just chanced upon this, hope it will be useful to some!

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Dec 28, 2004, STRAITS TIMES
Welcome the Rooster year in Hong Kong

Q: I'm thinking of visiting Hong Kong during Chinese New Year. Will it be a good idea or will the city be quiet?

A: Chinese New Year is one of the greatest times of the year to be in Hong Kong.

From Feb 7 to 11, the city will be bursting with celebrations to welcome the Year of the Rooster.

Some of the activities will take place at the flower markets in Victoria Park, Causeway Bay and Mong Kok. The markets open until the early hours on Feb 8, but the best time to visit is from 6 to 9pm. Entry is free.

They are very much like Chinatown here, as there will be kumquat trees on sale, as well as narcissus and peonies, which signify prosperity.

The annual Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade takes place on Feb 9 from 8 to 9.30pm.

The parade starts at the Tamar Site in Admiralty, then proceeds along the waterfront to Wan Chai and back to Tamar.

It is one of the biggest parades in the world with acrobatic performers, glittering lights and illuminated parade floats.

There will be a fireworks display on Feb 10 at Victoria Harbour between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui. The display of pyrotechnics ushers in the New Year and is set against the backdrop of city lights and the harbour.

It's best to get to the harbour early to secure your spot.

Shopping gets even better during the Chinese New Year season. Shops and restaurants accredited by the Quality Tourism Services Scheme will be open throughout the Chinese New Year holidays.

Shoppers will also receive a special lai see (or hongbao) of shopping and dining vouchers.

To receive your lai see, simply visit any of the Hong Kong Tourism Board Visitor Information and Services centres in the city from Feb 5 to 23.

~ Advice from the Hong Kong Tourism Board