 million passengers (including Hong Kong residents and visitors) will pass through its sea, land and air control points during the Lunar New Year festive period. from 24th to 31st January 2020. Among them, about 74%, or around 4.42 million passengers, will pass through land boundary control points. The number of outbound and inbound passengers using land boundary control points will be relatively higher on 26th January (Sunday) and 28th January (Tuesday) with around 367,000 and 451,000 passengers respectively.

The Immigration Department estimates that there will be around 1.38 million passengers, with a daily average of about 196,000 passengers, travelling via Lo Wu Control Point during the festive period. Also, the daily average forecast of the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line and Shenzhen Bay control points will be about 106,000 and 98,000 passengers respectively.

The Immigration Department, the Police, the Customs and Excise Department and the MTR Corporation Limited will set up a joint command centre at Lo Wu Control Point whereas passenger conditions will be closely monitored to ensure smooth passenger traffic flow. Moreover, the Immigration Department will upload daily passenger statistics for the above festive period to its website for public reference;

https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/index.html

For travellers making journeys to the Mainland, the Immigration Department reminds them to carry their proof of identity and valid travel documents for crossing the boundary. Hong Kong residents should also check the validity of their Home Visit Permits. Non-permanent residents must carry their valid smart identity card as well as their Document of Identity for Visa Purposes or valid travel document.

Holders of the acknowledgement receipt issued due to reported loss or replacement of their Hong Kong identity cards, or children under 11 years old who hold Hong Kong identity cards, should carry a valid travel document or Re-entry Permit.

Over 700 e-Channels have been installed at various control points. Eligible Mainland holders of the electronic Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (e-EEP) can enrol for the e-Channel service by using their e-EEP and undergoing the enrolment process at a traditional entry counter on their first visit to Hong Kong. Eligible Mainland visitors who have renewed their e-EEP have to go through the aforesaid enrolment process again before they can use the e-Channel.

Hong Kong residents who require assistance while travelling outside Hong Kong may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the ImmD at (852) 1868.

2020 SPECIAL TRAFFIC/TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS;

KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES;

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/23/P2020012300566.htm

Local bus operators traditionally decorate one or two buses in festive livery to celebrate Chinese New Year. Above is a Citybus "Year of the Rooster" bus from 2017

2020 PUBLIC TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE HONG KONG PORT OF HONG KONG - ZHUHAI - MACAO BRIDGE DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR PERIOD

(DETAILS TO BE ADVISED)

POSTAL SERVICES

All post offices will be closed on the first four days of Chinese New Year from 25th to 28th January 2020, with the exception of the General Post Office at 2 Connaught Place, Central and Airport Post Office, which will open on 28th January. The business hours of these two post offices will be from noon to 5pm and 10am to 3pm respectively.

On 25th January, the first day of Lunar New Year, one mail collection will be made for the posting boxes of the General Post Office, Kowloon Central Post Office and Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office. On 28th January , one mail collection will be made for the posting boxes of the General Post Office and the Airport Post Office.

PUBLIC PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS

All Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) parks and playgrounds will remain open during the Lunar New Year holiday. Leisure Link Internet and telephone reservation services will also operate as usual throughout the holidays.

GOVERNMENT RECREATION AND SPORTS FACILITIES

Sports centres, various fee-charging land-based facilities, swimming pools and water sports centres will be closed during the first three days of the Lunar New Year, 25th to 27th January 2020. For public convenience, some sports centres, turf pitches, squash courts, tennis courts, the archery range at Ngau Chi Wan Park, the indoor bowling greens at Island East Sports Centre, the Green Education and Resources Centre at Kowloon Park and Tuen Mun Recreation and Sports Centre and Queen Elizabeth Stadium will reopen on the third day of the Lunar New Year (7th February)

Services at gazetted beaches will be suspended. Stadia and all sports grounds will be closed unless advance bookings have been made.

Holiday camps will be closed during the first three days of the Lunar New Year and lodging will not be provided on Lunar New Year's Eve, 24th January 2020.

Leisure Link booking counters at venues will not operate when the venues are closed. For venues scheduled to reopen on the third day of the Lunar New Year, their Leisure Link booking counters will also resume operation from the same day.

LCSD PERFORMANCE VENUES AND URBTIX OUTLETS

Details of opening hours of Leisure and Cultural Services Department and URBTIX ticketing outlet hours during 2020 Chinese New Year can be found at the link below;

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/10/P2020010900390.htm