Bangkok--12 Jan--Francom Asia
For truly memorable Chinese New Year celebrations, there’s no better place than Hong Kong! Come welcome the Year of the Pig in February and bring home the bacon!
Hong Kong Tourism Board joins force with Cathay Pacific in inviting visitors from around the world to Hong Kong to mark the year of the pig from February 12 to 28, 2007. A major highlight of the celebrations is the Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade on Sunday, February 18, not to be missed! This stunning procession of magnificently decorated and brightly lit floats from Hong Kong and around the world takes place in bustling Tsim Sha Tsui. Joining the parade are colorfully costumed multicultural performers, including a Thai dance troupe, and marching bands as well as luminous lion and dragon dancers. Visitors can take a grandstand view or join the thousands of spectators lining the route.
Aside from the colourful parade extravaganza, the City of Life has more to offer during this colourful Chinese festival as numbers of activities have been lined up for you to come and discover…
Lunar New Year Fireworks Display
On Monday, February 19 hundreds of thousands of spectators will line both sides of the harbour to watch a spectacular fireworks display against the backdrop of city lights, and surrounding mountains.
Chinese New Year International Soccer Tournament
One of the sporting highlights of the year, this international soccer tournament pits a select Hong Kong side against some of the soccer powerhouses of the world. It's always a thrilling climax to the Chinese New Year holiday!
Flower Market
Always popular at Chinese New Year are the colourful traditional flower markets packed with people buying lucky or auspicious flowers and plants for their homes and offices. The flower markets are a riot of colours and scents and a must-go on everybody’s list of things to see and do when they come to Hong Kong during this period.
Pilgrimages
Also worth a visit are some of the temples around town where people make pilgrimages at Chinese New Year to give thanks for the past 12 months and pray for good fortune in the coming year.
Symphony of Lights
A must-see on everybody’s itinerary is the fantastic multimedia extravaganza, A Symphony of Lights, judged by Guinness World Records as the largest permanent light and sound show in the world. More than 30 buildings on both sides of the harbour are transformed nightly into a giant stage.
Shopping Delights
Rounding out the festive atmosphere are the great Chinese New Year offers available in this shopper's paradise. Traditionally, Chinese New Year is a time to "throw out the old and bring in the new" and in Hong Kong, where people love to shop, it's a great excuse to shop till you drop and get something new - be it for your wardrobe or for the house!
Like all festivals, eating takes top priority, so the Culinary Capital of Asia will be featuring all sorts of taste treats. Whether it's Chinese food, Asian or European cuisine or fusion food, there's a restaurant to satisfy every culinary whim in Hong Kong.
Chinese New Year Horseracing
You may want to try your luck at the Sha Tin Racecourse, on the first race day of the Lunar New Year. The day's thrilling races include the Chinese New Year Cup. Don't miss the lion dance on the racecourse track and meet the God of Fortune. There's also a Souvenir Shop where you can purchase many lucky gifts.
You will not want to miss any of the party as Hong Kong shifts into Mardi-Gras mode! So come and discover all that Hong Kong has to offer during Chinese New Year. For more details, please visit www.discoverhongkong.com .
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