Hong Kong is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, especially during the Chinese New Year. While visiting this unique city, you will want to have all the tips you can to make sure you have a great time. So, make the most of your Hong Kong transit with Cathay Pacific and consider the following tips.
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is a great time to travel to Hong Kong, especially if you want to experience a different way of celebrating the new year. Many of the traditional customs still continue after the holiday ends, so don’t miss out!
The best part about traveling to China during the Chinese New Year is the hospitality of the Chinese people. They’re more friendly than usual. You’ll be able to get a free “lai see” (“wishing luck”) from locals and have your fortune read for you.
Usually, shops and businesses will close for a few days during the Chinese New Year, but most will return to normal operations on the fifth day of the first lunar month. But some will stay closed longer, like schools and factories.
For those who want to go sightseeing, a perfect itinerary would be three days in Hong Kong. This will give you plenty of time to explore the city’s most popular attractions, and allow you to see a bit of the island’s history.
For a fun family activity, consider visiting the Wishing Lantern Festival. It’s a tradition that takes place over fifteen days, and involves throwing a wish into a tree and releasing a lantern to a nearby river.
If you’re in Taipei, visit the Nanmen Market. This is the oldest street in Taipei and is thought to have been used as a trading route for centuries. Nowadays, it’s being renovated, but it’s still one of the best places to find Spring Festival goodies.
Chinese New Year is a holiday that involves a lot of traditions, from greetings to gifts. Travelers who want to take advantage of these celebrations should make their reservations early.
Star Ferry
The Star Ferry in Hong Kong is one of the city’s iconic attractions. It’s an inexpensive way to enjoy the harbour. And it’s fun.
However, in recent years, the ferry has struggled to maintain its schedule and attract passengers. Aside from the obvious financial problems, the company is facing a host of other challenges.
In March, the company reported a loss of more than HK$70 million. It also revealed a sharp drop in revenue in the last six months. As the result of these financial difficulties, the management has been “deeply touched” by the community response.
Despite the loss, the ferry still draws residents and commuters. But it’s also seen a decline in its tourist traffic.
While there are many options to get around Hong Kong, the ferry has a distinct history. For one, it’s the oldest form of public transportation in the city.
It’s also an exhilarating experience to ride on a boat at night. Depending on the time of day, you’ll have a great view of the skyline. Those who prefer an intimate experience can even hire the vessel for a wedding or private function.
One of the best things about the ferry is its historical significance. Star Ferry was originally named the Kowloon Ferry Company, which was established in 1888. The company was renamed to the Star Ferry in 1898.
There are several photo spots to help visitors learn more about the history of the Star Ferry. You can also check out the Symphony of Lights show, which features lasers and fireworks.
While it’s unclear how long the ferry will continue to operate, the management has a brighter future in mind. They have plans to improve the piers and the facility in general.
Street stalls
Hong Kong street stalls sell ready-to-eat snacks. Usually served in polystyrene boxes, hawkers provide quick and convenient meals.
Hong Kong street food has a wide variety of flavors. It includes Cantonese-Euro hybrids. There are many seasonal specialties, as well. Fish balls, egg waffles, curry fishballs, and even stinky tofu are all on the menu. These foods are usually sold in plastic utensils or disposable bamboo sticks.
Steamed dumplings are a popular street food in Hong Kong. They are characterized by their chewy and slimy texture. Many vendors also offer fried sweet potato.
A popular local snack is roasted chestnuts. The chestnuts are roasted on charcoal. Their aroma is distinctive. During the fall and winter months, roasted chestnuts are often available on street stalls.
Hawkers have been an economic lifeline for generations of workers. As of 2017, there were about 6,000 legal hawkers in Hong Kong. But despite their popularity, the number of hawkers will be declining in less than 50 years.
In the 1970s, city officials started tightening hawker policies. As a result, the number of licensed hawkers decreased from 50,000 to 6,000. This led to public dissatisfaction.
Another major concern was the safety of hawkers. The stalls were crowded and pedestrians were likely to get hurt. City officials introduced a program to buy back licences.
Street stalls have also transformed into shops without seats. Some are open to the public. Visitors can take street foods home in small plastic bags.
Street stalls in Hong Kong are popular with locals and visitors. Mammy’s Pancake is a popular stall in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Bing Kee is another Hong Kong street stall with a cafe. The cafe serves a variety of hot dogs and teas.
Qipao
If you’re looking for a dressy and traditional outfit for your next outing in Hong Kong, consider renting a qipao. The Chinese traditional dress is a popular choice for visitors to the city, particularly those who prefer to experience Asian culture.
Qipaos can be rented for a 30-minute session. You’ll receive a handbag and accessories to complete the look. For an additional fee, the store also offers hairstyling and makeup services.
Many people associate qipaos with old school, but these days, there’s a new wave of qipao stores in Hong Kong. Ding, owner of Yan Shang Kee, studied fashion design in South Korea and Japan. She wanted to bring the kimono rental culture back to Hong Kong.
Yan Shang Kee has a green exterior and four racks of qipaos. Customers can select from fabrics sourced from Taiwan and Japan. They can also have the qipao tailor-made to their measurements.
Aside from qipaos, the store also sells wedding dresses and bridesmaids’ dresses. It’s located on Wing Lee Street in Sheung Wan. The store opens from 9 am to 6 pm. There’s a designer studio on the back of the store where you can get your qipao made.
Another store in Central is Pandora Cheng. Her qipao rental shop is inspired by the Japanese geisha makeovers. Besides qipaos, the shop also offers dress up experiences for tourists.
In addition to qipaos, the boutique also sells jade jewellery, Disney-inspired collections for kids, and oriental unisex jackets. And, of course, maternity qipaos for mothers-to-be.
Yan Shang Kee is a popular qipao store in Hong Kong. Ding believes that a qipao should be tailored to fit your body so that you can look beautiful.
Hostelworld’s list of the best hostels in Hong Kong
If you are planning a trip to Hong Kong, you may be wondering which hostels are the best. This article will help you decide where to stay in the city.
Hostels are the best budget accommodation in Hong Kong. You can choose from dormitories and private rooms. The prices range from around 150 HKD per night to 500 HKD for a private room. However, do note that the cheap options are typically located in areas that aren’t very well connected.
To get the most out of your visit to Hong Kong, choose a hostel that is centrally located. It will also help to find a hostel that has some free amenities, such as Wi-Fi.
A hostel is a great way to meet other travelers. Some hostels organize activities like pub crawls and hikes. They also have common areas, such as a lounge.
Check Inn HK is a good choice because it has great facilities. There’s free WiFi, a mini cinema, a piano in the common room and a tour desk.
Another place to stay is at L’etoile de Mer, which is a trendy hostel near the action. Their beds are stylish and comfy.
If you’re looking for something a little more low key, you could check out the Hong Kong Inn. For a reasonable price, you can sleep in a dorm for eight.
Check Inn HK is also a good choice because it’s centrally located. The rooms are comfortable and the staff is friendly. It’s easy to meet new people and plan your next activity with the hostel’s helpful staff.
Hostels are a great way to save money, so take your pick! Whether you’re traveling alone or with friends, you’ll be happy with the value of your stay.
