Nowhere blends time-honored CNY traditions with modern energy quite like Hong Kong. Now that Asia’s cosmopolitan city is ready to welcome back international visitors, it’s time to celebrate the Year Of The Rabbit in true Hong Kong style!
The Chinese zodiac animals are said to represent certain traits, including longevity, positivity, auspiciousness, wittiness and cautiousness. This year, the rabbit is associated with water.
1. Central Harbourfront
The harbourfront has come to life in CNY decorations and festive events for locals and visitors alike. Check out the huge rabbit installation on Central Ferry Piers, an enchanting sea of flowers in Tamar Park, a new rainbow walk on the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade and 20 adorable Lucky Rabbits on the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Viewing Deck with lights and festive songs.
The Year of the Rabbit brings with it many authentic customs that are a must-try for visitors who are looking to boost their luck and fortune. For example, a visit to the Chinese New Year flower markets is recommended as blooms signify wealth in the culture.
In addition, many of the dazzling installations along the harbourfront have special CNY deals and discounts so visitors can harness the good fortune while also taking in the views of Victoria Harbour from different perspectives. Head to these spots with your family and friends to enjoy these experiences and make memories of your stay in Hong Kong during the Year of the Rabbit!
There are also some exciting new developments at the harbourfront. In fact, the Central Harbourfront has become an increasingly popular location to host large-scale festivals and events. The area’s open spaces and a 360-degree view of the city are ideal for hosting any event, from the Formula E race to a music festival.
Henderson Land Development Company Limited has won the two-envelope tender for Site 3 of New Central Harbourfront Commercial Site 3. The tender attracted the city’s biggest developers: Sun Hung Kai Properties, Li Ka-shing’s CK Asset Holdings, and tycoon Peter Woo’s Wharf Real Estate Investment Company.
As part of the winning proposal, Henderson plans to invest HK$63 billion in the development, which can yield 1.6 million square feet of gross floor area. It is expected to create a unique landmark in the city and a social destination dedicated to public enjoyment.
Designed to proactively respond to global climate change, it will also help the city meet its pledge on Carbon Neutrality by 2050. It will be a people-centric place with emphases on livability, well-being, zero carbon and connections to nature.
2. Tamar Park
Tamar Park is one of the most popular spots to spend time outdoors in Hong Kong. It offers a vast mass of greeneries that can be enjoyed for picnics, strolling and even meditation.
A modern, pleasant park that is located in the Central & Admiralty area, it boasts spectacular views of Victoria Harbour and is easily accessible by foot. Its ‘perpetual green’ design concept seeks to provide a verdant open space for visitors, while offering a number of facilities, including a theatre and a cafe.
It’s also home to several permanent art installations, commissioned by Rocco Design Architects, which are a great addition to the park and help to create a sense of place. This is an excellent spot to enjoy a relaxing walk, especially since it’s located next to the waterfront promenade and can be reached by exiting from Admiralty MTR station.
Visiting during Chinese New Year is also recommended, as spending time outdoors on the first day of the lunar calendar is believed to usher in good luck and prosperity. The park is also host to various activities and events throughout the year, including Chinese New Year celebrations and a festive sea of flowers.
If you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind after an exciting night out, Tamar Park is the perfect choice. Its ‘perpetual green’ concept is designed to offer a tranquil outdoor space that is accessible all year round, and it’s conveniently located next to the waterfront promenade on the way to Central Pier.
The park has become a cultural meeting point for locals, minorities and tourists to come together and share their experiences. During weekends, it becomes the ideal place to have picnics, read, watch performances or participate in other social activities.
Overall, it is a very pleasant place to visit during any time of the year, but it can be particularly uplifting in the Year of the Rabbit. The views of Victoria Harbour are breathtaking, and it offers a lovely place to escape from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong’s modern cityscape.
During Chinese New Year, the park is adorned with giant installations of the Lucky Rabbit and Victoria Harbour-themed artworks, inviting tourists to enjoy their visit from different perspectives. There’s also an array of interactive Chinese New Year attractions at the harbourfront, including a sightseeing tour on the historic Star Ferry and pedal boating adventures.
3. Wan Chai Temporary Promenade
The Chinese New Year is a time to celebrate and reconnect with family and friends. It’s a time for feasting, sharing traditions and receiving gifts as a way of showing your love and gratitude to the people you care about. It’s also a great chance to try out new dishes that bring new life to traditional CNY cuisine, like mochi buns in the shape of mandarin oranges.
If you’re looking for something more interactive, head to Wan Chai Temporary Promenade, where you can walk through a 200-metre rainbow walk and take colourful photos with a view of Victoria Harbour from different perspectives. The walkway is lit up with a series of colourful patterns, including treasure coins and fireworks, that pop out on the ground immersively as you pass.
There’s even a giant Lucky Rabbit on display here that you can pose with for selfies and good luck shots! The HKTB is decorating the city’s harbourfront checkpoints with these Instagram-worthy installations, so make sure you stop by Central Pier, Admiralty’s Tamar Park, the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade and Tsim Sha Tsui’s Hong Kong Cultural Centre to get your fill of festive fun.
It’s also a chance to explore the city in a new way with a range of time-limited special discounts on sightseeing experiences and rides across Victoria Harbour. If you’re a history buff, why not hop on a historic Star Ferry for a cruise around the harbour? Or go on a tour on an antique Dukling junk boat or pedal-boat adventure at the Wan Chai Water Sports and Recreation Precinct.
Another fun place to visit during the Lunar New Year is Tseun Wan Plaza, where Korean design team CIRCUS BOY BAND has created a Spring Fortune Garden featuring Tokee Pink and Tokee White — and it’s a whole lot of ‘gram-worthy photo opportunities. The tumbler rabbits, which are modeled after Forest Club characters, can be pushed, jumped and shaken to create adorable pics.
LEGO’s “Prosperity Burrows Adventureland” at Citywalk is a whimsical homage to the Lunar New Year, with a float decked out in rabbit-themed elements. There’s a carrot harvest scene and waterfall-wishing well too, plus a LEGO pop-up store selling festive sets.
4. Hong Kong Cultural Centre
When it comes to ringing in the Year of the Rabbit, there’s no better place to visit than Hong Kong. With a wealth of cultural and culinary experiences, the city is sure to fill your year with happiness and prosperity.
Located on Kowloon’s waterfront, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre boasts state-of-the-art facilities that attract the widest range of first-class performances. It features a Concert Hall, Grand Theatre and Studio Theater, exhibition gallery, conference room, souvenir store and restaurants.
Established in 1989, the centre is managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and is known for its ‘boomerang’-like structure with a sloping roof. The acoustics of the building are unparalleled, and it has become a landmark in the city.
It’s also home to the Hong Kong International Film Festival, where hundreds of world-famous actors and directors pay an appearance every year. It is also an excellent venue for wedding photo shoots.
With a design that looks like a boomerang with a sloping roof, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre is a must-visit for any culture lover. The emerald-green Concert Hall is the center’s main performance space, with a seating capacity of 2,100.
The crimson-colored Grand Theater is a more intimate venue for drama and dance productions, with a seating capacity of 1,750. It features advanced stage facilities including a rotating scene changing system and an electric lift band pool.
As the luckiest spot in Hong Kong, the Cultural Center is a must-visit for those seeking to experience the cultural heritage of this vibrant city. Its acoustics are unmatched, and its design is unlike any other in the city.
It has been one of the most popular spots in the city for years, so if you want to see the place in full bloom and make a good impression, it’s best to plan ahead and book tickets for performances early. This will ensure you don’t miss any of the action.
