Happy Year of the Pig!
- Kristyn
- Feb 8, 2019
- 2 min read
Kung Hei Fat Choy! I would have never thought I'd be in Hong Kong during their biggest celebration, Chinese New Year, but I am so glad that I got to experience it. This year it was from February 5th to 7th (Tuesday - Thursday), so we got the whole week off from classes. YES. Just be prepared for the canteens (cafeterias) on campus to be closed, and the streets to be packed with people, especially on the night of events. You either need to plan ahead and cook your own food, or beat the crowd.
How to survive.
On the weekend before CNY, visit one of the flower markets. I went to the one in Victoria Park because it is the biggest market and it had everything: flowers, snacks, coconut water (the smaller brown ones were sweeter than the big green ones), and of course, piggy merchandise.
On Tuesday, the first day of CNY, check out the parade. For a few hours until around 10pm, we saw floats and performers coming down the streets. However, if you do not get there early and get front row spots, then it's a lot of tippy toeing and trying to keep your balance with everyone else pushing to get a better view too.
On Wednesday, day 2, see the fireworks show. My friends and I got our seats around 4:30pm at Tsim Sha Tsui to see the 8pm show. Yes, that does sound crazy, but as long as you got snacks and good company, you can just relax knowing there's not going to be any heads in the way of your view. And it was gorgeous. They even had fireworks shaped like hearts and pig noses!
On Thursday, the last day, watch the horse races in Shatin if you have not already. I did not go, but you can bet on the winning horses.
On any other day, hike or check out places decorated for the new year. That week I went to Lion's Rock (fairly easy) and Suicide Cliff (bit harder), and both have amazing views of the buildings below. The Peninsula hotel hangs red lanterns that you also must check out because it is beautiful.
Also, if you are a student like me, you might want to consider taking a day to catch up on homework or tests coming up. I already have one when I get back!
Why stay in Hong Kong during CNY?
Many locals go home to celebrate with family and other international students want to travel during this break, but this is why I chose to stay:
There are several Chinese New Year events during the week.
What better place to celebrate the Chinese New Year than in Hong Kong??
It is way too expensive to travel, because airplane tickets are almost triple the average price.
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