Guest Post
“Looking for a winter holiday that is original, vibrant, and unforgettable? Fly to Hong Kong to celebrate the Chinese New Year.”
While most people are perfectly happy with a traditional British Christmas and New Year – mainly full of cold weather and too much food – not everyone is so easily satisfied. Some people find themselves seeking something completely different. If you are amongst them, then a holiday to Hong Kong to celebrate the Chinese New Year may offer just the kind of unique and unforgettable experience that you are looking for.
When is it?
Thankfully, it is quite possible to celebrate both New Years! The next Chinese New Year will be celebrated in February, in accordance with the lunar calendar. With 2013 being the year of the snake and preparations already well underway, the upcoming celebrations promise to be more stunning than ever before.
The traditions behind Chinese New Year
The New Year festival is the biggest event in the Chinese calendar, and is known as the ‘spring festival’. It is a centuries-old tradition that incorporates every aspect of Chinese culture. It is a time for families to reunite, rejoice and make way for another year of good fortune. Most importantly, it is a time to celebrate happiness with the people you love.
Despite the actual date being 10th February 2013, preparations for the festival will begin well in advance. Families will traditionally clean and tidy their homes, whilst preparing food and drink for a true feast. Plants and flowers will be purchased in advance to be planted on the day, a ritual said to bring good luck and fortune. Red envelopes are given to one another, filled with ‘lucky’ money as a gift to unmarried couples or elderly members of the family. These traditions make for a truly memorable celebration of Chinese culture.
What to expect
In terms of celebration, the Chinese do not like to do things by halves, and the New Year celebrations are no exception. Both locals and tourists will be in for a treat, taking part in a dazzling and unforgettable celebration of the New Year.
A festival filled with fireworks, parades, acrobatics, costumes and music creates a truly magical experience to be enjoyed by all. You will struggle to find a more vibrant, exciting and mesmerizing place to spend this time of year. At midnight, many Chinese families congregate at the Wong Tai Sin Temple in Kowloon to plant their flowers in hope of good fortune.
If you do plan to visit this temple – a place which holds a very deep importance in Chinese culture – you may want to learn the phrase “kung hei fat choi”, which translates as “may you prosper in the New Year” – it will definitely be something you will hear from all of the locals!
For an unforgettable holiday that will take you to the beating heart of the Chinese New Year celebrations, why not visit HotelClub.com and book a room at the Harbour Grand Kowloon Hotel.
I think I’ll just hop the next plane and go!
Wow it would be fun..and crazy busy!
I’d love to visit but it might never happen. 🙁
This would be such an amazing experience! Hopefully someday I’ll be able to experience it 🙂
I would love to go there one day.
That would be super cool, but I don’t see it happening…
I’d love to visit Hong Kong one day.
would be awesome to afford that trip..
i love to travel, just haven’t been able to afford it latley.. maybe celebrate with a party here..
My husband would LOVE to go. Too bad it’s so expensive, but when I hit it big or win the lottery (I won’t hold my breath for either) then we will go!
SOunds pretty cool!
chinease new year looks really fun
Wouldn’t that be a fabulous experience?
That sounds so cool!
I would love to go to Hong Kong to celebrate Chinese New Years !!! I went to a festival in chinatown with fireworks and dancing dragons but i’m sure it doesn’t compare 🙂
When I was younger I thought it would be so neat to spend new year’s eve in NYC but as I got older, watching them on tv – freezing and squished together, it doesn’t sound fun at all. But this, a Chinese celebration sounds amazing!
That’s a bucket list item!
I would love to visit but I don’t have high hopes. Ive never been out of the country. EVER. 🙁
I would totally celebrate the new year in Hong Kong!
Sounds like a great place to visit!
I’d love to be in Hong Kong.
It would be an amazing trip but right now I’d rather take the money and put it towards a new home, lol.
What an amazing experience, especially during this time of year!
It would be so cool to visit there, but I don’t think I’m going to be hopping on a plane anytime soon (scared of them, lol).
We like to celebrate at our favorite chinese restaurant!
I would love to see Hong Kong one day.
Sounds like such a fun celebration!
I would love to do this! I went to a Chinese New Year celebration once and it was so much fun and so delicious!
I would love to. Want to come with me? 🙂
Absolutely! 🙂
Ummm I actually think I will stay where I am LOL. I’m not a big adventurous person.
I’m scared to leave the US.. I hate plans and boats. I’m stuck lol
Courtney, honestly, I’m the same way, but I have resolved to break out of my comfort zone and if and when I get the opportunity… I’m going to travel abroad!
Only in my dreams!